Living in Brooklyn: A Local’s Guide

With 2.7 million residents, if it were its own city, Brooklyn would be the third largest in the country. That’s nearly the size of Chicago! 

What’s the big draw? People move here for the brownstones, the bagels, the bars, and a special feeling that every neighborhood has its own identity. 

Life in Brooklyn shifts block by block. You’ll see high-rises next to prewar walk-ups, quiet residential streets around the corner from busy nightlife, and rents that swing from modest to sky-high with only a few streets in between. Some neighborhoods are built around families and schools, while others thrive on art, music, and late nights.

This guide breaks down what you need to know if you’re moving to New York State, including the cost of living in Brooklyn, the rental market, transportation, and safety. We’ll also cover the best places to live in Brooklyn, the job market, and what locals actually do for fun. 

7 Things To Know About Living in Brooklyn Before Moving to Brooklyn

Before you pack your boxes and secure long-distance moving services to BK, get to know the borough. Here’s what to consider.

1. The cost of living in Brooklyn is higher than most cities

If you’re moving to Brooklyn, expect city-level prices. The basic cost for a single adult is about $60,800 a year before taxes. That’s about 12% lower than Manhattan’s living wage but higher than that of most U.S. metro areas. 

Living wage by borough (single adult, 2025):

• Bronx: $53,000/year

• Brooklyn (Kings): $60,800/year

• Manhattan: $68,300/year

• Queens: $64,400/year

• Staten Island: $63,800/year

State and local taxes also shape the picture. New York State’s income tax ranges from about 4% to 10.9%, with an additional 3% to 3.9% NYC income tax, plus an 8.875% sales tax. What salary do you need to live in Brooklyn? Simply put, a single adult should budget at least $60–65K before taxes to cover necessities.

2. Getting around Brooklyn offers options for every lifestyle

Public transportation is the main way most people get around Brooklyn. The subway and bus network covers nearly every neighborhood, with a standard fare of $2.90 per ride. You can buy a monthly unlimited MetroCard for $132 (or an OMNY card, which will replace the MetroCard after its retirement in 2026). No matter how you pay, that’s great value for daily commuters. 

If you want to use your legs, Citi Bike offers annual memberships at $219.99 for unlimited 45-minute rides. On the nautical side, NYC Ferry service connects waterfront neighborhoods for $4.50 a trip. And, of course, you can always snag a yellow cab or rideshare. Expect to pay a reasonable $10–$20 per ride.

Do you need a car if you live in Brooklyn? Most people don’t need a car in Brooklyn. Daily life is possible (and often easier) without one, thanks to the density of transit options and the hassle of street parking. That said, most Brooklynites will tell you that owning a car unlocks the city in a new way. Think about weekend trips to the beach, the Catskills, Costco runs, etc. The trick is figuring out where to park (or how many parking tickets you can afford).

3. Brooklyn’s safety depends on the neighborhood

Is Brooklyn safe? Brooklyn’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, but like most cities, crime is concentrated in certain areas. Many neighborhoods are considered very safe, while others report above-average incidents, especially at night. 

• Safest neighborhoods: Flatbush, Park Slope, Red Hook

• Higher-crime neighborhoods: East New York, Brownsville, Bed-Stuy

For anyone moving to Brooklyn and concerned about safety, the key is to simply be smart and stay alert. If a situation feels dicey, leave it.

4. Renting an apartment in Brooklyn means moving fast

The Brooklyn real estate market is expensive and fast-moving. The average rent is about $4,200 a month, with more affordable options in Midwood ($1895) or Flatbush ($2,048) and luxury prices closer toward $5,000 in neighborhoods like DUMBO ($4,922) or Boerum Hill ($4,650). Compared to Manhattan’s average of $5,600+, Brooklyn is cheaper, but it’s still among the most costly rental markets in the country.

Renting in Brooklyn is a full-contact sport, and great apartments are often snapped up in no time. A tight housing market has even led to bidding wars in recent years, a challenge renters rarely confront in other cities. 

That’s why when moving to Brooklyn, you should be ready to compromise. Locals joke you can only pick three out of five: in-unit laundry, outdoor space, dishwasher, short commute, or natural light. That sums up the reality. Apartments go fast, and the perfect one rarely exists. For some, the Bronx neighborhoods offer a cheaper alternative with average rents around $1,800–$2,000.

