The Best Neighborhoods in Brooklyn - A Data-Driven Guide
Brooklyn experienced a massive surge in popularity over the past ten to twenty years (Miranda from SATC was part of the early wave). The pace of popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Every neighborhood has something to offer. This guide is meant to be dynamic, reflecting the various priorities for every unique search. No one neighborhood is the best; the best neighborhood in Brooklyn is the one that works for your household.
If you’re looking for a deep dive, keep scrolling for my approach and my neighborhood review and comparison.
You can also take my quiz for my tailored recommendation.
Why Brooklyn?
A few subjective pieces of context before I get into the data. If you need a neighborhood map to reference, I like this one from Wikipedia.
North Brooklyn & South Brooklyn feel like two separate entities separated by the Navy Yard on the waterfront. It is not very convenient to travel between them (except the G train). North Brooklyn comprises Williamsburg and Greenpoint, while South Brooklyn encompasses a larger swath of neighborhoods, including Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and Red Hook, extending south to Sunset Park, and East to Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy.
Brooklyn is less dense than most of Manhattan (see graph below). There are some high-rise sections, but as a whole, you will see far more low-rise apartments and townhomes. This means fewer people per block; the sidewalks are not quite as busy. This is something I notice. Even in comparison to quieter neighborhoods like Tribeca or the Upper West Side, the average Brooklyn sidewalk is not as crowded as most of Manhattan.
When looking for a new home (whether rental or purchase), this can make the search more challenging. As an example, in July 2025 there were 1,305 leases signed in Brooklyn. In July 2025, there were 5,033 leases signed in Manhattan. For sales, there were 905 contracts signed in Manhattan in July 2025. There were 285 contracts signed in Brooklyn in July 2025. There are fewer options and less inventory; real estate is all about the balance of supply and demand.
The Methodology for my Brooklyn Neighborhood Guide
Green Access: Proximity to large parks, as well as the number of playgrounds in the neighborhood, as listed on the NYC Parks Website.
Demographics: This is organized only by zip code from the latest census data (yay library resources), and I used the zip codes in relation to one another. One note is that census data is by zip code, which doesn’t precisely map to neighborhoods. I took an average of a neighborhood that crossed two zip codes. I do find this particularly challenging for the zip code 11201, which covers Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, and Downtown Brooklyn, which are all pretty different.
Restaurant Density: Count of Businesses and relation to census data per zip code.
Real Estate: I pulled insights from NYC’s RLS from January 2024 through July 2025. I only used verified sales.
Transit Time: I used Google Maps to calculate the transit time from the station to Fulton Street (Fidi) and Grand Central (Midtown), excluding walking time. Since most neighborhoods have more than one station, I took an average of the times between all the stations.
Brownstone Charm: I looked at the percentage of transactions labeled as “pre-war” in the RLS real estate data.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bedford-Stuyvesant is a prominent neighborhood known for its many brownstone buildings. The data reveals that it has the highest number of townhouse transactions, totaling 806, which is 2.5 times more than the nearest neighborhood. If you're in search of a classic Brooklyn brownstone, this neighborhood is an excellent choice to consider..
Bed-Stuy is one of the largest neighborhoods, which can make lifestyle statistics challenging to interpret. Commutes to Grand Central are among the longest, and there are also many areas where living far from a train station is common. This is reflected in the availability of green spaces and restaurants. While the neighborhood offers some excellent dining options, they can be somewhat limited. Notably, Bed-Stuy has the highest number of splash pads of any neighborhood I researched.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 167
Median Condo Price: $1,006,500
Median Co-Op Price: $230,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 806
Median Sale Price: $1,550,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 18 Minutes to Financial District; 36 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: Medium
Dining/Nightlife Access: Low
Boerum Hill
Boerum Hill is one of the smallest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. If you’re considering moving exclusively to this area, be aware that there is limited inventory available. A notable feature of Boerum Hill is the substantial dividing line that Atlantic Avenue creates within the neighborhood. In fact, it may be the only neighborhood that straddles Atlantic Avenue, as most others have a clear dividing line.
The area north of Atlantic Avenue is much newer and has a more Downtown Brooklyn vibe, while the southern part resembles Cobble Hill.
Interestingly, Boerum Hill is one of the few neighborhoods where the median sale price for co-ops is higher than that of condos. However, it's essential not to be misled by this unusual situation, as there were only three co-op sales compared to fifty condo sales.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 56
Median Condo Price: $1,400,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,640,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 54
Median Sale Price: $3,462,590
Census Demographic Results
Commute: 13 Minutes to Financial District; 28 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Medium
Access to Green Space: Low
Dining/Nightlife Access: High
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is often referred to as America’s First Suburb. When you walk around the area, you can sometimes feel as though you have been transported back in time. However, not everyone chooses to live in Brooklyn to experience that suburban feeling.
