The 12 Best Neighborhoods in Brooklyn for Renters

With around 77 neighborhoods to boast, Brooklyn is a pretty sought-after borough comprising a range of communities and ethnicities worldwide. The best part about Brooklyn is its ability to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. So, whether you’re looking for a community with a thriving nightlife scene, concerts, and sports events, or wish to live in a tranquil, family-oriented locale with lots of parks, Brooklyn doesn’t disappoint!

Since 77 is a big number to cover, we’ll make do with 12 of the top neighborhoods Brooklyn has to offer. Whether you’d prefer to rent a room or a house, Brooklyn will find you something that meets your budget and requirements. If you think living with a roommate in Brooklyn might be more cost-effective, you’re sure to find one!

Complete guide to the 12 best Brooklyn neighborhoods:

1. Williamsburg

Once an industrial area filled with immigrants, Williamsburg was home to artists attempting to carve a niche for themselves. The construction of Williamsburg Bridge brought about the community’s massive transformation, so much so that factories and industrial buildings now house workplaces and studios! You’ll find luxury apartments, lofts, expensive condos, two-story single-family homes, and studio high-rises. It’s an upscale neighborhood, so the rents are among the highest in the city. Considering the range of housing options at your disposal, think of renting a room or a house, depending on your budget. Williamsburg is a hub for hipsters and a hang-out spot for youngsters from different backgrounds.

Residents comprise artists, millennials, young professionals, real estate entrepreneurs, not to mention a ton of global communities like Hasidic Jews, Dominican, and Puerto Rican immigrants. This might be a great place to find a roommate in Brooklyn if you’re considering the option.

The community nurtures art, reflected in the many art galleries, street art, and paintings all across the area. Perks, or what most people call necessities these days, are also available, whether it’s parks, breweries, a Whole Foods grocery store, tobacco shops, top-notch music locales, and some of the finest restaurants in NYC. Such as? There’s the famous Peter Luger Steak House. Missy Robin, a Michelin star chef. owns Lilia and Misi, both specializing in Italian cuisine. If you have time and the appetite, try them out. Bedford Avenue is the scene of many eateries, boutiques, and chic cocktail bars. Can we survive without coffee? Don’t answer that! Toby’s Estate Coffee serves excellent cold brews, so give them a try.

The locale has a thriving nightlife scene. Brooklyn Steel, the Music Hall of Williamsburg, and Baby’s All Right are perfect places for music lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts or nature lovers can head over to McCarren Park and Domino Park, spread over five acres.

Finally, Williamsburg’s location is ideal and travel time is drastically reduced. It’s a walkable and bikeable area as well.

2. Bushwick

Bushwick is an old but pleasant neighborhood with a huge Latin population. Let’s not forget the other residents of the locale, including young families, artists, and filmmakers. The crowd here has refined over the last 20 years, which is why you see many young professionals and creative folks. The community is also a tightly-knit one, besides being affordable. So, if you’re thinking of renting a house in Brooklyn, this might be an excellent place to explore, although remember that you’ll be up against many others looking for rentals in the same area.

The area is peppered with dive bars, eateries with an old-world feel, warehouse galleries, and street art. It’s a blend of the old and the new, so you’ll also get to see chic restaurants, stylish wine bars, and modern boutique condos too.

Knickerbocker Avenue is the center of all the action. You’ll discover bars, restaurants, and coffee shops aplenty. Any interest in Japanese cuisine? Pop by Ichiran for delectable Japanese ramen. How about Ethiopian food? Bunna Cafe serves tasty vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian food. Pizza’s always a favorite, so check out Roberta’s. Known for cocktails inspired by zodiac signs, drop by Mood Ring for drinks.

If you’re looking for more recreational options, visit Maria Hernandez Park. It comprises sports courts, a children’s playground, and a place for pet dogs, so take up a game you fancy.

Overall, Bushwick is a walkable neighborhood, so reaching places should be a breeze!

3. Bedford - Stuyvesant

Bedford - Stuyvesant or Bed-Stuy is a sought-after and reasonably-priced neighborhood. The area houses the most extensive collection of 19th-century Victorian houses in America, not to mention the notable brownstones. So, you could consider renting a room in Brooklyn here if you see something you like.

