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Brooklyn is often considered New York's most popular borough. But which neighborhood in Brooklyn should you call home? Check out our top 5 neighborhoods. Each year, thousands of people move to Brooklyn, New York… Or at least think about it. But as New York’s coolest borough becomes more and more popular, finding the right neighborhood to live in can be difficult and stressful. ApartmentLove wants to make your move a little easier, so we made a list of the top five neighborhoods in Brooklyn. We’ve taken into account the most common moving considerations, like transportation, affordability and things to do. 5. Downtown Brooklyn Downtown is easily one of the best neighborhoods to live in when looking for an apartment for rent in Brooklyn. This bustling area is the third biggest business center in all of New York, making downtown Brooklyn the perfect neighborhood for young professionals. Transportation is excellent as the MTA has several bus and subway stops in the area, with routes that connect to all parts of New York City for less than $4. Light rail and ferries are also accessible, affordable public transit options. Transit access isn’t a problem when you rent an apartment in downtown Brooklyn. In terms of affordability, the cost of living in downtown Brooklyn is a little more expensive than the average apartment rental in Brooklyn as a whole. While the average rent for a studio apartment is down by about 5% in the last few months, the average rent cost is around $3000 a month. The same is true for one-bedroom apartments for rent in downtown Brooklyn. However, it is possible to find options as low as $1600 a month. There’s lots to do in downtown Brooklyn, especially for sports fans. Renting an apartment in downtown Brooklyn means renting in the home of the Brooklyn Nets. There are also lots of trendy eateries like CAVA or Junior’s, and fun artsy experiences like the 315 Gallery or the Art Workshop Experience where you can channel your inner artist and express your creativity. 4. Bushwick Bushwick is one of Brooklyn’s largest up-and-coming neighborhoods. Once considered gritty, the neighborhood is now a core for culture and the arts. The best part? Apartments for rent in Bushwick are still very affordable compared to the rest of Brooklyn. Bushwick is a great option for students looking for a hip and edgy vibe, and a budget-friendly apartment. Renting an apartment in Bushwick is cheaper than many other Brooklyn neighborhoods. A typical studio apartment goes for about $1650 per month. One-bedroom apartment rentals are similar. While Bushwick isn’t considered family-friendly just yet, it’s also worth mentioning that two-bedroom apartments for rent in Bushwick are considered very affordable by Brooklyn standards, going for about $2800 a month. Like the rest of Brooklyn, transit is affordable and reliable, and there is less traffic than Brooklyn’s busier neighborhoods. There’s also a lot to do in Bushwick. From clubs to outdoor spaces to good eats, there’s something for everyone. Dance like nobody’s watching at House of Yes, take a stroll in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or try some tasty tacos at Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos. Bushwick is the right choice for anyone looking for cheap apartments for rent in Brooklyn. 3. Bay Ridge The Bay Ridge area is a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood filled with historic brownstone townhouses. Separated from the hustle and bustle of the city by a highway, it’s the ideal neighborhood to raise a family. Public transit is not as popular in the Bay Ridge neighborhood. The only subway route connecting it to the rest of the city is the R train. That being said, drivers get the opportunity to take picturesque drives through lower Manhattan on the daily. Traditionally, apartments for rent in Bay Ridge have been geared toward families, meaning the majority of units are two-bedroom or three-bedroom apartments. This means the average rental prices in Bay Ridge have historically been on the higher end, at around $3500 per month. However, there has recently been an increase in affordable one-bedroom apartments in Bay Ridge. One-bedroom apartments average at about $2000 a month, but it is possible to find units in the $1600s range. As more singletons are moving to Bay Ridge, there is a greater variety in things to do. There are still many family-friendly activities, like visiting the Narrows Botanical Gardens or having a meal at Gino’s, but there are also some rising nightlife options for young professionals like Status Q Bar and Billiards or Harp Bar. 2. Carroll Gardens Carroll Gardens is an upscale neighborhood with a rich history. Named after a Civil War hero, Carroll Gardens became symbolic of the beauty and promise of America for the Jewish and Italian immigrants that first moved to the area. The Italian influence remains strong, giving the neighborhood a great sense of family and community. It’s