Buyers are well into a collective reconsideration of Brooklyn as a destination. In the past several decades, the borough has metamorphosed through distinct stages: An alternative to Manhattan, then a place you moved to after you were priced out of that borough,and finally a desirable location in its own right. Once upon a time, if you told people you lived in Brooklyn, they’d ask what that was like. Now they’re likely to get jealous.
Brooklyn is also a good place to look when you’re looking to buy your first apartment. Not that it’s easy, considering prices and down payments, but there are still someadvantages over Manhattan (namely space, competition, and affordability).
So what are the best Brooklyn neighborhoods for first-time buyers? To determine an answer, Brick asked Perchwell,a real estate market intelligence platform, to compile data on the neighborhoods with the most studios and one-bedroom apartments on the market at a price range young buyers could reasonably manage. There are even some two-bedrooms that fit the criteria. (And if youstill have your heart set on Manhattan, we looked at the best neighborhoods in Manhattanfor first-time buyersin a separate article.)
We defined young buyers as people between the ages of 25-44, and Perchwell filtered for those with a four-year college degree, since Brick’s primary audience is college educated. According to 2017 numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income for that group was about $104,000. Perchwell’s data experts capped the debt-to-income ratio at 30 percent—while you might spend more, that is about the limit a co-op board would accept—and they added $1,000 per month for expenses, $800 annually for insurance, and a 20 percent down payment.
FindYour NextPlace
Presented by
The result? A $450,000 maximum home price for condos, co-ops, and townhouses. Perchwell then ranked all the neighborhoods in Brooklyn with the most available homes that did not surpass that price. If you’re making the move to a new neighborhood, be sure to consult our moving guide. Here is where to start your search:
Pro Tip:
Did you know you can receive a buyer’s rebate from your broker? With Prevu,you’ll receive a rebate of two-thirds of the commission paid to the buyer’s broker at closing. On a $1.5 million Brooklyn condo, you’d pocket up to $30,000. Click here to learn about Prevu’s Smart Buyer Rebate.
1. Bay Ridge/Fort Hamilton
Number of studios available: 5
Number of one bedrooms available: 27
Median sales price for neighborhood: $804,000
Want space? Buy in Bay Ridge or Fort Hamilton. These areasin southwestern Brooklyn had by far the most one-bedroom apartments on the market that met our criteria, with a median asking price of $360,000, and many of them are large units in post-war apartment buildings or single-family row houses, with outdoor space and driveways. The wide residential streets and ample green space along places like Shore Road Park give Bay Ridge a tranquil, suburban vibe; the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge looming in the skyline is the one visual cue that you’re in a metropolis.
Perhaps because of its distance from Manhattan, Bay Ridge has been shielded from the wave of gentrification that has swept through the northern and central neighborhoods of the borough. Transportation isn’t great: the R train runs local through the neighborhood; if you drive, the BQE is right there, too. The neighborhood is becoming popular with younger residents, but there’s still a strong sense of community developed by working-class families and small businesses. If you want to set down roots for a while, it’s hard to beat Bay Ridge or Fort Hamilton.
2. Flatbush
Number of studios available: 4
Number of one bedrooms available: 22
Number of two bedrooms available: 4
Median sales price for neighborhood: $540,000
Perchwell found 12 two-bedroom apartments meeting our criteria in Flatbush and the sub-neighborhood of Northeast Flatbush (next on this list), making these neighborhoods a great option if you plan to start a family or want a home office. The median total sales price for all studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms was $299,000, so it’s one of the most affordable options, as well.
Flatbush is densely developed with large pre- and post-war apartment complexes, Victorians, brownstones, and row houses. It’s also seen a surge of new development in recent years, so prices are likely to rise. There isn’t much in the way of green space in the neighborhood itself—though Prospect Park is a short walk or bike ride away—but there is a good food scene, particularly from the neighborhood’s immigrant communities. Transportation is good too: The B, Q, 2, and 5 trains stop in the neighborhood, and there are many bus routes.