Bed-Stuy has served as the hub for African American culture in New York for 100 years and is a notable hip-hop locale. Celebrities like Chris Rock, Jay-Z, and Mike Tyson lived in the neighborhood at some point. Residents comprise hipsters, artists, political activists, writers, singers, tech professionals, and families spread across generations. Famous for its greenery, you’ll find it throughout the neighborhood, giving it a sheltered feel.

Bedford - Stuyvesant has several restaurants serving a range of cuisines. Have some Southern-style fried chicken at Peaches HotHouse. For comfort food, head over to Fancy Nancy.

The locale organizes lots of events such as movies in the park, community churches, and summer block parties. In other words, there’s a sense of unity and people look out for each other. Music runs in the blood of the locale, so if you’re in the mood for music and drinks, drop by Doris. Lovers Rock and C’mon Everybody are your other choices. Bed-Stuy has a mural dedicated to The Notorious B.I.G., which people travel to see in hordes.

In the end, it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

4. Park Slope

Park Slope was among the most affluent neighborhoods globally at one point and continues to be an upscale place. It started housing young professionals from the late 20th century. Residents also comprise tech workers, college professors, creative professionals, Wall Street folks, not to mention families aplenty. The area is dotted with stunning Victorian mansions and old brownstones. Rents are one of the highest in the borough. So, if you see yourself living here, try to find a roommate in Brooklyn here so that you can split the rent and it will be much affordable. Park Slope also has an excellent private and public school system and proximity to public transportation.

Museums, community gardens, charming boutiques, fancy restaurants and bakeries, coffee shops, and wine stores can be found along Seventh Ave, so you should definitely explore the area. Visit Fifth Avenue for more exciting options such as Vietnamese gastropubs, tiki lounges, Columbian bistros, and dive bars that allow pet dogs. Here, you’ll also find women’s clothing stores, local art, and vinyl if you’re into music.

Drop by the Farmers Market on weekends and check out the vegan items and organic fruit, among other fresh produce. Wish to spend some time in the lap of nature? Prospect Park, sprawled across 586 acres, is your place. In addition, it has a zoo, a lake, and a seasonal skating rink!. So, there are lots of things to do here. Brooklyn Botanical Garden and the Brooklyn Public Library are two other places you can add to your itinerary.

Let’s talk about food! If you’re in the mood for some Italian cuisine, try Fausto. If you don’t mind trying Mexican food with a modern touch, visit Fonda.

In a word, Park Slope is a highly walkable and bikeable neighborhood, not to mention a fairly safe one.

5. Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge is a family-oriented neighborhood that has remained the same for about 50 years now. While it’s more of a senior community filled with old tenants, there are numerous professional married couples with kids. The locale houses attached and detached homes. Driveways, backyards, and garages, occupy several of these detached homes. The rents in Bay Ridge are a bit on the higher side, so find out the rental prices before renting a house or room here.

The locale provides many amenities for residents and visitors alike, including extravagant shopping options and boutiques along 86th Street. For fancy eateries and nightlife options, check out Third and Fifth Streets. Catch a movie at the only movie theater in the neighborhood. For breathtaking vistas of the beautiful Verrazano Narrows Bridge, visit Narrows Botanical Garden. You’ll also get to see a lily pond, rose gardens, and a zen garden too!

Traveling to and from the place may be a challenge because of its location. Overall, it is counted amongst the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

6. Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn is the heart of the borough and is the primary business center, peppered with skyscrapers. You’ll find plenty of office buildings, financial towers, shiny condos, high-rise apartments, and townhouses. So, you have a host of options to choose from. If you’re looking to find a perfect roommate here, we hope you find something that meets your budget.

What you’ll also get to see is large-scale construction activity in an effort to transform the locale into a swankier place. When the construction of the 1099-foot tall skyscraper at 9, Dekalb Avenue is over, Downtown Brooklyn will get a makeover that residents and visitors will love! NYU is also taking up a slice of the area, so students looking for higher learning opportunities can celebrate!

Downtown Brooklyn plays many other roles too. It’s a significant education hub housing universities like Long Island University, St. Francis College, New York City College of Technology, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, and Brooklyn Law School. This is also the seat of power for those governing the borough.