the perfect neighborhood to raise a family! Transportation in Carroll Gardens is flexible, frequent and affordable. The average bus ride into Manhattan is only thirteen minutes. Busses run every ten minutes and trips only cost about $3 dollars. The subway takes about a half hour, but is equally affordable. Driving is also a good option in Carroll Gardens; it only takes about 15 minutes to get to Manhattan and gives you the privacy that the bus doesn’t. In terms of affordability, Carroll Gardens is not the cheapest neighborhood, but it is manageable. In fact, studio and one-bedroom apartments for rent in Carroll Gardens have decreased in price by 19%. Though these single units are rare in this family-style neighborhood, the average monthly rent now sits at around $2000. Family-style units for rent in Carroll Gardens have two bedrooms or more. Two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments for rent in Carroll Gardens go for about $3600 per month, which can still be manageable on a dual income. Most of the activities in the area are very family-friendly. There are also endless eateries, many of them historically Italian. Carroll Park can’t be missed, and there are several unique independent bookstores and hobby shops worth checking out too! 1. Williamsburg In the number one spot for Brooklyn’s best neighborhood is Williamsburg. Williamsburg is often overlooked as just a transit hub, but it truly is a community for everyone. It’s family-friendly, but still interesting and livable for singles too. Transportation is easy and accessible, with multiple bus, subway and ferry routes to Manhattan. Transit is typically walking distance from everything in Williamsburg. Though this neighborhood is becoming more popular, apartments for rent in Williamsburg are still affordable. Studio apartments and one-bedrooms go for about $1750 a month on average. Two or three-bedroom apartment rentals average at roughly $3000 a month. This is very affordable for families and those with roommates. There’s no shortage of things to do here either. Take a stroll on the Williamsburg Bridge, check out an independent movie theater, lounge in one of many gorgeous greenspaces or grab a bite at a funky fusion eats. ApartmentLove | Apartments for Rent in New York City, NY With thousands of listings across the United States and Canada, ApartmentLove will find the perfect apartment rental for you, from brownstone apartments in Brooklyn to studios in Manhattan. Search apartments for rent in New York today!
Thinking of moving to the Northwest and need help choosing between Portland and Seattle? We compare affordability, safety, commutes and things to do. Seattle and Portland are undeniably the urban giants of the Northwest. Both are fun and unique, but the small differences matter when picking a place to live. So, our experts at ApartmentLove wanted to break it down for you. We compared affordability, safety, commutes and things to do in both cities to make it easier for you to decide which city is best for you between Portland and Seattle. Cost of Living in Portland vs Seattle Both Seattle and Portland are massive urban centers with sprawling suburbs, but what does that mean for affordability? Let’s check it out, starting with Seattle. In Seattle, the average rent of a studio or one-bedroom apartment is around $2000 per month. However, this depends on the area and it is possible to find studio apartment rentals as low as $1300 per month. Family-sized units, meaning two-bedroom, three-bedroom and even four-bedroom apartments for rent typically go for around $3000 a month. An apartment for rent in Portland is less expensive on average. Studio apartment rentals and one-bedroom apartment rentals hover at around $1600 per month typically. And, there are even a few units under $1000 per month. In terms of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments for rent, the average cost is about $2500 per month. On top of finding the right apartment for rent in Seattle or Portland, the cost of living is something to consider. Generally, the average cost of living in Seattle is 11.5% higher than in Portland. This includes everything from groceries to phone bills. How Safe are Portland and Seattle? Safety is important no matter where you are, so let's take a look at crime rates in both cities. Contrary to popular belief, Seattle is very safe. It just depends on your neighborhood. In fact, there are some neighborhoods in Seattle that had an almost 0% crime rate in 2022. Finding an apartment for rent in neighborhoods like Queen Anne or Magnolia means you’ll be in an area with virtually no crime. Apartments for rent in downtown Seattle or the University District may have a higher crime rate, but nothing serious or violent. It’s mostly just harmless college shenanigans. On the other hand, Portland has one of the highest crime rates in the country. The overall crime rate is 7.5%, though the majority of these crimes are minor and nonviolent, meaning small thefts under $1000. And, it