3. Northeast Flatbush
Number of studios available: 4
Number of one bedrooms available: 16
Number of two bedrooms available: 8
Median sales price for neighborhood: $599,000
In building this list, Perchwell said that they wanted to be “as specific as possible with neighborhoods to introduce potential buyers to new locations.” That’s why we’re breaking out Northeast Flatbush—it has a similar aesthetic and vibe as Flatbush on the whole, with much of the same benefits to recommend it.
But it has a whopping eight two-bedroom apartments that fit our criteria and lower prices too. The median sales price for studios, one bedrooms, and two bedrooms was $234,500, the lowest figure of any of the neighborhoods we analyzed in Brooklyn or Manhattan—so it’s worth looking specifically in northeast Flatbush, especially if price is your number-one factor. Consider it part of what’s predominantly referred to as East Flatbush, that quadrant bounded by Bedford Avenue to the west, Empire Boulevard to the north, Rockaway Parkway to the east, and Avenue H to the south.
4. Sheepshead Bay
Number of studios available: 3
Number of one bedrooms available: 14
Number of two bedrooms available: 8
Median sales price for neighborhood: $649,000
Sheepshead Bay is the southernmost neighborhood on our list, and other than Coney Island, it’s about as far as you can get in Brooklyn from Manhattan. So if commuting is a top priority, you might want to look elsewhere, though the express B train stops in the neighborhood, along with the Q. But in many other aspects, this safe, quiet, waterfront neighborhood is an excellent spot to buy in, especially if you’re looking for something you (and your family) can grow with.
That’s because you can find affordable, spacious homes here. A recent development boom has added to Sheepshead Bay’s condo stock, alongside the row houses and single-family homes more typical of the neighborhood’s inventory. Perchwellalso found eight two-bedroom homes to meet our criteria, and with a median price of $219,500, by far the most affordable of any neighborhood they looked at. There’s also a healthy selection of one bedrooms available, with a higher median price ($264,950) that reflects some of the new, higher-priced development (the two bedrooms in those developments did not fall under our price threshold).
5. Midwood
Number of studios available: 5
Number of one bedrooms available: 12
Number of two bedrooms available: 6
Median sales price for neighborhood: $492,000
If you’re picking up on a pattern, you’re not wrong. South-Central Brooklyn is a good place for first-time buyers to look, and Midwood is no exception. Like Kensington and Flatbush to the north, Midwood has diversity in housing inventory (low-rise apartment buildings, two-story detached houses, and multi-family homes) and population (tight-knit Orthodox Jewish, Chinese, and Pakistani communities).
Midwood also has space: 12 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom homes that met our criteria, with a median total sales price of $315,000. The neighborhood is dominated by the commercial strips of Kings Highway, Flatbush Avenue, and Nostrand Avenue, it has good food, and ample transportation options in the B, Q, F, 2, and 5 trains, plus numerous bus lines (including Select Bus Service and express routes). For these reasons and because of its good schools and safety ratings, prices in Midwood have been climbing.
6. Kensington
Number of studios available: 9
Number of one bedrooms available: 10
Median sales price for neighborhood: $658,000
All of the neighborhoods at the top of this list are in central or southern Brooklyn; the narrow rectangle of Kensington, with Ocean Parkway running down its heart, has edges in both. It’s a predominantly residential neighborhood with similar housing to its neighbor, Flatbush: brick row houses, single-family Victorians, large apartment complexes. The median total sales price for its studios and one bedrooms was $405,000, second-highest on our list.
What that gets you is a lovely, diverse alternative to the other neighborhoods around Prospect Park. Kensington is one of New York’s true melting pots, with incredible diversity in its Eastern European, Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese, Jewish, and Latino communities. The area is well-served by transit, with the F and G trains running along the western side, several buses (including four express buses to Manhattan), and the Q local and B express just east of Coney Island Avenue.
7. Crown Heights
Number of studios available: 6
Number of one bedrooms available: 8
Number of two bedrooms available: 2
Median sales price for neighborhood: $1,099,000
Crown Heights combines a few of the aspects of central Brooklyn neighborhoods on this list so far with the higher prices and lower inventory of the more northerly neighborhoods at the back end of our top 10. The neighborhood spans a huge section of central Brooklyn, and it’s hard to pin downa specific vibe: the avenues are busy with shops and restaurants, the cross streets are residential but energetic, and the esplanade of Eastern Parkway offers some breathing room. There’s a lot of activity everywhere, and a strong sense of neighborhood pride.
