Considering moving to Brooklyn? One of the most populated NYC boroughs, Brooklyn provides ample employment opportunities, affordable homes for rent, and a variety of fun things to do—making it one of the best places to live in New York City. Here are the top five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Brooklyn!
Bay Ridge
- Home Price: $879,942 median purchase price; $1,594 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 59% of New York City neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Situated along the New York Bay, the aptly named Bay Ridge is one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn for families, those starting a career, and retirees alike. Removed from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Brooklyn, Bay Ridge is filled with rowhouses and shotgun homes, along with plenty of budget-friendly apartments—which help make it one of the best places to rent in NYC! While retirees in particular enjoy socializing at the Bay Ridge Center for Older Adults, residents of all ages can take advantage of breathtaking Brooklyn parks along the bay, such as Shore Road Park and Leif Ericson Park. The neighborhood is also highly walkable and offers easy access to Manhattan and Staten Island via I-278. Not to mention, if you’re raising kids in Brooklyn, you’ll have access to well-rated Bay Ridge schools including Bay Ridge Prep, Bay Ridge Elementary School for the Arts, and Fort Hamilton High School.
Things to Do in Bay Ridge
Spend a day walking through a waterfront green space with a playground, spray pool, and amazing sledding hills at Owl’s Head Park. Take a relaxing stroll through the Lily Pond, Turtle Sanctuary, and Willow Grove, or attend events like the annual Plant Sale at Narrows Botanical Gardens. Bring your kiddo to bounce on trampolines, hop in a ball pit, or board a two-level train at the epic play zone, Fairytale Island. Catch the latest blockbuster release or revisit classic films at the historic Brooklyn theater, Alpine Cinema. Relax on the patio while enjoying some of the best brunch in Brooklyn with Eggs Benedict, Sliced Steak, or Cafe Margarita at Greenhouse Cafe. Head out for a night of jazz while munching on a Margarita Pie, Chicken Cuzzie, or The Blaze Burger Calzone at old-timey pizzeria, The Brooklyn Firefly. Dine on Corned Beef Rueben Spring Rolls, Cavatelli Carbonara, or Pan Roasted Branzino at the long-standing staple, Chadwick’s. Or sip on a Guinness Draught, Lagunitas IPA, or Harp Lager while watching sports at one of the best bars in Bay Ridge, The Harp Bar.
Canarsie
- Home Price: $579.181 median purchase price; $1,571 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 48% of New York City neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for affordable housing in Brooklyn, you can’t go wrong with the American Foursquares, brick rowhouses, and Brownstones found in beautiful Canarsie. Bordered by Paerdegat Basin and Jamaica Bay, Canarsie is a vibrant seaside getaway that’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Not only does this area offer quick access to waterfront activities, but residents can also spend time at vast Brooklyn parks and green spaces like the neighborhood’s staple Canarsie Park—with a community garden organized by the Canarsie Neighborhood Alliance. Plus, with community events like organized bike rides, pier clean-up days, and the weekly NYRR Open Run, Canarsie affords plenty of opportunities to meet your neighbors. And with great schools in Canarsie like Leadership Prep Canarsie Elementary Academy, Canarsie Ascend Charter Elementary School, and P.S. 66, parents can rest assured their children will find a great education here!
Things to Do in Canarsie
Catch common blue fish and fluke, go kayaking, or relax on the benches at Canarsie Pier. Practice ollie and frontside tricks off the boxes, rails, and ramps at Canarsie Skate Park. Bring your kids to play games of basketball and handball, or run around the play area at Bildersee Playground. Tour the grounds of a historic farmhouse, participate in family events, or drop in for a Saturday Farmers Market at the Wyckoff House Museum. Enjoy lunch in Brooklyn with specialty rolls and hero sandwiches like the Pastrami Hot & Bold, United Special, and Monte Christo at Rockaway Gourmet Deli & Grill. Have slices of delicious New York pizza with Original Classic, Primavera, or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pies from Original Pizza of Brooklyn. Bite into fresh Caribbean seafood dishes like Lobster Pasta, Butter Shrimp, and Seafood Soup at Sally’s Fish & Things. Or enjoy mouthwatering Brooklyn Jamaican food like Stew Chicken, Curry Goat, and Sweet Chili Wings at Tasty Delicious Bakery & Restaurant.
Dyker Heights
- Home Price: $956,217 median purchase price; $1,589 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 84% of New York City neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Searching for a quieter, more family-friendly neighborhood in Brooklyn? Check out Dyker Heights! In addition to being one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Dyker Heights is incredibly popular among families looking for more spacious homes with yards and detached garages. Children can attend high-quality local schools like The McKinley Park School and The Madeleine Brennan School. The neighborhood is also a hot spot for military personnel since it’s just north of Fort Hamilton, and young professionals appreciate quick commutes throughout the city via I-278. With kid-friendly activities, a championship golf course, green spaces like Dyker Beach Park, and some of the top Christmas light tours in NYC, Dyker Heights is a safe neighborhood in Brooklyn with no shortage of fun things to do!
