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What not to do in Brooklyn

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With its breathtaking appearance, unique culture, and diverse population, Brooklyn truly represents the spirit of NYC. It’s a city within a city, boasting many experiences just waiting to be explored. But while you explore its captivating streets, remember to keep a few rules in mind. Here, we explain what not to do in Brooklyn so your visit remains a positive memory rather than an unpleasant lesson. Be it local customs to respect or tourist traps to avoid; the city has its share of dos and don’ts. And when you’re moving around, entrust your belongings to some of the best movers NYC offers. So prepare to navigate this charismatic borough with confidence and respect for its unique etiquette.

Brooklyn’s contrasting neighborhoods: Safety & peacefulness vs. risk & noise

Brooklyn showcases a fascinating contrast in neighborhood safety. You should avoid dangerous places. For example, East New York, Brownsville, and Bushwick have higher crime rates. Despite their cultural richness, these neighborhoods still face challenges that place them in the unsafe zone. On the other hand, Borough Park shines as a safe haven. Known for its tight-knit community, it has an atmosphere of security. Borough Park movers often cite this safety as a key motivation for their relocation. The community bonds and observant neighborhood watch contribute greatly to this safety profile. The stark difference between Borough Park and the less safe neighborhoods in Brooklyn highlights the diversity of experiences in this multifaceted borough. For this reason, you should avoid visiting unsafe neighborhoods, especially if you want to move here.

What not to do in Brooklyn and on the streets where people are walking — What not to do in Brooklyn? Venture into the dangerous areas!

From the busy streets to the tranquil corners

You can always go to every neighborhood in Brooklyn. However, Windsor Terrace, Kensington, and Greenwood Heights, to name a few, are often overcrowded, offering a vibrant blend of cultural expressions and urban energy. Each day, these neighborhoods’ sights, sounds, and tastes contribute to the city’s dynamism. In stark contrast lies Mill Basin. Nestled away from the city’s hustle and bustle, it offers a much-needed escape. Suburban houses line the streets, and green spaces abound, providing a peaceful retreat for locals. Mill Basin movers often comment on the big contrast when helping people transition from other Brooklyn neighborhoods to this one. Mill Basin’s calm ambiance provides a soothing antidote to the typical Brooklyn intensity, proving that vastly different lifestyles coexist even within the same borough.

Beware of scams

In Brooklyn, scams often hide themselves in everyday interactions. Street scams include shell games, where a ball hides under one of three cups, shuffled quickly by the scammer. Another popular one is the fake real estate scam. Here, scammers pose as landlords, often for non-existent or already occupied properties. They take deposits and disappear, leaving you short of money and without a home. Digital scams, too, are becoming popular. Cybercriminals steal personal information through phishing emails or rogue websites.

Similarly, fraudulent tech support scams deceive people into providing access to their computers. In the moving industry, dishonest companies may provide a low initial estimate and then dramatically increase prices after your relocation. To avoid this, always rely on the best movers Brooklyn NY has to offer. Find movers that are honest, have great customer reviews, and have competitive pricing.

person looking at documents — Be careful of many different forms of scams in Brooklyn.

What not to do in Brooklyn: Tourist traps

Brooklyn has a vibrant culture and iconic landmarks. However, this can sometimes lead eager tourists into common tourist traps. Here are some places you can visit that might not meet your expectations.

DUMBO region draws crowds with its stunning Manhattan Bridge view, but many overlook the overpriced restaurants and crowded streets.
Brooklyn Bridge is probably the most famous landmark, but a large crowd can overwhelm you.
Williamsburg is attractive because of hip restaurants and bars, yet often visitors face inflated prices and long waits.
Coney Island’s nostalgic amusement parks charm visitors but offer expensive rides and fees.

However, it is important to mention that you should not avoid these places at all costs. Each of these destinations is worth experiencing. Smart travelers can avoid the trap aspect by researching ahead, visiting off-peak hours, and exploring local alternatives for dining and entertainment. If you plan to live in Brooklyn, you can visit popular places during off-peak season. Additionally, you can pack your lunch instead of going to an expensive restaurant.

Navigating Brooklyn’s culture: Mind the faux pas

Brooklyn demands keen awareness of potential missteps. Forget the stereotype of New Yorkers as constantly rushed; patience is key. Locals value their time and take offense if you’re rushed during interactions. It’s also crucial not to call Brooklyn “just another part of New York City.” They value their unique identity, viewing it as separate and distinct from Manhattan. Respect for neighborhood diversity matters too. Brooklyn is very diverse, so avoid assumptions about someone’s background based on appearance. Never overlook street etiquette: sidewalk blocking, littering, or loud late-night antics stir resentment. Be careful with how you refer to gentrification – a sensitive topic. While it’s brought economic growth, many locals do not like the cultural erosion it entails. Lastly, don’t undervalue local businesses in favor of chains. Support for small businesses remains at Brooklyn’s heart.

Brooklyn Bridge — Be considerate when visiting Brooklyn since it is a very diverse place.

Steering clear of mistakes

Understanding what not to do in Brooklyn is needed to embrace your visit or life here fully. For starters, avoid eating only in big chain restaurants. Instead, discover the variety of local food spots that the borough proudly offers. Never underestimate the subway system. Taxis are not the only option, and they can be expensive. Also, don’t overlook the other boroughs. They, too, have unique attractions worth exploring. Lastly, respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of Brooklyn residents. Brooklyn’s diverse culture is its strength, not something to fear or judge. What not to do in this place is simple – immerse, don’t alienate. Enjoy the local flavors, appreciate the community, and respect the culture. These are keys to an unforgettable Brooklyn experience.

References:

Crean, S. (2016). Borough Park, Kensington & Ditmas Park Are Some Of Most Crowded Neighborhoods In Brooklyn – Bklyner. Bklyner. https://bklyner.com/kensington-ditmas-park-are-some-of-the-most-crowded-neighborhoods-in-brooklyn-ditmas-park/

Housely. (2016, December 13). The 10 most dangerous Brooklyn neighborhoods. Housely. https://housely.com/10-dangerous-brooklyn-neighborhoods/