Crown Heights is still relatively affordable, but prices have been skyrocketing due to gentrification and development. The median one-bedroom price for the apartments that met Perchwell’s criteria was $430,000, second-highest of any neighborhood on the list, and the average sales price overall has just about doubled since 2012. The housing inventory is mostly brownstones, limestone town houses, and large apartment complexes, in addition to new condo developments that have gone up in recent years. The 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains run through the neighborhood, while the A and C are just north in Bed-Stuy, and there are several bus routes.
8. Bushwick
Number of studios available: 7
Number of one bedrooms available: 8
Median sales price for neighborhood: $1,192,500
Ah, Bushwick: the hipster enclave of Brooklyn. What trends start here go on to shake the world, or at least show up on Instagram profiles across the globe. You might be surprised to see it on the list, but it’s worth remembering that Bushwick combines two factors that contribute to affordable(-ish) housing: densely developed residential streets (mostly in the southern half of the neighborhood) and converted industrial spaces.
If you’re moving to Brooklyn because you love the popularized idea of Brooklyn, Bushwick is probably what you have in mind. There are boutiques and galleries galore. The bar and food scene is top notch, from hip new eateries to now-famous joints like Roberta’s and terrific Mexican spots that have long served the neighborhood’s Hispanic community. The colorful pops of graffiti help offset the neighborhood’s somewhat drab, industrial aesthetic. And transportation is decent, with the L, M, J, and Z trains plus a series of crosstown buses, though prepare for crowding. Bushwick isn’t cheap, with a median sales price for studios and one bedrooms is $397,000.
9. Brooklyn Heights
Number of studios available: 11
Number of one-bedrooms available: 1
Median sales price for neighborhood: $2,260,000
This affluent residential neighborhood only makes this list for one reason: there are just enough studio apartments available that met the criteria, with a median sales price of $350,000, second-highest in the category to Bed-Stuy (though we’re willing to bet that a studio in Bed-Stuy is bigger than a studio in Brooklyn Heights). If you’re just buying for one or two people, Brooklyn Heights is an option; in other cases, it’s probably wise to look elsewhere.
But what you’ll get in Brooklyn Heights is certainly worth the consideration. This intimate neighborhood has lovely architecture, tree-lined streets and plenty of parks, good restaurants, great views, and the best public transit availability in the borough. Housing-wise, it’s mostly known for its charming brownstone row houses, but what qualifies it for this list are the smaller co-ops in its large, pre-war apartment buildings.
10. Bedford-Stuyvesant
Number of studios available: 3
Number of one-bedrooms available: 7
Median sales price for neighborhood: $1,195,000
If we were to do this list again in a few years, it’s doubtful that Bed-Stuy would be on it. The neighborhood has experienced rapid gentrification in recent years, as people snap up the elegant brownstones lining its quiet, leafy streets. But there some studios and one bedrooms on the market that first-time buyers could afford, though with a median sales price of $427,000, it’s the most expensive neighborhood for that inventory.
The gentrification hasn’t squelched Bed-Stuy’s indomitable spirit. Historically it has been a major cultural hub for New York’s African American population, and there’s still a tight-knit community spirit in the form of active block associations, lots of churches and community centers, a robust stoop culture, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Transportation is somewhat limited—the A, C, G, and J lines skirt the neighborhood’s edges, though there is good bus access—and there isn’t much green space. But if you can afford it, Bed-Stuy is a good place to consider settling down.
You Might Also Like
Buy Need help buying a place in New York City? This new company co-funds the down payment on a condo or brownstone
Sell Report: Brooklyn's record prices fade in the rearview window
Buy Brick Underground's best advice on down payments in New York City
FAQs
Are Brooklyn real estate prices falling? ›
In Quarter 2, the median home sale price in Brooklyn was $842K, a 1% change year-over-year. There were a total of 2918 transactions, down 6% compared to the same month last year. In Quarter 2, the median price per square foot was $941, a 9% YoY change. The median home sale price in New York City was $765K.
