Are you considering a move to iconic Brooklyn? Of the five boroughs in New York City, Brooklyn is the largest and the most densely populated. Had Brooklyn been a city as it once was until the late 1800s, it would have the distinction of being the third-largest city in the United States with more than 2.5 million residents, which ranks it just second behind Los Angeles and Chicago.
Brooklyn may often be thought of as a spot tailor-made for hipsters, thanks to its eccentric cafes and trendy brunch spots. However, there’s a lot more to Brooklyn than just its trendy food scene. For one, Brooklyn boasts of a rich history, which can be seen everywhere you look. With the unique mark that has been left by generations of immigrants, Brooklyn has a reputation for being the most ethnically diverse areas in the entire U.S.
Brooklyn continues to be an attractive destination for people from all over the country, thanks to its robust job market, fine schools, and a strong sense of community. If you’re thinking about relocating to Brooklyn from Manhattan, here are a few things that you should know:
1) Brooklyn’s famous neighborhoods
Brooklyn is renowned for its neighborhoods. So much so that people who have yet to step foot in Brooklyn have already heard of them. Here are three of the most popular ones:
Williamsburg
This neighborhood has become the de facto face of Brooklyn with its appearances in famous movies and TV shows such as “John Wick” and “2 Broke Girls.” If you are looking for the ultimate hipster experience, then Williamsburg is where you should be. Here, you can partake in its dazzling nightlife, hip brunch joints and art galleries so boredom is the least of your worries in this area.
DUMBO
No, we’re not talking about a flying elephant with oversized ears. DUMBO means Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and this neighborhood is renowned for its stunning view of the Manhattan and the East River waterfront, presence of tech startups, and chic markets.
Park Slope
This neighborhood has gained a lofty reputation for its historic landmarks and brownstones. It is also quite popular with young families that are searching for a close community that offers great schools.
2) Best prepare your wallet for Brooklyn’s high cost of living
A report that was conducted by Streeteasy back in October 2019 determined that the average house price in Brooklyn amounted to a whopping $700,000! The average rental price was also pegged at $2,700, making Brooklyn one of the most expensive places to live in the entire country. However, one thing that you can save on when living in Brooklyn is car expenses. According to data from the Tri-State Transportation, most households in the area live without a vehicle.
3) Move around using the public transit
There’s a reason why having a vehicle is unnecessary in Brooklyn: it’s because when it comes to getting from point A to B, the subway is still the fastest and most reliable way to move around. Brooklyn has 170 subway stations and its most prominent transit hub is the Atlantic Terminal, which is served by the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R and W trains.
4) Prepare your clothes for Brooklyn’s four climates
Brooklyn residents walk more than people residing in any other city so more often than not, you can expect to get exposed to the elements. And while Brooklyn doesn’t get as cold as Chicago nor does it get as hot and humid as New Orleans, you still have to make sure you are packing clothes that are appropriate for the climate changes.
And here’s another pro-tip for you: make sure to have comfortable walking shoes and stock up on those. You’ll be pounding the pavement often so chances are, you’ll wear your shoes out very quickly.
5) Brooklyn is a food lover’s dream
Brooklyn is truly a melting pot, as evidenced by the numerous ethnic cuisines that you can partake throughout the borough. From the Jamaican jerk chicken to dim sum to baklava, you can have whatever it is you’re craving if you’re in Brooklyn. The best part is new restaurants are popping up every so often so you and your friends will always have something new to try.
But if your taste buds are looking for something more familiar, there are several iconic restaurants in Brooklyn that you can try such as Nathan’s Famous, which is an international food chain that has been serving diners since 1916. If you’re after classic Italian cooking, you can’t go wrong with Bamonte’s, which is a place that has been around since 1900. You can also pay a visit to Junior’s Restaurant which serves its famous cheesecakes and pastrami sandwiches.
6) Make sure to hire a professional moving company
Making a move from Manhattan to Brooklyn might not go smoothly if you elect to go the DIY route. It’s always wise to hire trusted residential movers in Manhattan or Brooklyn to handle every element of your move. Even if relocating from Manhattan to Brooklyn may not seem like it’s far, you still must consider the pros and cons of working by yourself or getting some help from people who know what they’re doing.