really depends on the area. Apartments for rent in Northwestern Portland tend to be family and community oriented and therefore, safer. Commuting in Portland and Seattle Your commute is affected by where you live and having quick, affordable, accessible options is often a top consideration. Seattle’s public transit systems are incredible. While driving is an option in the suburbs, it’s usually not the best way to get around. Seattle’s robust transit systems include busses, light rail, trams, subway and ferries, as well as wheelchair-only services. Fares are also very affordable; Adult fare is anywhere between $2.50 to $4.50, depending on the transit method, and youth 19 and under ride for free. Portland is very much the same as Seattle in terms of transit. They have almost identical reliable, affordable, and frequent transit options, with the addition of publicly available bikes. The average fare cost is lower too. Youth ride free, and a single adult fare is only $2.50, or $5 for an unlimited 24-hour pass. Things to Do in Portland and Seattle This is where it gets interesting. When it comes to things to do, Seattle and Portland are similar, but different at the same time. Both cities are top-tier food scenes. Both cities prize their natural landscapes and outdoor activities. But where Seattle is all about the upscale and nightlife, Portland loves quirky, one-of-a-kind and family-friendly activities. For outdoor activities in Seattle, visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass or Ballard Locks. For food and coffee lovers, or Starbucks fans, check out Pike’s Place Market for some interesting and upscale flavors. Pro tip: there are lots of beautiful apartments for rent in this area of Seattle. You’ll have the most Instagrammable coffee run ever. And for some fun nighttime activities, spend a night at Mimosas Cabaret. There are also some kid-friendly options, like the Space Needle or the Museum of Pop Culture. Outdoor fun is no joke in Portland. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden or the International Rose Test Garden, or any of Portland’s 100+ parks and greenspaces. For a tasty treat, head over to Salt and Straw, an artisanal ice cream shop with funky flavors that rotate monthly. Strawberry balsamic & pear and blue cheese are two of their unique mainstays. There are also a variety of family-friendly activities like a visit to the Oregon Zoo or the Oaks Amusement Park. For some more grown-up fun, spend the night at any of Portland’s unique bars. Verdict: Portland or Seattle? So which city is best? That’s up to you! Seattle is a bit more expensive, but safer. Porland is a bit more affordable and unique, though considered less peaceful. Finding an apartment for rent in Seattle or Portland is a great decision either way, as they are two of the most sought-after cities to live in! ApartmentLove | Apartments for Rent in Seattle, WA and Portland, OR Our database of listings is sure to find you the best short-term or long-term apartments for rent in Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Compare thousands of rental listings and prices on our website, and find your next home today!
Thinking of moving to the Seattle area but don’t want to live downtown? Check out our list of top 5 Seattle suburbs in 2023. Are you thinking about making a move to the east coast? Do you want to raise a family in Seattle? Is Seattle's downtown core overwhelming? You may want to consider Seattle's suburbs! ApartmentLove knows that affordability, safety and nearby amenities are top of mind for many looking for apartments for rent in Seattle, especially if you have kids or plan to start a family. Here are our top five neighborhoods in Seattle's suburbs. 1. Mercer Island Taking the crown in ApartmentLove's ranking of the best Seattle suburbs is Mercer Island. This island suburb community is exclusive, private and cozy. In terms of affordability, keep in mind that privacy comes at a price. One-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment rentals on Mercer Island cost about $2000 per month, including amenities and utilities. Three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartment rentals cost about $5000 per month. But the perks are worth the price; There were only ten crimes overall on Mercer Island in the last year. Highways connect Mercer Island to amenities in Bellevue in 30 minutes or less, and ferries offer a more scenic commute to mainland downtown Seattle. On the island, Luther Burbank Park, Groveland Beach Park and Deane's Children's Park are the most popular greenspaces to relax and play in. Other well-liked spots to visit include Island Books, a popular independent bookstore that is kid-friendly and have lots of fun learning options for littles. Oh! Chocolate is another must-visit location for locals and anyone thinking of moving to the Mercer Island community. This locally owned shop offers homemade gourmet chocolates and truffles. They also offer weeknight adult-only workshops and classes for anyone interested in learning about chocolate and chocolate making, because who says you have to outgrow your sweet tooth? 