Choosing a Neighborhood in Brooklyn

First I want to start with choosing a neighborhood in Brooklyn.  As time passes my goal is to focus on the neighborhoods in greater detail, that way you can make your choice with much more knowledge.  Many people move to New York not really knowing about each neighborhood, and some later on may wish they chose differently. 

There is a lot to take into consideration when moving and choosing a neighborhood, these are.

-Price
-Safety
-Amenities
-Transportation
-Work/Schools

Of course, there is a lot more than just this.  Many people will want a neighborhood that has aesthetic value or a certain style.  Do you want to live somewhere trendy, or somewhere quiet?  Do you want to be in a busy neighborhood close to commercial businesses or in a place removed from that?  Well, there's all that in New York, but it's hard to know where all that is if you don't live here or have not had a chance to visit often.

I found a few maps online that show the neighborhoods. 

The first one is a good representation of the neighborhoods that are in Brooklyn:

The "downtown" area of Brooklyn, in light orange, is at the top left hand corner of the map.  This is where the Brooklyn Bridge crosses into Manhattan and is one of the most expensive parts of the city.  However, it is a very desirable place to live as well.  Brooklyn Heights is home to the courts, Brooklyn Law School, many older houses, businesses, the MetroTech center, countless subway and bus routes, and great variety of restaurants and grocery stores.  It is a lively place to live in, and is similar to some neighborhoods. 

In yellow, just below, is a changing area of Brooklyn known as Red Hook.  It was once the manufacturing center of the city, where the docks are located.  However, now the neighborhood is going through many changes.  This area is also home to a new Ikea store, as well as trendy restaurants and businesses.  It is also a higher price area to live in, but not as expensive as Brooklyn Heights or the downtown areas along the promenade.

Another fine area of Brooklyn I would like to focus on is around Prospect Park, which is in green at the center of the map.  Above Prospect Park, in purple, is prospect heights.  This area is full of old brick rowhouses and is quite pretty.  Tree lined streets with small businesses and cafes are the norm here.  This area can also be expensive, however, but is cheaper than many parts of Manhattan or Brooklyn Heights.  It is also quieter and parking is a bit less challenging (however, I would still not recommend a vehicle here.

Along Prospect Park, to the right, in a yellowish-green color is Prospect-Lefferts gardens.  Reviews on this area is mixed, but it is WAY less expensive without a doubt than the other neighborhoods that have been focused on.  I have had a chance to visit this area and liked it.  It is a mix of residential and business and its best feature is the proximity to the park.    Prospect Park is a gorgeous park, and one that is enjoyed by those who live near it. 

As you go south, the neighborhoods become cheaper, but it's a mixed bag.  Someone posted the following map, which may or may not be an accurate representation of the area, yet it may be something to keep in mind.  However, I would not fully depend on it, as the areas are rapidly changing, and some great deals on gorgeous apartments can be had due to just reputation.  I would recommend visiting the area and giving it your own opinion before taking the advice of this map:

The accuracy of this map is probably most inherent in the pricing you will find in each neighborhood.  Also, I would disagree with the "OK" given to the neighborhoods (I don't know when this map was made) and say that they are quite desirable places.  Competition to rent in them is intense, and a walk through these areas will show you that there are some gorgeous locales here.

This map also does not take into account the neighborhoods further to the south, such as Coney Island and Brighton Beach, which are traditionally Russian neighborhoods and can be quite desirable due to their location on the boardwalk.  If you are from California and enjoy the ocean (as I am), you may want to visit here.  I sometimes find myself missing the Pacific Ocean, and this is about as close as it gets in some respects.

In time I will focus more on each neighborhood, posting pictures and detailed descriptions of each.  However, this is something to think about as you begin your search.