Downtown Brooklyn - Brooklyn, NY Area Guide

Downtown Brooklyn's history dates back centuries, with low population until 1814. Steam ferry transportation came into the city, building Brooklyn as a Manhattan suburb. In the 20th century, Brooklyn became a large part of the abolitionist movement, and increase in warehouses and factories led to the development of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Commercial and industrial development continued into the 20th century in Downtown Brooklyn with the Civic Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music and more. The progression of equity between Manhattan and the outer boroughs led to Brooklyn ranking among the city's top business districts.

Present growth includes annual events, including the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, a neighborhood competition for best holiday decorations. Downtown Brooklyn holds a number of annual festivals with the Atlantic Antic Street Festival, Annual Bus Festival and Brooklyn Folk Festival. Broad cultural expression adds to Downtown Brooklyn's popular calendar of events and festivals throughout the year.

Several Downtown Brooklyn restaurants receive prime reviews across a whole world of cuisines with much to anticipate upon coming to this borough of the “greatest city in the world." One popular location is Traif on Fourth Street, known for the most creative soul food and Creole dishes in the heart of New York.

Another local eatery with wonderful reviews is La Goulette. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine including falafel, babaganoush and hummus come in servings defined as “well worth your money” in size compared to price. This quality location in Downtown Brooklyn provides a hearty meal and a good time out, among many other local restaurants and eateries appealing to the local crowd and travelers alike.

Several popular small clubs and bars within Brooklyn neighborhoods, Featherweight in East Williamsburg has an intimate atmosphere, excellent cocktail selection and friendly staff. There are plenty of options like this for a friendly and comfortable night out that will bring your gears back to neutral and ready for the busy life of the following day.

Connected to Manhattan and the inner city by the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, crossable on bicycle or by foot, Downtown Brooklyn also has access to the New York City subway, various bus lines and the Long Island Rail Road. Many stations throughout Downtown Brooklyn make it a convenient access point for travel into other boroughs of the city through the booming subway train system.

Several taxi, limo and shuttle services provide transportation for locals and travelers needing quick access to the airport or other important events. Anytime Forsyth Car Service reports being open 24/7 for getting to red-eye flights and for other important commutes and to keep your schedule running. From other companies there are shuttle and party bus rentals available within Downtown Brooklyn for exciting commercial and personal events held within the city.

Three Downtown Brooklyn parks are widely recommended for a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline and other events, including Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Prospect Park.

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade right off the expressway by the river offers an inspiring view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty with a touching appeal as the sun sets over the city. Brooklyn Bridge Park is located in Pier 1 with a beautiful view above the city and a carousel available for the kids. Pizza and ice cream vendors are available for an active day with an impressive view. Prospect Park compares to Central Park with hiking trails and free summer concerts included with the scenery and its central Brooklyn location. Close to the Brooklyn Museum and Public Library Prospect Park is a fun stop in an active day around Downtown Brooklyn.

Historically, Brooklyn is a cost-efficient suburb of Manhattan with reduced residential cost across the bridge. Neighborhoods such as Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) have risen to second most expensive in the nation. Luckily, much of Brooklyn’s commercial and residential growth is moving toward a wave of restaurants and nightlife in Williamsburg and Greenpoint and arts and culture aligned with the borough’s reputation. An increase in residential property will provide steady rent prices or a fall in certain locations where an increase in competition will play.

Among Downtown Brooklyn residential neighborhoods median one-bedroom monthly rent prices include Greenpoint, $?2,600; Park Slope, $?2,500; and DUMBO, $?3,650. Greenpoint apartments generally hold the greatest square footage for the price, generating the best deal for comfortable life in Brooklyn with close access to growing cultural events within one of the top boroughs of New York City.

Average costs around Downtown Brooklyn include a half gallon of milk for $2.12, a monthly MetroCard for $112 and average gasoline per gallon at $3.95. While the annual festivals have the potential of being affordable and entertaining for the whole family, a typical night out can include a $12 movie ticket, $30 or so for dinner out or $5 pint draft beers and $12 cocktails. The reduced cost of living in Downtown Brooklyn adds to the ideal livelihood of the New York metro area.

Including innovative shopping locations for clothing and accessories plenty of department and factory stores are now available within Downtown Brooklyn with ease of access to shoppers looking for clearance and other deals nearby. Centralized around Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue, many independent and vintage stores with creative, stylish clothing for the whole family, as well as unique locations combined with books and home décor, a full shopping experience is at your fingertips in Downtown Brooklyn.

WORD provides a wide variety of regular events that take place here for the enjoyment and attraction of their customers. Aligned with the arts and culture for which Downtown Brooklyn is known, Fuego 718 is well known for its home décor and arts and crafts items.

Trader Joe's, Key Food and Jesse & Co. Market Place are among the grocery stores available in the area. The Borough Hall Greenmarket in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn is one of the largest and best farmer's markets in the city.