Brooklyn vs Queens: Which is right for you?

New York City has captured the hearts and dreams of countless individuals seeking a unique way of life. Within this sprawling metropolis, two boroughs stand out as magnets for those looking to call this city home. Brooklyn and Queens. The Brooklyn vs Queens debate has raged on for years, fueled by the distinct identities and lifestyles each borough offers. As you choose the perfect place to reside in the City That Never Sleeps, diving deep into the various aspects that set these two boroughs apart is essential. After you decide which one is better for you, some of the best movers NYC has to offer are at your service. They will make your relocation a stress-free experience!

Vibe and atmosphere: Brooklyn vs Queens

New York City ranks #1 when it comes to the population in the whole of the United States. It is also home to some of the most iconic boroughs, such as Brooklyn and Queens.

• Brooklyn:  When you hear ”Brooklyn,” you think of artsy neighborhoods and old-fashioned houses. In fact, the borough is so one-of-a-kind that it’s been dubbed the ”hipster capital”. Here, you can find many neighborhoods that effortlessly mix cultures, traditions, and new ideas. This is particularly true in the case of Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Coney Island, where colorful murals, small breweries, and restaurants full of diversity bring the streets to life. So, the question isn’t whether Brooklyn has a vibe—it’s what kind of vibe you seek.
• Queens: If Brooklyn’s allure lies in its artistic energy, Queens takes pride in being a fusion of different cultures. Its neighborhoods reflect the world itself, with residents hailing from every corner of the globe. From the lively streets of Flushing to the serene beauty of Astoria Park, this borough has a more laid-back atmosphere while still offering world-class amenities. What’s more, the mix of cultures in Queens makes its food scene a delight for those who love authentic international flavors.

Brooklyn vs Queens: Cost of living comparison

Thinking about moving to New York’s famous city? The cost of living is a factor that could influence your decision of where exactly to move to. Comparing Brooklyn and Queens, both places can be expensive to live in. Being relatively close to Manhattan, Queens has a cost of living of 9% above the state average. Also, compared to the whole country, its living costs are 42% higher. Even the average monthly rent, about $2,902, as well as the median home price, which sits around $926,306, reflect its premium price tag.

Brooklyn’s price tag is even loftier, boasting a cost of living that soars 29% higher than the state average. Compared to the national average, that is a remarkable 69% higher. Brooklyn’s popularity also means high property costs, like an average monthly rent of around $3,350 and a median home price of $1,349,755. Regardless, people still choose to settle here, relying on the help of movers Brooklyn has to offer in the process.

Transportation and accessibility

Brooklyn, being in close proximity to Manhattan, reaps the benefits of slightly enhanced accessibility. This makes it easier for residents to travel between neighborhoods and boroughs. This connectivity not only streamlines daily commutes. It also provides ample opportunities for cultural exploration. Living here, residents can easily attend events, visit museums, and dine all around the City That Never Sleeps.

While Queens might not be as intricately linked to Manhattan as Brooklyn, its transportation network is by no means lacking. Subway line 7 and bus routes Q27, Q31, and Q65 ensure that residents can still reach their destinations. In addition, in some neighborhoods, things are calmer, meaning commutes are less busy, especially during busy times. So, for those who value a more tranquil journey or seek to avoid the intensity of crowded subway, moving here with the help of moving companies Queens offers is a good alternative.

Demographics comparison

The borough of Queens, with a population of approximately 2,393,104, portrays cultural dynamism. Now, let’s break down the demographics based on race.

Age-wise, Queens is a blend of generations, with:

• 11% under ten years
• 9% between 10 and 17 years
• 7% between 18 and 24 years
• 16% between 25 and 34 years
• 14% between 35 and 44 years
• 13% between 45 and 54 years
• 13% between 55 and 64 years
• 16% aged 65 or above.

In Brooklyn, there is a population of approximately 2,712,360, with more and more people looking to settle into its desirable neighborhood, contributing to higher booking rates for movers in Brownsville. The borough’s demographic portrait reveals a different arrangement compared to Queens.