What is the hippest neighborhood in Brooklyn? ›Probably the most well-known of 'coolest neighborhoods in Brooklyn' due to its high concentration of hipster culture, artists, and ubiquitous amounts of places to dine, drink, and entertainment, Williamsburg is no doubt one of the most fun areas in Brooklyn to explore and a great introductory neighborhood if you're ...
What is the fanciest neighborhood in Brooklyn? ›Although the 15 most expensive NYC neighborhoods are all in Manhattan, many Brooklyn neighborhoods made our top-50 list, including Cobble Hill, the most expensive nabe in the borough, where prices averaged $1,640,000. Prices were also above $1.5 million in Carroll Gardens and Boerum Hill.
Are there nice neighborhoods in Brooklyn? ›Coined as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Park Slope sits on the northwestern edge of Prospect Park, and aspiring buyers will find museums, gardens, townhouses, and more in this quaint section of Kings County.
What is the average price of a home in Brooklyn? ›Brooklyn, NY Housing Market
In September 2022, the median listing home price in Brooklyn, NY was $869K, flat year-over-year. The median listing home price per square foot was $855. The median home sold price was $627.5K.
The number of listings in Brooklyn, NY increased by 0.2% between August 2022 and September 2022. Listings spent 88 days on the market in September 2022, and had a median list price of $944,798 during the same period.
Will rent go down in 2022? ›Year-over-year rental price growth will rise from 5.8%, as of June 2022, to 8.4% as of May 2023, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas forecast that uses data from the federal government's consumer price index.
Is Bed Stuy gentrifying? ›Bed-Stuy architecture illuminates cycles of gentrification experienced by the neighborhood. Here, we see historic brownstones and townhouses built for the expanding middle class around 1900, backdropped against new condos under construction, built to serve a new wave of gentrifiers settling in the neighborhood.
Is Brooklyn overpriced? ›Brooklyn has a very high cost of living index of 200.7, with 100 as the American average. That puts Brooklyn's cost of living over double that of the national average. A single spends roughly $1,190.19 a month on expenses (not including rent), and a family of four spends $4,356.86 (not including rent).
What is the whitest neighborhood in Brooklyn? ›According to recent maps of census data, the heart of Borough Park—from 13th to 20th Avenues and roughly 45th to 55th Streets—is overwhelmingly white. Many census tracts report high numbers of white residents—96 percent, 97 percent—but rarely (if never) are there several such areas all together like this.
What is the most expensive zip code in Brooklyn? ›
Zip code 10014—encompassing blocks of the West Village, Greenwich Village and a very small portion of SoHo—landed the #1 spot as the most expensive zip in H1 2020, with a median home sale price of $4.2 million.
Is Brooklyn or Queens more expensive? ›With that said, if you're going for affordability, Queens had Brooklyn beat. The average cost to rent in Brooklyn is around $3,000 compared to $2,600 for Queens.
Who lives in Dumbo Brooklyn? ›Its residents are young professionals in the tech industries (Dumbo has the city's highest concentration of technology firms, home to 25% of New York-based tech firms). Its lofty apartments and office spaces also attract artists, small business owners, and affluent couples with young children.
Where do most actors live? ›Celebrities can be found in all kinds of places in the US and abroad, but the highest concentration of famous people is still in Hollywood Hills.
Is Dumbo a good place to live? ›DUMBO is a neighborhood in New York City, New York with a population of 3,671. DUMBO is in Kings County and is one of the best places to live in New York. Living in DUMBO offers residents a dense urban feel and most residents rent their homes. In DUMBO there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
Is Brooklyn or Queens safer? ›According to crime statistics, Queens is safer than Brooklyn, the Bronx, and even Manhattan. Although Brooklyn and Manhattan tend to be feature pricier real estate, Queens has a rate of violent crime that is more than 50% lower. In contrast, violent crime in the Bronx is more than 250% higher than in Queens as a whole.
Is Brooklyn safer than Manhattan? ›Crime Rates - Manhattan and Brooklyn Are Equally Safe
The crime indexes in Manhattan and Brooklyn are, according to Neighborhood Scout, 30 and 32, respectively. There are many more crimes committed in Brooklyn, but that's also because the population is much larger than in Manhattan.
