The 10 Best Brooklyn Neighborhoods to Live in Now

Often considered one of the most desirable boroughs in NYC, Brooklyn sure lives up to the hype. Form sprawling parks and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline to cuisines from across the globe and cocktail bars, there’s a little something for everyone in Brooklyn. The hardest part is deciding where to call home. Check out our list of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn and get ready to live in NYC’s hippest borough.

1. DUMBO
2. Greenpoint
3. Williamsburg
4. Prospect Heights
5. Park Slope
6. Bushwick
7. Bedford-Stuyvesant
8. Bay Ridge
9. Downtown Brooklyn
10. Cobble Hill

Scroll down for more details of each!

1. DUMBO

Best neighborhood for trendy restaurants and apartment buildings

Home to some of the most visited spots in Brooklyn, Dumbo is a lively neighborhood to live in. Its cobblestone streets lead to trendy restaurants and apartments and art spaces in converted warehouses.The most popular spot for pictures, though, is undeniably on Washington Street between Front and Water Streets, where you’ll see a massive, up close view of the Manhattan Bridge. A few blocks away, chic wine bars and trendy eateries beckon locals to stop in and enjoy a night out.

Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park and ride the refurbished Jane’s Carousel for views of the Manhattan skyline, see a performance at St. Ann’s Warehouse, and stroll through the Brooklyn Historical Society. For being just a few blocks wide, Dumbo packs a lot into its neighborhood boundaries.

 

2. Greenpoint

Best neighborhood for space and culture

Located just north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint is the spot trendsetters and hipsters will want to check out. In fact, many locals who have lived in Williamsburg have eventually decided to move up the river into Greenpoint for a little more space and less crowded streets, without sacrificing any delicious food options.

The neighborhood’s humble beginning revolve around its Polish immigrant community, and Greenpoint has managed to maintain some of its Eastern European fare. Check out Karczma or Polka Dot for some authentic Polish grub. Greenpoint also boasts a healthy dose of breweries, cocktail bars, local coffee shops, and stellar views of the NYC skyline, all of which help make this hood an ideal spot for all types of people.

3. Williamsburg

Best neighborhood for art

There’s a reason Williamsburg made our list of the best NYC neighborhoods for newcomers–from the hip buildings covered in street art to Michelin-starred restaurants, Williamsburg is where all the action is. There’s plenty to do, and independent coffee roaster will make sure you’re caffeinated enough to see it all. Head to Toby’s Estate Coffee and grab one of their famous cold-brews before you do anything.

Get your shopping on at Williamsburg’s many trendsetting spots like Concrete & Water and Monk Vintage. Lounge in the sunshine at McCarren Park or check out the newly-opened Domino Park (on the grounds of the old Domino Sugar Factory).

Whatever you do, though, don’t skip any of the art galleries; street art and paintings have been a big part of Williamsburg’s transformation into the hipster haven it is now. If it’s bars and clubs you’re looking for, you won’t have any trouble in Williamsburg. Dive bars, music venues, clubs, lounges, and trendy cocktail bars all have a place in this neighborhood.

4. Prospect Heights

Best neighborhood for entertainment

Artsy folks deciding between Brooklyn neighborhoods will want to check out Prospect Heights. Known for housing the Brooklyn Museum, which claims NYC’s second-largest collection of art, Prospect Heights also has a great selection of nightly entertainment. The Barclay Center–an event venue space and home to the Brooklyn Nets–is at the northern tip of this hood, and an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants keep things lively on Vanderbilt Ave.

Toward the southern edge of the hood where you’ll find the Museum of Women’s Resistance, and a couple blocks east into Crown Heights is the Jewish Children’s Museum. Located next to sprawling Prospect Heights Park is the Boston Public Library’s main branch. The building itself is architecturally-stunning and its front steps and tables provide the perfect place to relax and people watch.

Speaking of Prospect Park, the vast, urban area features walking trails, a lake, picnic areas, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, the Prospect Park Bandshell, and so much more. It’s certainly one of the crown jewels of this neighborhood.

