Most Expensive Neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Exploring Brooklyn neighborhoods and not sure where to start? I was on a similar journey in 2011 when my husband and I wanted to move from Manhattan. We simply looked at the subway lines and explored where many overlapped. That’s how we picked the right neighborhood in the city.

As you’re exploring Brooklyn, understanding costs for the various parts of Brooklyn is an important consideration. Perhaps you want to be in the richest neighborhoods in Brooklyn (Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights are lovely) but this guide can be a starting place for what other options are out there.

Based on the average price per square foot, Brooklyn Heights is the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn. Brooklyn Heights is known for its beautiful brownstone townhouses and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Brooklyn Heights was the very first landmarked neighborhood and if you've explored the Brooklyn promenade you can see this immediately as 1800's historic brownstones surround you. Living in a landmarked neighborhood will deliver picturesque tree lined streets and brownstones.

If you're looking for more affordable options, neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights might be worth considering. These areas have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a vibrant mix of cultures and a growing restaurant scene. The average price per square foot in these neighborhoods is significantly lower than others, making them more accessible for those on a tighter budget.

As I look at my analysis, these results really show that Downtown Brooklyn is an area for opportunity. Downtown Brooklyn is in close proximity to all of the most sought-after neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, and Park Slope but at a much more affordable price per square foot. Equally as important if you're looking to buy, there is a high degree of inventory (2nd graph below) which reflects the high rises in the neighborhood.

Downtown Brooklyn is incredibly close to Fort Greene Park, has amazing amenities like Trader Joe's and Alamo Drafthouse, and it's an easy commute to anywhere in the city. With the Ace Hotel and Gage & Tollner close by, dining and nightlife is increasing in the area. Particularly if you work near Grand Central, you can be there in 20 minutes from the Nevins Street or Borough Hall subway stop.

My favorite building for families in Downtown Brooklyn is 11 Hoyt. It is an oasis - 11 Hoyt literally has a playground built into the building. The private road entrance is a game changer for unloading children, car seats, luggage, etc.

Park Slope is often the first neighborhood families research when exploring parts of Brooklyn. The backyard facing Prospect Park is the perfect amenity whether or not you have private outdoor space.

Park Slope is a vast neighborhood with lots of apartment inventory as well as playgrounds, camps, and children’s activities. (Far more classes and camps than any other neighborhood in Brooklyn). If you are commuting to the office regularly, make sure to use a very specific map area for your search Park Slope. There are pockets that could be a long walk from the train or only near a local option which could take 1 hour or more to certain parts of Manhattan.

Stay tuned for more deep-dive insights into the best neighborhoods by your commute, zip codes with the most daycare centers, bars, and more!

-Katie

A note on how I conducted this research: I compared condominiums sold from July 2022- September 2023. Because condominiums are more likely to be similar types of product, I did not include co-ops or townhouses. Both of those products are great to consider for your search but harder to make large-scale comparisons (in my opinion). Co-ops in particular are apartments to always consider as they trade at an average of 20% discount below condominiums.