This neighborhood is rich in brownstone charm, and when combined with its proximity to Manhattan, it boasts some of the highest property prices in Brooklyn. It is quite a large area, and co-ops can offer a more affordable option for buyers. With 72 two-bedroom co-ops sold recently, there is a considerable inventory available for prospective buyers.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 117
Median Condo Price: $2,210,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,390,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 56
Median Sale Price: $6,500,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 8 Minutes to Financial District; 23 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: High
Dining/Nightlife Access: Low
Carroll Gardens
Carroll Gardens is a great neighborhood if you are looking for that quieter, brownstone vibe. It has a high number of townhouse sales (109), but at a much more affordable price point than Brooklyn Heights or Cobble Hill. One caution: there are sections of Carroll Gardens very close to the BQE, which contribute to its affordability.
Carroll Gardens ranked highest on my list for Brownstone Charm. More than ¾ of their sales were listed Carroll Gardens is an excellent neighborhood for those seeking a quieter, brownstone atmosphere. It boasts a significant number of townhouse sales (109) at a much more affordable price point compared to Brooklyn Heights or Cobble Hill. However, one thing to keep in mind is that some areas of Carroll Gardens are located very close to the BQE, which contributes to its affordability.
Carroll Gardens ranked highest on my list for its brownstone charm. Over three-quarters of the sales in the area were pre-war properties. One concern with such a high proportion of pre-war homes and townhouses is that if you’re looking in Carroll Gardens, you might have to deal with stairs!s pre-war. One concern with this high a level of prewar and townhouses- if you’re looking in Carroll Gardens, stairs may be in your future!
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 49
Median Condo Price: $1,525,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,330,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 109
Median Sale Price: $3,500,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 15 Minutes to Financial District; 36 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: Medium
Dining/Nightlife Access: Medium
Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill is an excellent neighborhood for those searching for affordable two-bedroom apartments. This is mainly due to the Clinton Hill Co-Op complex, which is conveniently located near Pratt Institute. With 55 Co-Op sales and a median price of $885,878, it's a great option to consider in your apartment search.
Clinton Hill is a spacious neighborhood with a lot of brownstone charm, but this can mean longer walks from the subway. There are two transit lines available—the G and the C—but many blocks can be more than a 15-minute walk from any train station.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 136
Median Condo Price: $1,399,000
Median Co-Op Price: $885,878
Number of Townhouses Sold: 87
Median Sale Price: $2,600,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 14 Minutes to Financial District; 31 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Medium
Access to Green Space: Medium
Dining/Nightlife Access: Medium
Cobble Hill
Cobble Hill is one of the hardest neighborhoods to move into. Especially if you are looking for an apartment, do not expect much inventory to become available. It is a geographically small area, but consider Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Carroll Gardens in your search as well.
Cobble Hill is sandwiched in these areas, but interestingly has pretty low access to green spaces within the actual neighborhood. When I was making my splash pad list, there was not a single Splash Pad within the official boundaries of Cobble Hill. This neighborhood is still very central to all of North Brooklyn so you can easily get to any trains, dining, parks, and other locations.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 33
Median Condo Price: $1,675,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,475,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 56
Median Sale Price: $4,637,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 14 Minutes to Financial District; 32 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Medium
Access to Green Space: Low
Dining/Nightlife Access: High
Crown Heights
Crown Heights is a large neighborhood worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable brownstone or condo. Certain areas of Crown Heights, particularly west of Franklin Avenue, are increasingly associated with Prospect Heights.
This neighborhood is also a great option for those commuting to Midtown, as it offers access to the 4, 5, and A trains, which all run express. These train lines can get you to Midtown faster than some of the services on the west side of Brooklyn. (Sorry, F and R trains!)
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 108
Median Condo Price: $1,100,000
Median Co-Op Price: $742,500
Number of Townhouses Sold: 328
Median Sale Price: $1,500,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 18 Minutes to Financial District; 34 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: Low
Dining Access: Medium
Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn offers exceptional convenience. You’ll find all your essential shopping options, including Trader Joe’s, Target, and Aldi. Additionally, every subway line is readily accessible, allowing for quick commutes from Downtown Brooklyn to anywhere you need to go. Most of the available inventory in this area consists of luxury buildings equipped with full-service amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle and convenience.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 151
Median Condo Price: $1,520,000
Median Co-Op Price: $844,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: n/a
Median Sale Price: n/a
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 9 Minutes to Financial District; 17 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Low
Access to Green Space: Low
Dining Access: High
Dumbo
Dumbo is located in South Brooklyn but has the vibe of North Brooklyn. Most of the available properties here are either new constructions or converted industrial spaces, similar to Williamsburg and other parts of Brooklyn. Notably, during the period I tracked, there were no two-bedroom co-ops sold.