2. Bothell Bothell is one of the most family-focused suburbs in all of Washington state. Apartments for rent in Bothell reflect this too, as most of them are between two and four bedrooms. Rent prices are on the low to average end, ranging from $1950 for a two-bedroom apartment rental to $2700 a month for three-bedroom or four-bedroom apartments for rent. The suburb is known for its community attitude, with some of the best schools in the state, and community centers that provide kid-friendly activities and services. A visit to Blyth Park, the Woodland Park Zoo, or Elevated Trampoline Park are favorite activities among Bothell residents. 3. Redmond Much like Bellevue, this Seattle suburb is famous for being a tech hub. Redmond is one of Seattle's most affordable suburban areas when looking for apartments for rent, is generally safe, and there are plenty of notable amenities. Finding an apartment for rent in Redmond is easy and affordable. Studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments for rent cost roughly $1100 per month. Two-bedroom apartments for rent in Redmond are about $2000 per month. Three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments cost about $3500 per month, including amenities and utilities, which is on par with national averages. It's also a relatively safe area, and on par with the average US city in terms of crime rate. Schools typically hold A+ academic ratings and have partnerships with local companies like Nintendo of America and AT&T. There are also many family-friendly activities and amenities in the area as well, such as shopping at the Redmond Town Center, exploring Idylwood Park or visiting the Microsoft Visitor Center. This cute Seattle suburb is a balanced and relaxed neighborhood, perfect for families. 4. Bellevue Bellevue is considered a premium neighborhood to live in, with lots to do and a focus on diversity, education and innovation. Unlike Sammamish, Bellevue has a good mix of apartments for rent. It's easy to find a one-bedroom apartment for rent, and possible to find up to five-bedroom apartments for rent too. It's to be noted that it's not always the most affordable, though. In fact, rent here is about 16% more expensive than the average downtown Seattle rentals. The average cost for a one-bedroom apartment for rent in Bellevue is $1850 per month. Two-bedroom apartments for rent average at $2200 a month, and three-bedroom, four-bedroom and five-bedroom family-style apartments for rent average to about $4500 a month. The prices are reflective of the quality of life and are worth it considering all that Bellevue has to offer. The overall crime rate in this area is less than 10%. Its high schools offer public or private education, many ranking highly by international standards and offering opportunities with local tech companies like Microsoft. There are lots of great family-friendly activities in Bellevue too, like the KidsQuest Children's Museum. For a more peaceful day, take a stroll through the Bellevue Botanical Garden. You'll never be bored in Bellevue! 5. Sammamish Sammamish is quiet, quaint and full of natural beauty. It is a diverse, highly educated and family-oriented neighborhood, perfect for raising kids. The majority of apartments for rent in this Seattle suburb are family-style homes with up to four bedrooms. This means that the average rent is a bit higher than neighborhoods with more singleton-oriented units. The average rental cost in Sammamish is approximately $3500 for a three-bedroom or four-bedroom apartment for rent. This is on par with national rent averages for full home rentals like the ones in Sammamish. Plus, most of these rentals include utilities, air conditioning, garages and allows pets at no extra charge. This neighborhood is very safe, the overall combined rate in the neighborhood is 7%, and most people know each other in this tight-knit community. In terms of amenities, the neighborhood is home to several schools with a 9/10 ranking and nationally-recognized specialties. There are also lots of outdoor spaces and activities; take a swim in Lake Sammamish or hike at Illahee Trail Park. There's always something new to explore in Sammamish. Seattle's suburbs have much to offer, especially for families and tech professionals. If the city hustle and bustle isn't for you, use ApartmentLove's search filters to find affordable neighborhoods and apartments to rent in Seattle suburbs. ApartmentLove | Apartments for rent in Seattle At ApartmentLove, we can help you find the perfect home in Seattle, the suburbs, or anywhere else. Browse our thousands of listings across the US. Crime Stats Sources: https://www.mercerisland.gov/police/page/monthly-crime-statistics https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-redmond-wa/ https://bpd-data.bellevuewa.gov/pages/crime-stats https://www.citytistics.com/crime/sammamish-washington/