Exploring different Brooklyn neighborhoods

Throughout the years, Brooklyn has transformed into one of the hottest boroughs in New York City. When most outsiders think about life in the city, they usually default to the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. When in actuality, more families and young professionals are choosing to take up residence in Brooklyn. But because Brooklyn is the most densely populated borough, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what neighborhood is right for you. In this article, we're going to explore 10 different Brooklyn neighborhoods, and figure out what makes them unique.

Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is recognized as an upper class, mostly residential neighborhood. It is known for its unrivaled views of Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty. It boasts attractions like DUMBO, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has a spectacular waterfront view. Here you’ll find shopping, dining, live theater, and music performances. Get a taste of culture and history by visiting the Brooklyn Historical Society or New York Transit Museum.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is thought to be home to more “hipster” and creative types. This is one of the neighborhoods that have been especially hit by gentrification. With the introduction of artisan coffee shops, chic boutiques, vintage stores, gourmet pizza places, yoga and Pilates workshops, and more. The streets are lined with art and graffiti, making it more vibrant and artistic. Nightlife here is plentiful, with hip restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and even music halls!

Park Slope

Park Slope is more of a residential area, with tree-lined streets and historic brownstones. It’s mostly home to families, but some young professionals reside here also. Park Slope is a mix of boutiques, food markets, casual restaurants, bars, and sophisticated bodegas. The many public amenities give it a small town, neighborhood feel.

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Bedford-Stuyvesant, also known as Bed-Stuy, is among one of the most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods in all of New York. The birthplace of notable celebrities like Jay-Z, Bed-Stuy also offers some of the best cuisines. From Caribbean fine dining, Southern comfort food, and French bistros, there are many options to choose from. Not to mention, the nightlife is great too!

Bushwick

Bushwick is a very vibrant, diverse neighborhood. It’s marked by street art and warehouses, that house hip new coffee shops and artist studios. Bushwick has some of the best nightlife in all of Brooklyn, with avant-garde clubs and quirky bars. Something noteworthy about Bushwick is the fact that transportation to Manhattan is easy and convenient (with many train and bus options).

Flatbush

Flatbush is a unique and diverse neighborhood that is located in the heart of Brooklyn. It is considered a cultural melting pot, with Italians, Jamaicans, African Americans, and Latinos, all calling it home. The most bustling part of Flatbush is Flatbush Ave, where there are a variety of diverse restaurants, shops, as well as other attractions. The rest of the neighborhood is mainly residential.

Clinton Hill

Clinton Hill is a residential neighborhood that is mostly quiet and serene, but has easy access to Manhattan. This makes it especially attractive to young families. If you take a walk down Clinton Ave, you will see a mix of both brownstones as well as historic mansions. There are restaurants and businesses that have a similar feel to that of Bed-Stuy.

Fort Greene

Featuring mainly brownstones and row houses, Fort-Greene is a tight-knit community. This hub of Brooklyn boasts a lot of cultural and historical significance. Actually, both the  Brooklyn Academy of Music, and The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts are located here! There is really no shortage of entertainment in this beloved Brooklyn neighborhood.

Crown Heights

Crown Heights has been said to be gaining popularity quickly, due to how tranquil daily life within the neighborhood is. But, it is still an easy commute into the city. Tree lined blocks are marked by brownstones and Victorian mansions. Because many restaurants here are lesser known, it’s easy to become a regular. Still, both restaurants and other local businesses are thriving! On the west side, the neighborhood is actually bordered by Prospect Park’s Botanic Gardens.

Prospect Lefferts Gardens

Prospect Lefferts Gardens has been referred to as “Brooklyn’s best kept secret”. It is said to have a similar feel to the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The neighborhood has mastered a balance between being more vibrant and fresh, but still maintaining peace and quiet (so much so that at times, you can feel like you’re away from the city completely). The main attraction in the neighborhood is Prospect Park. Prospect Park is known as Brooklyn’s biggest green space, where you can find sports fields, hiking trails, and more.

Interested in moving to Brooklyn? Roomrs has apartments in different neighborhoods throughout the borough. See what all the hype is about by finding a room to rent in Brooklyn with Roomrs!