As for age, we have:

• 13% under ten years
• 10% between 10 and 17 years
• 8% between 18 and 24 years
• 18% between 25 and 34 years
• 14% between 35 and 44 years
• 12% between 45 and 54 years
• 11% between 55 and 64 years
• 14% aged 65 or above.

Recreation and amenities

Brooklyn is known for its cultural spots and recreational areas. For instance, Prospect Park offers trails and events for nature lovers, while nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park provides stunning views of Manhattan and the East River. Additionally, the Brooklyn Museum showcases the borough’s artistic side, and just a short distance away, Maria Hernandez Park emerges as a popular local hangout. Beyond these, Brooklyn is also dotted with numerous art galleries, music venues, and theaters. If you happen to be drawn to any of these culturally rich places, you’ll undoubtedly love the neighborhood of Bensonhurst. It has all the marks of the ideal Brooklyn neighborhood, plus, getting to it is rather simple with the assistance of movers Bensonhurst locals recommend.

On the other hand, Queens boasts its own unique set of attractions. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, for example, is a vast green space that frequently hosts various events and festivals. Within this park is the Unisphere, a well-known symbol of global unity. Further into the borough, Gantry State Park offers basketball courts and playgrounds, and not far from there, Astoria Park serves as a peaceful riverside retreat. In addition, Queens enriches its cultural landscape with spots like the Museum of the Moving Image and the Socrates Sculpture Park.

Brooklyn vs Queens in terms of space

Space plays a big role in how we live. In Queens, there’s more of it. The borough offers bigger apartments, homes, and even yards, making it a good fit for those who want a mix of city and suburban life. It’s a place where families and individuals can find more privacy and room to expand. Thinking of moving to Queens? Elmhurst is a popular spot for families and working professionals. And if you decide to make the move, local movers Elmhurst NY has come highly recommended.

Brooklyn offers a different take on space. It’s a popular part of New York City, so there’s less room. Apartments tend to be smaller, and it’s hard to find big houses with yards, especially in the hip areas. But what this borough lacks in space, it makes up for with its lively vibe. It’s perfect for those who love city life and don’t mind smaller living spaces to be part of the local scene.

Safety comparison

Brooklyn and Queens have different safety profiles. The latter has one of the lower crime rates among The Big Apple’s five boroughs. This makes it a safer choice for those contemplating moving to the area with the help of the borough’s Briarwood NY movers, especially when taking into account its violent crime at 3.25 and property crime at 11.22.

Brooklyn’s safety record is a bit different. It doesn’t have the lowest crime rate, but it’s been improving. Changes in the area, especially due to gentrification, have played a part. Statistically speaking, it has a violent crime rate of 5.43 and a property crime rate of 13.80. Still, it’s important to remember that safety can vary from one neighborhood to another.

Brooklyn vs Queens: The final verdict

The choice between Brooklyn vs Queens ultimately depends on your lifestyle, priorities, and preferences. Brooklyn might be your match if you’re drawn to a lively, artistic, and bustling atmosphere with a bit more urban energy. On the other hand, if you seek a diverse, culturally rich environment with a touch of suburban tranquility and more spacious living, Queens could be the perfect fit. Either way, remember that both Brooklyn and Queens have unique characters that can’t be fully captured in comparisons alone. Instead, exploring these boroughs firsthand, visiting neighborhoods, and interacting with locals is the proper way to go about finding your place in the City That Never Sleeps!

 

References:

Cost of Living in Queens, NY 2023 | Rentcafe, www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ny/queens/

Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY – Rentcafe, www.rentcafe.com/cost-of-living-calculator/us/ny/brooklyn/

Queens Demographics and Statistics. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/queens-queens-ny/residents/

Brooklyn Demographics and Statistics. (n.d.). Niche. https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/brooklyn-kings-ny/residents/

Is Queens NY safe? | PropertyClub. (n.d.). PropertyClub. https://propertyclub.nyc/article/is-queens-ny-safe