One in five Brooklyn households has a median income of over $100,000 per year—twice as many as a decade before—while one in five receives food stamp benefits. Brooklyn ranks first in NYC in total number of children living in poverty.
What is the best area in Brooklyn? ›The best place to live in Brooklyn is Park Slope. Park Slope is a quaint neighborhood located on the western slope of Prospect Park that is one of the most well-known, desirable, and safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Is Brooklyn or Queens safer? ›According to crime statistics, Queens is safer than Brooklyn, the Bronx, and even Manhattan. Although Brooklyn and Manhattan tend to be feature pricier real estate, Queens has a rate of violent crime that is more than 50% lower. In contrast, violent crime in the Bronx is more than 250% higher than in Queens as a whole.
Is Brooklyn safer than Manhattan? ›
Crime Rates - Manhattan and Brooklyn Are Equally Safe
The crime indexes in Manhattan and Brooklyn are, according to Neighborhood Scout, 30 and 32, respectively. There are many more crimes committed in Brooklyn, but that's also because the population is much larger than in Manhattan.
One in five Brooklyn households has a median income of over $100,000 per year—twice as many as a decade before—while one in five receives food stamp benefits. Brooklyn ranks first in NYC in total number of children living in poverty.
Which is better Queens or Brooklyn? ›Both Brooklyn and Queens have great nightclubs that are less crowded and also less frequented by tourists. Brooklyn probably edges out Queens as far as liveliness, but if you're looking for a dive or a quieter bar, both neighborhoods have plenty to offer.
Is Bed-Stuy gentrifying? ›Bed-Stuy architecture illuminates cycles of gentrification experienced by the neighborhood. Here, we see historic brownstones and townhouses built for the expanding middle class around 1900, backdropped against new condos under construction, built to serve a new wave of gentrifiers settling in the neighborhood.
Why Brooklyn is the best borough? ›Brooklyn boasts the best views of the Manhattan skyline from anywhere in the city. Just spend some time in Brooklyn Bridge Park or East River Park, and see if you don't agree. In addition to exceptional views, these impressive green spaces host loads of entertainment and community events.
Is Brooklyn or Bronx safer? ›The Bronx vs Other Boroughs in NYC
The Bronx has the highest rate of violent crime in the city. The rate of violent crime in the Bronx is close to twice what it is in Brooklyn and Manhattan and nearly three times that of Queens and State Island.
Within every borough there are countless additional neighborhoods, and Brooklyn is famous for the diversity within its neighborhoods. While the Bronx is more downtown and city-like, Brooklyn is known for its enriched cultural influences, art scene, and independent, entrepreneurial spirit.
What part of NYC has the most crime? ›- Midtown. While Midtown is one of the nicest locations to visit, it is also one of New York's most dangerous neighbourhoods. ...
- Bedford. Stuyvesant (Bed-Sty): This area has a rich history, but not quite enough to drown out the crimes. ...
- Hunts Point. ...
- Downtown. ...
- East Harlem. ...
- Soundview. ...
- Tremont. ...
- Fordham.
Bay Ridge is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with an average of 5.9 non-violent crimes per 1000 residents. The coastal setting of the neighborhood offers numerous opportunities for dining, entertainment, and leisure.
Should I move to Brooklyn or Manhattan? ›The short version is that many Brooklyn neighborhoods have a more open, spacious, residential feel; the buildings aren't as tall and the streets tend to be wider. But if you crave the fast-paced NYC lifestyle and proximity to world-class cultural institutions, nothing beats living in Manhattan.
What is living in Brooklyn like? ›
Brooklyn is one of the best places to live in New York. With streets lined with brownstones and bustling energy all around it, Brooklyn is a unique place full of fantastic food, live music, waterfronts, street art, Coney Island, Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, and much more.
What is the poorest part of Brooklyn? ›Billionaire's Row NYC: Where Is It and How Did It Get That Name? Manhattan is no stranger to wealth. But “Billionaire's Row,” an enclave around 57th Street, has become a symbol of the city's increasingly stupendous riches.
Is Coney Island poor? ›In Coney Island, 24% of residents live in poverty, compared with 20% of NYC residents. Access to affordable housing and employment opportunities with fair wages and benefits are also closely associated with good health.