Tips for renting in Brooklyn

• Decide if you’re willing to pay a broker’s fee or target no-fee listings

• Consider walk-up buildings for lower rent versus pricier elevator buildings

• Sharing with roommates often cuts costs by 30%–50%

• Keep financial documents ready to apply on the spot

5. Brooklyn’s job market and economy reward persistence

NYC offers plenty of opportunities, but they’re tempered by extreme competition. The city added 92,000 private-sector jobs year-over-year to 4.26 million in July 2025, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.8%. Brooklyn’s snapshot shows 5.5% unemployment in Dec 2024, compared with 5.2% for NYC, 4.1% for New York State, and 3.8% for the U.S. 

Should you move without a job? You can, but, as stated, the competition is real. Securing an offer first is safer. If you plan to search after arrival, target sectors with steady hiring like health care, education, hospitality, and information. Currently, the average salary is about $58,000. 

6. The best places to live in Brooklyn depend on what you’re looking for

Families, young renters, and budget-minded newcomers all gravitate toward different corners of the borough. Here are three neighborhoods that stand out as some of the best places to live in Brooklyn. For more options, check out our guide to the best Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Park Slope: Best for families

Park Slope is classic family Brooklyn. You’ve got brownstones, stroller-filled sidewalks, and Prospect Park as your backyard. Schools rank among the best in the borough, and the area feels safe and lived-in. It’s not cheap, but parents will trade the price tag for peace of mind and playgrounds around every corner.

Greenpoint (or Bushwick): Best for young adults

Greenpoint is polished but not too polished. Think craft breweries, coffee shops, and late-night bars, with the ferry to Manhattan right there. Meanwhile, Bushwick skews scrappier, with loft spaces, street art, and more affordable rents if you’re willing to trade polish for edge. Both neighborhoods pull in young adults who want community and nightlife.

Flatbush: Most affordable

Flatbush is where your rent stretches further. It’s one of the few neighborhoods left in Brooklyn where you can still find a decent apartment under $2,000. The trade-off is a longer subway ride, but you get space, character, and a serious food scene in return. For anyone moving to Brooklyn on a budget, take a serious look at Flatbush.

7. The fun things to do in Brooklyn as a local are endless

Living in Brooklyn means you’ll never run out of things to do. And, of course, these are just a few of the many fun things to do in Brooklyn. 

Once you move here, you’ll start building your own list of go-to spots, neighborhood favorites, and little traditions that make the borough feel like home.

• Catch a concert or an exhibit at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

• Spend a day at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, one of the first of its kind in the U.S.

• Walk or bike through Prospect Park, designed by the same team behind Central Park.

• Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in spring for the cherry blossoms.

• Explore the bar and restaurant scene in Williamsburg, from boat drinks at the Commodore to live music at Music Hall.

• Hunt for rare vinyl or vintage finds at Brooklyn Flea.

• Eat your way through Smorgasburg or book a table at Bamonte’s in Williamsburg, a century-old red-sauce joint that feels frozen in time.

Pros and cons of living in Brooklyn

So, is Brooklyn a good place to live? Like anywhere, it depends on what you value. Moving to Brooklyn comes with trade-offs — and it’s a very big decision — but if you jump in and don’t look back, it could change your life forever. 

Pros of living in Brooklyn

• Wide range of neighborhoods, from family-friendly to artsy

• More affordable than Manhattan with similar access to jobs and culture

• Excellent parks, food, nightlife, and cultural institutions

• Strong public transportation network with subways, buses, ferries, and bikes

• Diverse communities and a strong sense of local identity

Cons of living in Brooklyn

• High cost of living compared to most U.S. cities

• Rental market is competitive and expensive

• Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates

• Traffic and parking are difficult for car owners

Overall, living in Brooklyn means paying a premium, but the payoff is access to one of the most vibrant and varied boroughs in New York City. 

Taking the Leap into Brooklyn Living

Brooklyn mixes culture, food, neighborhoods, and energy in a way that keeps people coming back. Yes, rents are steep and parking’s a headache, but if the trade-offs don’t scare you, the payoff is a place that feels alive every day.

When you’re ready to trade dreaming for doing, let Colonial Van Lines get you there. With 50+ years of long-distance moving under our belt, we’ll handle the packing, hauling, and heavy lifting so you can focus on finding your new favorite pizza spot. Get started today with a free quote.