What’s It Like to Live in Brooklyn?
Living in Brooklyn, New York, means enjoying the best of both worlds: the energy of the Big Apple and a cozy neighborhood feel. Brooklyn is chock-full of stunning brownstones, world-class dining, and a thriving arts scene that keeps residents busy. Walkable streets, subway access, and plenty of things to do make Brooklyn a great alternative to living in Manhattan.
Facts to Know About Brooklyn
Brooklyn was founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century and called “Bruekelen” after a village in the Netherlands. Since the 19th century, Brooklyn evolved from an industrial powerhouse to the trendy cultural center we know and love today.
- Population: About 2.7 million people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is the most populous borough in NYC.
- Special landmarks: Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, “King of New York” mural.
- Historic implications: Brooklyn’s location on the water made it an important naval hub. The Brooklyn Navy Yard on the East River was established in 1801 and produced ships for the U.S. Navy until 1966.
- Universities: Brooklyn is home to four CUNY campuses—Kingsborough Community College, Medgar Evers College, and the New York City College of Technology. The Pratt Institute is also in Brooklyn and is one of the most prestigious art schools in the country.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Brooklyn, NY
Pro: Cheaper than Manhattan
If you have your heart set on living in NYC but you’re looking to save some money, Brooklyn is a great choice. The cost of living in Brooklyn is 30% lower than the cost of living in Manhattan, but its historic buildings and walkable streets give residents the Manhattan feel.
Con: Still expensive
Despite Brooklyn’s relative affordability when compared to Manhattan, it’s still expensive to live in Brooklyn. The cost of living is about 62% higher than the national average, and the average rent of $2,906 is 77% higher than the national average rent of $1,638.
Pro: Beautiful brownstones
Brooklyn is known for its historic brownstone buildings that give the borough the classic NYC ambiance. Walking through Brooklyn, you’ll see rows of brownstone townhomes along leafy streets, and the interior of these townhomes often feature high ceilings, hardwood floors, and spacious layouts.
Con: Crowded
Brooklyn is the most populated borough, making up almost one-third of New York City’s total population. As a result, Brooklyn’s rental market is competitive, and many rentals are relatively small. If you’re looking for more elbow room, you may be better off in Queens or Staten Island.
Pro: Great neighborhoods
Brooklyn neighborhoods are known for their big-city vibe outside of the hyperactivity of Manhattan. Places to live in Brooklyn offer the coveted NYC lifestyle at a lower price point.
Three popular neighborhoods are:
- Brooklyn Heights: A suburb with views of Downtown Manhattan.
- Cobble Hill: A quiet riverfront neighborhood filled with old-school architecture.
- Park Slope: An upscale area next door to Prospect Park.
Con: Can be hard to get around
Brooklyn is the second-largest borough as far as land area, and not all its streets are walkable. While Brooklyn has significantly more public transportation options than Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, most MTA subway lines are centered around Manhattan.
Things to Do in Brooklyn
While Brooklyn attracts renters looking for a less hectic alternative to Manhattan, there’s always something happening in Brooklyn. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a quiet walk in the park, you’ll find your place in Brooklyn.
- Outdoor activities: There are always community events at Prospect Park, a 526-acre urban park in the heart of Brooklyn. Spend the day walking through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or the Prospect Park Zoo.
- Cultural attractions: Catch a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center or stop by the Nitehawk Cinema to enjoy a cocktail and a movie. Head over to DUMBO every Saturday and Sunday to find a new trinket at Brooklyn Flea.
- Dining: You can’t go wrong when you eat out in Brooklyn. Residents love the Italian restaurants around every corner and sandwiches at local delis.
Ready to make the move?
If Brooklyn has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Take a look at the most affordable neighborhoods in Brooklyn or use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place.
FAQs
Is Brooklyn a good place to live?
Yes, Brooklyn is a great place to live for renters looking for the NYC experience outside of Manhattan. Walkable streets and numerous subway lines give residents the perks of living in New York while enjoying a lower cost of living than Manhattan.
What salary do you need to live in Brooklyn?
According to our rent affordability calculator, you’ll need an annual post-tax income of $80,260 to afford Brooklyn’s average rent of $2,923/month. This means a comfortable salary to cover housing, utilities, groceries, and entertainment would be around $115,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on your lifestyle.