Things to Do in Dyker Heights
Tune up your swing to go golfing in Brooklyn at the picturesque 72-par Dyker Beach Golf Course. Take advantage of the baseball field, play on bocce courts, or catch games of little league softball at McKinley Park. Check out fiction and nonfiction books or attend family-friendly events like Discovery Table, Babies Create, and Kids Tech Time at Brooklyn Public Library – McKinley Park. Chase the kids around on a sunny afternoon or hang out in the tot playhouse at the Patrick O’Rourke Playground. Bring a taste of Greece to your table with dishes such as Saganaki, Pork Souvlaki, and Pasticchio at Meze. Order urban Mexican cuisine like Chile Relleno, Pollo Adobado, and Churrasco at Las Chelitas. Spend happy hour digging into Cherrystone Clams, Littleneck Clams, and Salmon Sashimi at Parc Oasis. Or discover delicious treats like Pignoli Cookies, Vanilla Swirl Cupcakes, and Nutella Cannolis at the Tasty Pastry Shoppe.
Gravesend
- Home Price: $545,099 median purchase price; $1,138 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of New York City neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Affordable housing, low crime rates, and fun things to do await you in Gravesend! Named after an English seaport in Kent, Gravesend is a dense urban neighborhood with a rich Dutch history and culture. This area caters to those looking to live on a budget, with a great selection of detached duplexes, townhomes, and brick apartments to choose from. While children can attend Gravesend schools like David A. Boody Middle School, John Dewey High School, and Big Apple Academy, the Sephardic Community Center provides a host of fun events for all ages and a Senior Center with cultural and social activities for older adults. Gravesend also boasts excellent transit for frequent commuters, thanks to the Avenue U subway station, which runs all the way through Downtown New York. Additionally, this neighborhood is located just 10 minutes from Coney Island, offering access to a variety of top things to do in Brooklyn, including Luna Park, the New York Aquarium, Brighton Beach, and more!
Things to Do in Gravesend
Play baseball, basketball, or handball, or get splashed at the spray area at Homecrest Playground. Bring the whole family to ride bumper cars, play arcade games, or create wax hands at Land-O-Fun. Position your pool cue for clutch bank shots at Brooklyn billiards bars like SET Lounge Bar & Billiards, Gotham City Billiards Club, or Skyline Billiards & Bar. Go bowling in Brooklyn or hit up the arcade while sipping frozen cocktails at Bowl 360 Brooklyn. Savor Brooklyn Italian food specialties like Eggplant Parmigiana, Shrimp Marinara, or the World Famous L&B Sicilian Pie at L&B Spumoni Gardens. Dig into fresh and spicy meals like Zinger Crispy Chicken, Chicken Wings, and Boom Boom Loaded Fries at Zinger Halal Express. Stop by for Enchiladas and Fajitas or build your own tacos from the mom-and-pop taco shop El Gallo Taqueria. Or pull out a chair for delicious Brooklyn burgers and sandwiches like the Super Loaded Burger, Texas Chicken Fried Sandwich, and Affy’s Classic Burger at Affy’s Premium Grill.
Sunset Park
- Home Price: $943,771 median purchase price; $1,445 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 46% of New York City neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled against Gowanus Bay with beautiful views of the NYC skyline, Sunset Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn. A melting pot for Asian culture, Sunset Park boasts one of NYC’s largest Chinatowns at the Brooklyn Army Terminal—a vast complex also offering community-hosted events, waterfront fun, and more. Young people, in particular, are drawn to the job opportunities, open-air bars, and shops in Sunset Park’s bustling business hub, Industry City. For families, on the other hand, there are plenty of great local schools and Brooklyn parks to explore—including sand volleyball, swimming, and other outdoor recreation amenities at the neighborhood’s namesake, Sunset Park. While this renter-friendly neighborhood is home to plenty of condos and apartments, there are also a variety of Queen-Anne, Brownstone, and Renaissance Revival-style homes for sale. Plus, Sunset Park offers low-income housing for seniors and continues to make affordable housing advancements, making it even easier to carve out a safe, affordable lifestyle here!
Things to Do in Sunset Park
Join pick-up games, rent a field, or enroll kids in youth programs at the indoor soccer complex and rooftop bar, Socceroof. Go for a scenic walk, participate in baseball and soccer games, and visit the nature preserve at the grassy waterfront oasis, Bush Terminal Piers Park. Shop for road bikes, cruiser bikes, and electric bikes for a fun way to explore Downtown Brooklyn at Mr. C’s Cycles. Watch your child climb through the playground and catch some air on the swings while taking in stunning views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty at Sunset Park Playground. Take a trip down to the pier for a Brooklyn Burger, Spicy Chicken Wrap, and Philly Cheese Steak from Sunset Park staple, Pete’s Brooklyn Eats. Walk through Chinatown for some of the best Chinese food in Brooklyn, including Wonton Soup, Beef Pan Cake, and Pan Fried Pork Buns at Kai Feng Fu. Stop by for delicious slices of White Pie or Grandma’s Pie pizza, or chow down a Deep Fried Calzone with an Eggplant Roll on the side at Luigi’s Pizza. Or enjoy Brooklyn Mexican food with an order of Parrillada Al Bronco, Steak Fajitas, or Tender Beef Tacos from Tacos El Bronco.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