Interested in shopping? Forget we asked and drop by Fulton Mall and take your pick from among 230 stores! Choose from among the plethora of restaurants, specializing in outdoor dining and savor your meals!

In summary, the area scores very high on the walkability scale, so walk down to the places you want to see.

7. Greenpoint

At the intersection of the East River and Newtown Creek lies the tranquil neighborhood of Greenpoint. Anyone who’s watched the television series ‘Girls’ on HBO will recognize the community. The locale housed Polish immigrants for years together and you'll see several generations of families still residing here. Greenpoint is peppered with rowhouses and brownstones should you be looking to rent a house or a room in one of these houses.

Searching for a traditional grocery store? Head over to Manhattan Ave to find these stores. You can also access Eastern European eateries and delis offering pierogies, a Polish delicacy, and crystal shops. Interestingly, these places coexist with warehouses-turned-independent boutiques, trendy cafes, and bars on Franklin Street! Step into one of these cafes if you’d like to try a CBD-spiked coffee! In other words, the new and the old exist in perfect harmony.

For places to explore, there’s WNYC Transmitter Park with a 400-foot pier that helps you view Manhattan from Brooklyn. And there’s always food to relish whenever we’re in a new place. Try Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop, which has been in the baked goods business for over 60 years! Glasserie is a Mediterranean restaurant and bar in case you’re interested in trying a new cuisine. Karczma and Polka Dot offer mouthwatering Polish cuisine, so be sure to give them a shot. In the mood for drinks, on the water? Head over to the Brooklyn Barge, a boat bar that runs seasonally and soak in the sights and sounds.

To conclude, Greenpoint scores pretty high on walkability, so make the most of your two feet to reach places!

8. Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is a stunning high-end neighborhood peppered with rowhouses and cobblestone streets. You’ll also find traditional brownstones, 19th-century wood homes, and pre-war cooperatives, not to mention several parks and streets dotted with trees! While you have plenty of options to choose from if you’re searching for a rental room or house, be sure to check the prices because Brooklyn Heights is among the most upscale communities in NYC.

Also, the locale has some excellent and expensive private schools for families. You can travel anywhere in the borough by train, car, or ferry, so that’s another neighborhood plus. There are many dining and nightlife options for residents and visitors alike.

For food options, you have Grimaldi’s Pizzeria. Juliana’s Pizza, which has the honor of being voted the best pizzeria in the country, is another eatery worth your visit. You could try Clark’s Restaurant for proper meals and a host of options for egg lovers!

Among places to see, there’s the Brooklyn Promenade, among the top green spaces NYC houses along the waterfront, and the Fulton Ferry Landing, the first ferry service from Brooklyn to Manhattan, started in 1642.

To summarize, the neighborhood is pretty walkable, so have fun exploring the area on foot!

9. Dumbo

While Dumbo might sound like a bizarre name for a neighborhood, it’s the short form for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,’ which is nothing but the area’s location. It’s a premier neighborhood, thanks to its location. You’ll find huge condos, luxury warehouse lofts, and art galleries lining the neighborhood. Once again, the rents are pretty high, so renting a room or a house in this area might seem challenging. Residents comprise tech professionals, young families, and artists.

Dumbo is also a tech hub housing 25 percent of all the tech companies in NYC. Tech startups crop up now and then. Some top-level companies include West Elm, BioLite, Etsy, and Huge. The area has undergone revitalization and now houses many shops, eateries, and bars. Remember to drop by the Brooklyn Roasting Company for some amazing coffee.

Among its places to visit, you’ll find St. Ann’s Warehouse, a performing arts institution. Be sure to drop by the Brooklyn Flea on Sundays anytime from April to October. Check out Gleason’s Gym, where world-renowned boxers Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson were trained. If you want to know more about Brooklyn’s history, spanning 400 years, the Brooklyn Historical Society is your place! Don’t forget Jane’s Carousel, renovated and presented to the neighborhood by Jane Walentas, an arts patron.

In the end, Dumbo has a very high walkability score, so commuting hassles are reduced!

10. Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights is a middle-class, amongst the best reasonably-priced neighborhoods in Brooklyn with a laid-back vibe. You can easily reach places from here by bike, on foot, or using public transportation. The area’s undergoing construction along Atlantic Avenue to develop a project named Pacific Park, spread over 22 acres. Once it’s finished, Prospect Heights will have 17 new high-rise buildings that will change the face of the locale! You’ll discover rowhouses, condos, brownstones, and refurbished old buildings, all of which are available for rent. Whether you want to rent a house or a room, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Interestingly, due to a change in the grid design in the 19th century, several buildings in the area have bizarre shapes and jut out at weird angles.

The nightlife scene in Prospect Heights is thriving, and you have a number of bars and eateries. For example, you have Tom’s on Washington Avenue. People flock to the place for its pancakes. Don’t worry if the queue is too long. You’ll be treated to free pastries and coffee while you’re waiting. If only all eateries treated their customers the same way!

Looking for places to explore? Head over to the Brooklyn Museum, containing the second-biggest art collection in the city! Then there’s Barclays Center, an indoor arena that has hosted many games for the Brooklyn Nets. Don’t forget to explore the Museum of Women’s Resistance to learn more about the impact of notable African American women on the world. Last but not least, there’s Prospect Park. Its highlights include walking paths, picnic spots, a lake, the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and the Prospect Park Bandshell, among others!

Overall, Prospect Heights is a walkable and bikeable neighborhood.

11. Cobble Hill

Home to Dutch farmers in the mid-17th century, Cobble Hill is a lovely neighborhood. The locale has retained its rustic nature despite rapid development in the other areas of the borough. You’ll find beautiful brownstones, old churches, and cobblestone streets that take you back in time! Think about finding a rental house or room in the community. Residents comprise young professionals and the brainy, with their families.

One of the area’s selling points is the range of small generational businesses housed here. In other words, you’ll find plenty of antique shops, booksellers, independent galleries, and sidewalk cafes. While you’re around, try out Poppy’s Bakery for its delectable cookies! Be sure to drop by Sam’s, the oldest eatery in the area. For the ideal combination of drinks and music, Clover Club is the place to be. Savor cocktails while listening to live jazz.

The locale has many parks that residents and visitors can spend time at, and Cobble Hill Park is one among them. Feel like watching a movie? Cobble Hill Cinemas has five screens featuring classics, indie films, and hits, so get some popcorn and watch a feel-good movie! Finally, there’s Homage Skate Academy for the outdoorsy, and The Invisible Dog Art Center, housing art studios and running workshops, performances, and pop-up events.

In a word, Cobble Hill is a walkable and bikeable neighborhood, so you know how to get around!

12. Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens is a family-oriented neighborhood, perfect for families with kids. The locale has a community vibe and the energy of a small town. It was named after the American Revolutionary War leader, Charles Carroll. The area houses lovely brownstones if you’re interested in finding a house or room for rent here.

Carroll Gardens has a substantial Italian influence that’s reflected in the area’s cannoli bakeries, pizzerias, delis, and traditional pasta eateries. Of late, with the entry of several French expats, French cafes, restaurants, and boutiques have started cropping up like mushrooms. You’ll also find many yoga studios, groceries selling traditionally-made goods, and frozen yogurt stores to cater to young parents. Shopaholics can head over to Yesterday’s News for vintage items. For women’s clothing, it’s Article&.

Buttermilk Channel is an ideal spot for brunch and a must-visit place. If you’re there, have the pecan pie french toast, home-made lox, and a couple of bloody marys! If you have a sweet tooth, you must drop by Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain, housed in an apothecary from the early 20th century, and try out their sundaes. For drinks, Bar Great Harry is perfect for craft beers. Lucali’s is fantastic for pizzas if you’re in the mood. For cannolis, it’s Mazzola bakery!

Explore Carroll Park, which comes with a children’s play area, a baseball field, and basketball courts. Finally, if you’re into theater, you could watch a performance based on a Shakespearan play at Smith Street Stage.

Conclusion

So, are you enthused about finding out more about the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn? We hope you are! Every neighborhood in Brooklyn stands apart, thanks to the perks it provides its residents, whether it concerns food, nightlife, history, architecture, not to mention the range of housing options, so much so people are left wondering which way to go! In the end, besides finding out more about neighborhoods you like, take the time to experience them for yourself and find one you can connect with. Then decide!