Since about the late 1990s, Brooklyn has risen in prominence as a hotspot for bohemian and creative types, particularly in the historic Williamsburg neighborhood. But with over two and a half million people, the borough simply cannot be reduced to a single group of residents; the community’s cultural landscape is among the most diverse in the nation, and locals enjoy having an unparalleled variety of food, art, and celebrations within reach (not to mention some great neighbors).

Brooklyn also provides a beautifully scenic environment, home to some of New York City’s most attractive parks and landmarks—Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and the endless rows of charming brownstones all provide a lovely backdrop for life in this exciting community. Sports fans will love going to Nets and Islanders games at the Barclays Center, and a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game is always a great excuse to head down to Coney Island for the day.

Of course, the quirky artistic image that has become so closely tied to Brooklyn definitely has merit: The northern section of the borough is a magnet for creatives, and the arts scene is crammed with everything from divey rock clubs and pop-up galleries to grand symphony halls and plush museums.