This week’s mix spans the local and the global. From the perennial question, "is New York safe?", to what the Fed’s latest moves mean for buyers heading into the Fall. Abroad, Morocco is enjoying its moment in the spotlight, with Marrakech leading the charge. Back home, NYC's market tells a nuanced story: steady in the broader tiers, more complex at the top end. And, as always, I close with a curated selection of private listings and hidden gems, each with its own distinctive character.
In This Week’s Edition:
Is New York Safe? Perception vs. Reality
FED & Mortgage Rates: What it means for buyers?
Feature: Morocco — From Riads to Riches
✨Spotlight: Marrakech
Living in New York: Safer Than You Think.
Only in New York: Afternoon tea on wheels! This pink double-decker rolling tea room is where you can sip, snack, and see New York’s landmarks all at once. This is exactly the kind of whimsy that makes NYC feel both oddly comforting and refreshingly audacious.
When people think of New York City, they often picture the gritty 1970s and '80s: graffiti-covered subways, crime-ridden streets, and a sense of constant danger. That image lingers in the American imagination, reinforced by movies and TV shows.
But today's New York is a radically different place. For most New Yorkers, life continues with its usual rhythm — school drop-offs, morning commutes, park runs, gallery openings, and dinners out. That’s not to say concerns aren’t real. Crime rates did rise after the pandemic, and safety remains part of the city’s ongoing conversation. But context matters: New York today is still far safer than in the 1980s and 1990s, and the majority of neighborhoods where my clients live and buy remain vibrant, busy, and secure.
Statistically, NYC is among the safest big cities in the United States, with 232 murders citywide so far in 2025, down 16.8% from this point last year, and 39% lower than just a decade ago.
Major crimes remain dramatically lower than the 1990 peak. Murders are down 83% versus 1990, while robberies have fallen nearly 82% and burglaries nearly 90% compared to then. In 2025, serious crime complaints (across murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, grand larceny, and auto theft) are down more than 4% compared to last year, and stand at one-quarter the level seen three decades ago. For comparison: in 1990, there were 2,262 murders; in 2025 (year-to-date), there are just 232—offering a striking measure of progress.
You're more likely to be injured in a car accident in most American cities than to be a victim of violent crime here in NYC.
Major crime categories remain dramatically lower than the peak years of the early 1990s, despite some post-pandemic fluctuations. The city saw a drop in robbery (-10.5%), burglary (-3.9%), grand larceny (-4.9%), and auto theft (-4.2%), compared to this point in 2024.
That doesn't mean the city is without its challenges. You might encounter someone in crisis on a subway platform, or notice that certain areas feel different post-pandemic, with more visible homelessness and mental health struggles. These moments can be jarring, but they don't define the day-to-day reality of living here. Some neighborhoods do face higher rates of certain crime, but context matters: the odds of being a murder victim in 2025 remain roughly 1.3 in 10 million per day for city residents.
The Bigger Picture:
Life in New York continues largely without incident. Millions, including myself, ride the subway regularly, walk home at all hours, and navigate one of the world's most vibrant urban environments safely. Recent global safety surveys consistently rank New York among the world's safest major cities for both residents and visitors—often ahead of European capitals.
The Reality:
New York isn't the urban wasteland some imagine. By nearly every statistical measure, it's a remarkably safe city—one where the energy, diversity, and opportunities far outweigh the occasional rough moment.
For anyone considering life here, the numbers tell a story that the headlines often miss: this is a city where millions of people live, work, and thrive every single day.
(Source: NYPD CompStat, citywide crime statistics, Jan–September 2025.)
Fed Cuts Rates — What It Means for Housing
On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve announced a 25 bps rate cut, the first step toward easing this year. Another 25 bps is expected by year-end. Mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level in a year, hitting 6.1% before rebounding slightly to 6.2% after the Fed’s announcement.
Markets had anticipated the move. Mortgage rates had been drifting lower for weeks, which meant the cut didn’t send them tumbling further overnight. Still, rates are now down about 0.5–0.75% from their 2025 highs—a meaningful shift.
Here’s where buyers are today:
Conventional 30-Year Fixed: ~5.75–6.25%
Conventional 15-Year Fixed: ~5.125–5.5%
Jumbo 30-Year Fixed: ~6–6.25%
Jumbo ARMs: ~5–5.75%
(Buyer strategies like point buydowns or relationship pricing can reduce these further.)
Why It Matters:
Every fraction of a point makes a difference. Lower rates are giving buyers more breathing room, and activity is beginning to pick up as a result.
Bottom Line:
The Fed delivered what was expected. Rates may not fall dramatically from here, but the improvement already in place is supporting buyers as we head into the fall market.
Mortgage Rates in the Post-Pandemic Era
This is the third time in 3 years that rates have dipped near 6%. In the previous two instances, buyers stepped in quickly, taking advantage of improved affordability & leading to stronger sales and firmer prices.
We’re now at another inflection point. History suggests we may see a similar response this fall.
Morocco’s Luxury Real Estate Is Having a Moment
The vibrant souk in Marrakech, captured during my trip two years ago.
If you thought Morocco’s heat was all desert sunsets and spice markets, think again. The Kingdom’s luxury property market is making global waves in 2025.
What’s driving it?
A mix of foreign interest, design-forward development, and the irresistible medina-meets-modern aesthetic. Buyers from France, the UK, the Gulf, and the US are purchasing villas and riads that marry heritage with contemporary luxury. Think tiled courtyards alongside smart-home tech and rooftop lounges with Atlas Mountain views.
Market Highlights (Jan–Aug 2025):
$1M+ sales up 12% Year Over Year (YoY)
Marrakech prime pricing: ~$355/sf
Casablanca: ~$300/sf
Tangier: ~$340/sf and rising fast, fueled by Gulf buyers drawn to its proximity to Spain, Tangier Med port expansion, and Mediterranean allure.
Why Now?
Direct flights from Europe and the Gulf, a stable political climate, foreign-buyer incentives, and Morocco’s growing status as a film, fashion, and tourism hub. It’s no longer just a destination—it’s an investment play.
The result: Morocco has stepped onto the global stage as a serious contender for high-end living and long-term growth.
✨ Feature Spotlight: Marrakech
Exceptional New Villa in the Heart of Amelkis Golf, Marrakech.
5 BD | 5 BA | 857 m²
Description from Barnes International: Nestled within the lush grounds of the legendary Amelkis Golf course, this exceptional villa is where modernity and Moroccan traditions blend harmoniously. A rare address, designed for those who appreciate refinement and tranquility.
This brand-new property offers complete privacy in an enchanting setting. The garden, a true oasis of serenity, is centered around a heated pool, enhanced by various outdoor spaces perfect for relaxation or social gatherings. Bright and refined Interiors are complemented by a zen interior patio.
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