 

5. Park Slope

Best neighborhood for families

Perfect for young families and professionals, Park Slope is unapologetically itself, and encourages locals to be the same. It’s arguably one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and it’s not hard to understand why. From indie bookstores to farm-to-table restaurants, this charming and down-to-earth neighborhood is quite livable.

You might run into authors, actors, and artists, too, as Park Slope has become a haven for the creative types. Along Brooklyn’s hip 5th Ave., not to be confused with Manhattan’s, you’ll find everything from Vietnamese gastropubs and Colombian bistros to tiki lounges and dog-friendly dive bars. The eastern edge of the neighborhood is bordered by Prospect Park, which means ample green space is just a short walk away.

 

6. Bushwick

Best neighborhood for local shops and eateries

While Bushwick used to be slightly more urban and grittier than its chic Brooklyn relatives, it has since undergone a decent amount of gentrification. The silver lining to this, though, is that the neighborhood is chock-full of locally-owned bars and restaurants along its main drag, Knickerbocker Avenue, and boasts a high population of young professionals.

Bushwick is also packed with green spaces, so much so that over 91% of Bushwick residents are within ¼ of a mile from a park. Bushwick Playground is a popular spot in the summer, as it features a public pool, running track, kids’ playground, and shady trees to lounge under. The hood is filled with street art, independently-owned shops, and some of the best restaurants in the city, so you’ll have no problem finding things to do and see.

7. Bedford-Stuyvesant

Best neighborhood for independent businesses and thrift stores

Lovingly referred to as Bed-Stuy, Bedford Stuyvesant has quickly become a top neighborhood for NYC residents. Located in the northern section of Brooklyn, Bed-Stuy is a mix of old Victorian buildings and new-build luxury apartments. In fact, Bed-Stuy has the the country’s largest concentration of Victorian Architecture. Fulton Street serves as the main shopping strip for this neighborhood, and main subway lines servicing this Brooklyn neighborhood are the A, C, and G trains. What makes Bed-Stuy one of Brooklyns best neighborhoods is its independent small business scene. When living in Bed-stuy you’ll have access to some of the best locations for vintage and specialty shopping with options top including Peace & Riot .

8. Bay Ridge

Best neighborhood for a suburban experience

As a predominantly residential area, Bay Ridge is known as one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Brooklyn. There are a great deal of outdoor spaces within Bay Ridge. Owls Head Park is a local favorite for enjoying an escape from the concrete jungle. Here, residents enjoy views of the city, outdoor picnics, and walking the many paths. Another favorite is Bay Ridge Park. Bay ridge is primarily serviced by the R train. While more residential, Bay Ridge also offers an incredible food scene with heavy influences from Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll also find a number of old bars, one of which is The Hideout, an Irish establishment that made a cameo in the film ‘The Departed’.

9. Downtown Brooklyn

Best neighborhood for professionals

Downtown Brooklyn is considered a major business district in NYC. Unlike other parts of Brooklyn, you’ll find more skyscrapers here, including the iconic Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower. Barclay’s Center also has a home in Downtown Brooklyn, making it a great neighborhood for sports enthusiasts to live, specifically if you’re a fan of the Brooklyn Nets. Fulton Mall is where all shopping needs can be met and exceeded, with multiple retail outlets, eateries, and bars.

10. Cobble Hill

Best neighborhood for commuters

Last but certainly not least is the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cobble Hill. With only 40 blocks comprising the neighborhood, this area is small and quaint, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. Cobble streets and historic brownstones make this a charming and visually appealing area. One of the main draws of this neighborhood is its easy commute to Lower Manhattan making it a great neighborhood for young professionals. In fact, Cobble Hill is sometimes referred to as ‘Little SoHO’. Cobble Hill Cinemas is a history destination residents of Cobble Hill enjoy, as are the many other options for dining and libations including Cafe Luluc.

Frequently asked questions about living in Brooklyn

Since you can’t live in them all, make sure you know which one of these Brooklyn neighborhoods is the one for you. Once you’ve done your research and decided where you want to be, find the perfect Brooklyn apartment and get ready to call it your new home.