Dumbo is an excellent choice if you desire the luxury amenities of Downtown Brooklyn but seek better views and access to green spaces. The restaurant scene has seen significant growth recently, and Brooklyn Bridge Park continues to improve.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 69
Median Condo Price: $1,800,000
Median Co-Op Price: n/a
Number of Townhouses Sold: 1
Median Sale Price: $1,500,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 14 Minutes to Financial District; 30 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Low
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: High
Fort Greene
Prime Fort Greene offers something for every household, including excellent restaurants, short commute times, and Fort Greene Park, which caters to all ages. However, one challenge in this neighborhood is that Prime Fort Greene represents only a small subset of blocks. The Navy Yard is often included in this area, but it is more than a mile walk from the subway. Most of the available inventory consists of new construction to the north and east of Fort Greene Park, while the classic brownstones are located to the south. These factors contribute to limited inventory in the most sought-after locations.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 48
Median Condo Price: $1,320,000
Median Co-Op Price: $999,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 68
Median Sale Price: $3,387,500
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 11 Minutes to Financial District; 27 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Medium
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: High
Greenpoint
Greenpoint is a former industrial area that has undergone significant transformation over the past 10 to 15 years. The old industrial spaces have been converted into luxury apartments, while the surrounding areas feature row homes that are generally more affordable than brownstones. These repurposed warehouse spaces offer interesting amenities to the neighborhood, including one of our favorites—Space Club.
Commuting can be challenging, as the G train is the only subway line with a stop directly in Greenpoint. However, the ferry is a convenient option if you're located close to the waterfront.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 162
Median Condo Price: $1,575,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,200,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 141
Median Sale Price: $2,350,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 29 Minutes to Financial District; 19 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Low
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: High
Park Slope
Park Slope has the strongest brand of any Brooklyn Neighborhood. It has blocks and blocks of idyllic Brownstones and access to Prospect Park. With the most 2 bedroom apartment sales, the volume of this neighborhood is evident. Along 4th Avenue, there are a plethora of new high rises that bring high rise amenities. Along Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza you’ll find the highest density of Co-Ops and pre-war high rises. Brownstones line every block in between.
Transit times are a bit longer, especially to midtown but the neighborhood has a lot to offer. If you’re searching in multiple neighborhoods, this likely going to be on your list.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 162
Median Condo Price: $1,626,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,295,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 165
Median Sale Price: $3,811,370
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 19 Minutes to Financial District; 32 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: Medium
Prospect Heights
Prospect Heights has been my home for nearly a decade, so I acknowledge that I may have a bias. This neighborhood offers an excellent blend of pre-war charm and modern conveniences. Due to rezoning near Pacific Park and the Barclays Center, luxury high-rises and new amenities have been developed, which has also contributed to an increase in dining options, transforming the area from what was once quieter.
Prospect Heights is a smaller neighborhood, making it difficult to find a townhome here. In fact, only 39 townhome transactions have been recorded in the last 19 months, highlighting the limited availability.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 83
Median Condo Price: $1,775,000
Median Co-Op Price: $1,175,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 39
Median Sale Price: $3,400,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 18 Minutes to Financial District; 30 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: High
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: Medium
Williamsburg
Williamsburg has been a highly sought-after dining destination for over a decade, and its popularity continues to grow. The neighborhood is extensive, with the highest demand situated along the waterfront and near the Bedford Avenue L stop. These areas feature some of the highest price tags in the city.
Real Estate Statistics
Number of 2 Bedrooms Sold: 356
Median Condo Price: $1,743,150
Median Co-Op Price: $459,000
Number of Townhouses Sold: 298
Median Sale Price: $2,615,000
Census Demographic Results
Lifestyle Findings
Commute: 23 Minutes to Financial District; 21 Minutes to Grand Central
Brownstone Charm: Low
Access to Green Space: High
Dining Access: High
Tips for Home Buyers in Brooklyn
The journey may take longer than you expect. You'll need to visit several apartments or homes before finding the right one for you. Inventory is still quite limited, and it might take some time to locate available options.
It’s important to find professionals you trust to advocate for you. A real estate agent is one component but also a lawyer and lender who are intimately familiar with the Brooklyn market.
If you’re really not sure where to start, spend a Sunday visiting an Open House.
My buyer’s guide offers a lot of helpful tips.