Safety and affordability are top priorities for many renters, especially those looking to live in a bustling metropolis like Brooklyn, New York. There will always be safety concerns when it comes to living in a big city – not only regarding safety in an apartment, but safety in the city and neighborhood itself. Here are some factors you might want to consider when comparing neighborhoods:
- Crime rate
- Walkability
- Access to mass transit
- Well-lit roads
- Maintained community spaces and parks
- Access to local businesses
- High-ranking schools
Don’t let the tall tales fool you about living in Brooklyn. Like any major city, NYC is an exciting, fun place to live, as long as you know what to look for. When searching for your perfect location, take into account current rent trends, overall livability, and safety. There are many terrific neighborhoods in Brooklyn. While this list is by no means comprehensive, this should give you a place to start when searching for safe neighborhoods in Brooklyn:
Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill is an iconic neighborhood known for historic charm and beautiful brownstones. It features eclectic restaurants, bars, playgrounds, and community parks in a pedestrian-friendly, safe setting.
This historic haven is one for the books – and I mean that literally. In fact, this neighborhood influenced some of Walt Whitman’s works during his residency in the neighborhood (he was a long-time Brooklynite himself). If you’re a literary buff like me, then you’re as impressed as I am! This prominent neighborhood offers some of the most walkable streets in the city of Brooklyn, and its mass transit options are the best in town.
Dyker Heights
You’ll find the livability of Dyker Heights quite enticing – maybe even enough to make this neighborhood your new home! This bayside neighborhood has a suburban feel that you'll appreciate. Dyker Heights is very laid-back with a decent amount of transit for being in Southwest Brooklyn, while still maintaining extremely walkable streets.
Dyker Heights is known for offering more detached homes than many New York City neighborhoods. You’ll find all ages in Dyker Heights with many new residents choosing this neighborhood for its welcoming environment and safe reputation – not to mention the beautiful waterfront views of New York Harbor and the sprawling Dyker Beach Golf Course!
Kensington
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, you’ll discover the charming neighborhood of Kensington. A diverse neighborhood known for great schools and a welcoming atmosphere, you'll feel safe and secure in this Brooklyn neighborhood. Kensington offers renters an eclectic blend of unique architecture, historic homes, longstanding businesses, and brick apartment buildings – some stand-alone and some lofted above local restaurants and shops.
This neighborhood is made up of mostly renters, which is great for fellow renters like yourself! Residents of Kensington are pleased with its central location in Brooklyn with quick and easy access to mass transit. And lucky for you, Kensington’s streets are as walkable as can be – keeping you feeling safe while strolling along this neighborhood’s charming streets!
Bay Ridge
On the edge of New York’s Upper Bay, the coastal neighborhood of Bay Ridge boasts excellent transit options and very walkable streets, getting you from one place to the next as safely as possible. The distance from this waterfront neighborhood and the heart of Brooklyn puts its residents at ease – they still have easy access to the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, but they can relax in their suburban-feeling neighborhood.
With its tree-lined streets and trendy restaurants, Bay Ridge is continuously on the rise. It's easy to see what residents love about Bay Ridge, with its numerous waterfront parks featuring hiking and biking trails, not to mention the gorgeous views of the harbor and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.
Carroll Gardens
One of New York City’s top-rated neighborhoods, Carroll Gardens makes the top 25 of Niche’s safe NYC neighborhoods list for 2019. And with its tight-knit community, hip environment, and historic charm, it’s easy to see why residents of Carroll Gardens feel safe living here. From modern high-rise apartments to classic brownstones, residents appreciate the quaint and cozy feel that accompanies this residential neighborhood.
With tree-lined streets and local businesses spread throughout the neighborhood, you should have no problem walking, driving, or biking to locations around your apartment. Carroll Gardens boasts numerous qualities of a safe neighborhood, but don’t forget about the family-friendly community parks and playgrounds! And if you squint towards the harbor, you’ll catch a view of the Statue of Liberty! She’s quite the sight to see.
Park Slope
According to Niche.com, Park Slope is one of the top 15 safest neighborhoods in New York City, and that says a lot! This neighborhood ranks at the top of the list for everything from safety to diversity, and its residents appreciate the upscale qualities and pedestrian-friendly streets it offers. Welcoming neighbors give Park Slope a suburban feel, which brings more and more families to the area. Brick apartment buildings with great views reside around town that are geared towards its vast renter population – alluring, right?
But don’t forget about the historic homes and nearby attractions such as Prospect Park, directly adjacent to Park Slope! With a zoo, lake, community events, and various forms of outdoor recreation, you’ll find plenty of excitement around town. And if you’re looking for a bit of nightlife, Union Hall is the place to be. Park Slope boasts unbeatable transit and a laid-back vibe that will keep you feeling secure in your apartment, walking around town, or visiting delicious restaurants around 7th Avenue.
Whether you’re wanting to move to a safer neighborhood, you’re new to the city and want to know about its safety, or you’re just bored and searching rental safety questions on the internet (there’s no shame in the online searching game), these six neighborhoods are spectacular options for renting in the bustling borough of Brooklyn. Stay safe, my fellow renters!
