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Looking to move to Brooklyn? Congratulations! You're about to become part of the vibrant and diverse fabric of one of New York City's most sought-after boroughs. With its trendy reputation and thriving neighborhoods, Brooklyn is considered a haven for young professionals, families, and creatives alike. 

In recent years, Brooklyn has become an incredibly popular and coveted destination, more so than any other borough of New York City. Not only has Brooklyn become seen as the ‘hip’ borough, but Brooklyn has also become rather expensive, especially when compared to Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, and even parts of Manhattan.

In Brooklyn, prices have skyrocketed, and many neighborhoods have transformed into hot spots for business, both large and small. The gentrification in Brooklyn cannot go unnoticed; neighborhoods like DUMBO (short for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) have become the most expensive areas to live in all of NYC, with rents surpassing $3000 a month, and real estate prices starting in the millions. 

Related article: Most Affordable Neighborhoods In NYC

Brooklyn is an attractive place to live due to its spread-out feel and abundance of available public transportation. Brooklyn is home to the R train, L Train, 2, 3, 4, 5, Q, G, B, D, A, C, J, M, Z, F as well as dozens of bus routes.

But with so many neighborhoods to choose from, where do you begin? We've seen just about everything there is to see when it comes to Brooklyn neighborhoods and how they've changed over the years. Let's dive in and explore some of the best Brooklyn has to offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Families

These days, the best Brooklyn neighborhoods for young families are located in South Brooklyn. These neighborhoods include DUMBO, Clinton Hill, Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Park Slope, Red Hook, Gowanus, Fort Greene, Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights. These family-friendly areas boast historic brownstones, multi-family homes, good public schools, private schools and cute parks. 

Best Neighborhoods for Young Adults and Singles

Meanwhile, hipsters, young singles and young professionals are often pining to move to Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Crown Heights and Bushwick. Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights have some of the most beautiful homes in the city. Be sure to check out Decatur Street to get a look at some historic stained glass brownstone gems. Renters should also check out Bushwick and Crown Heights because these neighborhoods tend to have more affordable rents.

Greenpoint is one of the cutest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The area, once a predominantly Polish enclave, has retained many of its cute small-town Polish charm full of classic row houses and brownstones. With gorgeous East River views, a weekly farmer’s market at McCarren Park, and a love-hate relationship with the G train, Greenpoint is one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Brooklyn. 

Two customers open the doors of Misipasta, a new restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Another neighborhood which tends to be super popular with the youth is Williamsburg. Located right next to Greenpoint, this area still has plenty of Italian charm, edgy street art, as well as upbeat nightlife, live music venues, co-op apartment buildings, creative energy and cute coffee shops! One of the best parts of living in Williamsburg is the access to subway lines that can get you to lower Manhattan and Midtown in less than 30 minutes! 

Best Old-School Neighborhoods

Looking for a slice of old-school, un-gentrified Brooklyn? There are plenty of neighborhoods in Brooklyn that boast old-school energy and haven’t yet become popular destinations for newcomers in Brooklyn. These include Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, Windsor Terrace and Flatbush where cold brew coffee may be harder to find but you can get a feel for classic, un-gentrified Brooklyn. These areas have plenty of single family homes which provide more space and a more relaxed suburban feel. 

A Few of Our Favorites

I know that’s a lot to digest, so here’s a little more information about our 7 favorite neighborhoods:

1. Park Slope

Located in northern Brooklyn, Park Slope is a safe and youthful neighborhood with a mix of young professionals, artists, and families. The area is known for its turn-of-the-century brownstones and excellent schools. With its proximity to Prospect Park and a variety of shops and restaurants on 7th Avenue, Park Slope offers a posh environment for those who can afford it.

2. Williamsburg

Known as the new Soho, Williamsburg has evolved into a trendy neighborhood with hot restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It attracts artists, designers, and writers who want to live in a vibrant area that still has a strong sense of Brooklyn history. The community is also diverse, with a large population of Hasidic Jews and Puerto Rican and Dominican immigrants.

3. Brooklyn Heights

This residential area is well-known for its upscale brownstone homes and lively local scene. With its tree-lined streets and proximity to DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights offers a cozy atmosphere to escape from the city hustle. But here's the real gem – the Brooklyn Heights Promenade: it offers an excellent viewpoint of Manhattan, and nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park adds to the appeal with its picturesque setting.

4. Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge is a charming neighborhood in Brooklyn that offers a mix of old and new homes, with a small-town feel. It attracts married professionals and families looking for a safe community. While the commute to Manhattan can be long, residents can enjoy shopping on 86th Street and dining on 3rd Avenue.

5. Bushwick

Bushwick is a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn that attracts young professionals and artists. With its edgy and evolving atmosphere, the area offers inspiration and affordable housing. The community has a strong Hispanic presence and is surrounded by other trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bed-Stuy. Residents can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, from drinks and games at Nowadays to zodiac-themed cocktails at Mood Ring.

6. Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens is a picturesque neighborhood in Brooklyn with beautiful brownstones and a small-town feel. It’s known for its Italian eateries and bakeries, as well as new additions like yoga studios and frozen yogurt shops. This authentic community is loved by visitors and residents of all ages.

7. DUMBO

DUMBO, or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. It has become an upscale residential and commercial community, known for its trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood is also a center for technology startups and headquarters of well-known companies.

Crime and Safety

Now, let's talk about crime and safety in Brooklyn. While it's true that crime rates have significantly decreased in NYC over the past few decades, it's always good to stay informed and take necessary precautions. According to the NYPD's interactive crime map, some neighborhoods have higher rates of reported crime than others.

Regardless of the neighborhood you choose, it's essential to practice street smarts and be aware of your surroundings. While Brooklyn, as a whole, is a safe place to live, it's always better to be cautious and proactive about your safety.

Final Thoughts

Brooklyn is undeniably one of the best boroughs in NYC, with its plethora of cafes, restaurants, bars, and attractions. From the iconic Coney Island to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Garden, there are countless spots you don't want to miss. Enjoy art at the Brooklyn Museum and catch a show at BAM, or head over to the Barclay's Center to support the local basketball team. Prospect Park is a must-visit, surrounded by charming neighborhoods like Windsor Terrace and Prospect Heights, while the Greenwood cemetery offers a surprisingly beautiful and historic experience. 

Downtown Brooklyn shines with its high-rise apartment buildings and is home to the Time Out Market and Brooklyn Bridge Park. No matter which part of Brooklyn you choose to explore, you're in for a treat. Don't miss out on the incredible experiences and vibrant atmosphere this borough has to offer.

If you are planning a move to Brooklyn, be sure to get a hassle-free quote from Oz today!

 

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