Why People Love Moving to Brooklyn, NY
December 21, 2021 | Lifestyle
People love moving to Brooklyn from Manhattan to take advantage of cheaper apartments, homes with backyards, and to find a sense of community that is sometimes lost in big-city neighborhoods. But even if you’re not a native New Yorker, relocating to Brooklyn could still be the right choice for you.
For example, if you’re moving from Los Angeles or Chicago, you’ll feel right at home in Brooklyn, as all three are among the country’s most densely populated cities. If you want to leave the ‘burbs for the Big Apple, but the rent scares you, Brooklyn is still considered to have affordable housing options in New York.
From fine dining and mom and pop eateries to flea markets and trendy boutiques, New York’s favorite borough appeals to a wide range of budgets too. So whether you’re looking for easy access to great beaches or a place to raise a family, Brooklyn offers something for everyone.
A Little About Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn is filled with incredible landmarks and beautiful outdoor spaces that range from serene city parks to the thrilling Coney Island roller coasters. These are just a few reasons why people love living in Brooklyn; its neighborhood feel, sense of community, and access to great outdoor spaces are hard to resist.
However, Brooklyn has an estimated population of 2.6 million people, making it the most populous borough of New York. Even with a very high population density of 36,732 people per square mile, it’s still rare that people complain about feeling overcrowded here.
Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City and is connected to Manhattan by three bridges, a vehicular tunnel, and several rapid-transit tubes. As a result, commuting to Manhattan is usually under an hour on public transportation.
Moreover, you can take a 40-minute subway ride for $1-$3 to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan without a car. But you may find your weekends are full of things to do in your backyard rather than take a trip and explore New York City.
Popular Brooklyn Neighborhoods
Brooklyn has become one of the trendiest boroughs in New York in recent years. Manhattanites love moving to Brooklyn neighborhoods because they tend to have a more residential feel.
The buildings in Brooklyn aren’t as dense and tall as Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers, and sidewalks and streets are usually more pedestrian-friendly, creating a stronger sense of community for Brooklyn residents.
Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay is a waterfront community that still has its old-school Brooklyn character, north of Manhattan Beach and south of Brooklyn. Once brimming with bungalows, today, Sheepshead Bay’s high-density condominiums are located near Ocean Avenue, at the center of the neighborhood. Low-density, one-and-two-family attached and semi-attached houses are typical near the western and eastern edges of the neighborhood.
Brooklyn Heights
People love living in Brooklyn Heights because the charm and character of a bygone era remain. The neighborhood’s historic districts and notable churches stand out alongside trendy dining and shopping establishments that blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
After crossing the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Heights is the first neighborhood you’ll come across. Thanks to its charming Brownstones and tree-lined streets, its cozy residential feel is hard to resist.
The Brooklyn Heights promenade stretches along the East River waterfront and offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. As the main attraction in the neighborhood, it can get crowded during the tourist season.
D.U.M.B.O.
Not a reference to Disney, D.U.M.B.O. is Brooklyn’s priciest neighborhood. Short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (D.U.M.B.O.), this waterfront neighborhood is one of the most visited by tourists due to its jaw-dropping view of the Manhattan Bridge and city skyline.
The converted warehouse buildings are home to independent boutiques, galleries, high-end restaurants, and trendy cafes. When it comes to employment, D.U.M.B.O. is known for its startups. Companies based in this vibrant part of Brooklyn include Etsy, Gothamist, Huge, and Brooklyn Digital Foundry.
Brighton Beach
Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach is a lively neighborhood that feels more like Manhattan, thanks to its many high-rise apartments. Because the beach and boardwalk here are more laid-back than Coney Island, it’s a favorite spot for locals on the weekends.
If you’re seeking comfort food, Brighton Beach is home to many Russian restaurants and cafes that line the boardwalk.
Weather in Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn summers are warm, humid, and wet, while the winters are snowy and windy:
- Coldest Month: January low is 32 degrees.
- Rain: Averages of 48-inches of rainfall per year.
- Snow: Averages 25-inches of snow a year.
- Hottest Month: Around 83 degrees in July.
It’s worth considering that as a resident of New York, you live in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. So as a resident, you’ll be able to visit your favorite attractions and parks during the off seasons. The low season in Brooklyn is January through early March. The shoulder season is mid-March through May, Making these the ideal months to bundle up and explore your favorite Brooklyn parks, restaurants, and museums without massive crowds.
Parks in Brooklyn – Kings County
One of several reasons people love moving to Brooklyn is to enjoy the verdant parks throughout this bustling borough. So whether you’re searching for a bit of peace and quiet or looking for a lively afternoon of amusement and thrill-seeking rides, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Brooklyn.
Coney Island
Families with small children love moving to Brooklyn because of New York City’s legendary amusement district—Coney Island, where the fun never ends. Brooklynites enjoy easy access to Coney Island’s aquarium, action-packed rides, shops, eateries, and more.
This beachfront entertainment zone has something for everyone, from roller-coasters and go-karts to live entertainment and boardwalk games. Signature activities throughout the year include the Mermaid Parade, the Coney Island Circus Sideshow, the Coney Island Museum, and the Coney Island Film Festival.
While historians may disagree on the origin story of the Coney Island Dog, this hot dog is famous for its Greek-inspired meat sauce and is undoubtedly the country’s quintessential fare for the beach and baseball alike.
Marine Park
Located in Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park is Brooklyn’s largest park featuring 530 acres of grasslands and salt marshes. The park is home to a 210-acre golf course, cricket fields, multiple playgrounds, bocce ball, nature trails, and bicycle paths.
There’s even a place to launch boats and kayaks in Jamaica Bay, and as a registered Forever Wild Reserve, there’s nothing quite like it in the five boroughs.
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Listed as one of New York’s top 50 attractions, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is famous for its Japanese Hill Garden, the first Japanese-inspired garden built in the U.S., and The Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated along the Cherry Esplanade.
The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens was founded in 1910 and is home to thousands of types of flora on more than 52 acres. This oasis is ideally located next to two other neighborhood gems—the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront park located along the East River in New York City. Open 365 days a year and free for all, the park’s unique attractions include Jane’s Carousel, a restored 1920s merry-go-round, and riverside esplanades offering stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline.
This city park is 1.3 miles long and divided into eleven sections: Piers 1 through 6, Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, Empire Fulton Ferry, Main Street, and John Street. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation, don’t miss Pier 2, where you can join a sports league and enjoy everything from roller skating to yoga.
Prospect Park
With over 525 acres, it will take more than one afternoon to stroll through and enjoy the sites and activities at Prospect Park. The most recommended starting point is Grand Army Plaza, located at the northernmost entrance to the park. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, constructed in 1892, is found here and features reliefs of presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.
Prospect Park is the perfect place to spend the day lounging at Long Meadow, a mile-long stretch of grass located in the park’s center. You’ll find people sunbathing, grilling, and picnicking here when the weather starts warming up beginning in March.
Prospect Park is also home to a zoo and the country’s first urban Audubon center devoted to wildlife preservation and education. The zoo also houses the park’s visitor center, a café, and an exhibition area located in a charming 20th-century Boathouse.
Brooklyn Storage Units in Sheepshead Bay
When planning a move to Brooklyn, you may need to move out of your current home before moving into your new place. So if you need to consider renting storage for a few weeks or months while you make the transition, Metro Self Storage on Knapp Street is here to help.
Reserve your Brooklyn, NY Storage unit online today and remember, you’re always welcome to swing by our 100% climate-controlled storage facility on Knapp Street to take a tour.
