Brooklyn

Part of exciting New York City, Brooklyn is a hip borough full of culture. As New York state’s most populated community, Brooklyn is perfect for those who like living amid all the hustle and bustle of city life. Brooklyn also provides easy access to the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, Long Island, and Staten Island.

Established as a New York City borough in 1898, Brooklyn is full of iconic destinations. The Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island are two world-renowned attractions. Brooklyn’s more affordable living has made it a hub for modern artists and designers, attracting talent from Manhattan and around the world. The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Harvey Theater and Prospect Park are two popular venues for artistic works and live performances. Brooklyn’s entrepreneurial spirit is thriving, with many local restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

Brooklyn is a mix of residential and industrial zones, and most locals live in apartments or condos. However, there are some smaller houses around the borough. One of the most common types of property in Brooklyn are brownstones — or rowhouses — which are made of brick and can be quite spacious.

The community of Brooklyn has an on-the-go ambiance, which is representative of the hustle and bustle of New York City. Overall, the borough is urban, with a mix of both residential and industrial properties throughout. Many smaller families and young professionals reside in Brooklyn, which adds to its youthful and dynamic lifestyle.

Brooklyn’s vibe is iconic, and so are its attractions that are recognized by people from around the world. With a trendy, do-it-yourself feel, Brooklyn has become a hub for modern entrepreneurs and artists alike. Neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Downtown are also cultural meccas for live entertainment and host a variety of talented performers.

Brooklyn’s culinary scene has grown over the years, touting hot new restaurants, cafes, and bars. You will find many contemporary, local businesses set in stylish environments.

Olmsted NYC is a neighborhood restaurant with a seasonally-driven menu. Many of the ingredients used by chef-owner Greg Baxton come directly from Olmsted’s backyard garden, meaning guests can enjoy some of the freshest dishes in all of Brooklyn when dining here. For something a little more unique, try the wood-fired Italian food and homemade pasta at Lilia or the bold Mediterranean flavors at the Israeli Miriam Restaurant.

Brooklyn also has plenty of cozy cafes, with the Postmark Cafe being a local favorite. Their award-winning Twin Engine coffee — which uses Nicaraguan single-origin beans — is a must-try. Don’t forget to grab a tasty New York-style bagel to go with your coffee, too. Another awesome spot is Brooklyn Perk, where you can enjoy creative coffees and teas in a laid-back atmosphere. Their pastries are scrumptious, with fluffy croissants and vegan and gluten-free goodies.

Part of Brooklyn’s vibrant nightlife is its award-winning bar scene. Check out the Clover Club for magnificent cocktails in a sophisticated environment. This James Beard semifinalist even features live jazz music, along with delicious evening bites and brunch fare. For those who prefer wine, The Red Hook Winery is the place to go, while Grimm Artisanal Ales crafts some of the best brews in the area.

If you’re into live entertainment, the BAM Harvey Theater offers an array of stellar productions. This multi-arts center puts on films, plays, dance performances, concerts, and operas. The Theater hosts galas, events, talks, and visual art displays as well. Situated in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the BAM Harvey Theater serves as an artistic and cultural mecca.

The Barclays Center is perfect for sports lovers. This multipurpose indoor sports arena is home to the beloved NBA Brooklyn Nets and is used for some New York Islanders hockey games. Also located in Downtown Brooklyn near the BAM Harvey Theater, the Barclays Center holds occasional concerts and stand-up comedy shows.

Brooklyn has its fair share of chic boutiques, especially those that specialize in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Brother Vellies sells handcrafted, sustainable shoes and handbags from around the globe, while Beacon’s Closet is all about vintage and modern clothing. The Brooklyn Flea is another well-known shopping staple that’s put this New York City borough on the map. Some of the finest antiques can be found at this spectacular outdoor bazaar, along with outstanding local food trucks. The Brooklyn Flea is so notable that it’s received accolades from Travel + Leisure, Budget Travel, Country Living, and Time Out, which have named it one of the best flea markets in both the U.S. and the world.

Brooklyn is filled with world-renowned attractions that draw visitors from a variety of countries and backgrounds every day. The community also holds distinguished annual events and festivals, which focus on showcasing local businesses and artists.

The legendary Brooklyn Bridge is a crucial crossing for thousands of commuters each day. Traversing over the East River, the Bridge provides scenic views of Brooklyn. With its impressive stone arches and six lanes of traffic, the Brooklyn Bridge has been a prime New York City tourist destination since 1883. The Bridge has been designated a New York City Landmark, a National Historic Landmark, and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Dubbed New York City’s playground, Coney Island is another popular destination. This seasonal amusement park has over 50 different rides and games. Take a ride on the thrilling Deno’s Wonder Wheel or The Cyclone Roller Coaster. Coney Island is situated along lovely Brighton Beach, a historically Russian neighborhood with a boardwalk full of fun restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions. Spend your day sampling Eastern European delicacies or check out Coney Island’s New York Aquarium or the Coney Island Museum.

Prospect Park is a great place to further explore Brooklyn’s outdoorsy side. This expansive green space features walking and biking trails, sports fields and courts, and a lake with water activities. There is a designated kid zone too, complete with seven playgrounds, a splash pad, a 53-seat carousel, and a zoo full of wild animals.

Many lively events and festivals take place annually in Brooklyn. Every autumn, the Next Wave Festival spotlights new young artists and interdisciplinary collaborations at the BAM Harvey Theater. This yearly event has altered the artistic landscape in Brooklyn by presenting smaller works on a grand scale. Prospect Park also hosts a variety of seasonal, recurring events. Smorgasburg is a food festival featuring all types of cuisines from local vendors. It’s the largest weekly food event throughout the nation and has been coined “The Woodstock of Eating” by The New York Times. The BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival is a yearly outdoor concert series that celebrates both local and worldwide talent all summer long. This festival is New York’s longest-running, open-air performing arts celebration, and it’s free!

Brooklyn’s families are served by a variety of school districts. Some of the most standout public and private schools in the borough include:

 

Contact Kobi Lahav if you’re interested in moving to the chic borough of Brooklyn. Kobi is an experienced broker whose customer service and negotiation prowess have made a mark on the New York City real estate scene. For access to the hottest properties for sale in Brooklyn, work with Kobi Lahav today!