While NYC has five boroughs, only two of them have been in constant rivalry for the top spot. Manhattan is the center of wealth, home to the nation’s most affluent individuals and big-name corporations. On the other hand, the diverse and hip Brooklyn offers a warm welcome to the average person.
Many people love Brooklyn for many reasons. Its trendy culture, electric nightlife, fantastic food scene, booming job market, and unique attractions never fail to capture the hearts of locals and tourists alike. If you plan to move here, check out these eight tips that’ll make your transition easier.
1. Find a Job First
Unless you’re moving in because you got hired, it’s a good idea to hunt for a job first. Brooklyn may not be as expensive as Manhattan, yet it is by no means cheap. The average rent is $2,631, while the median home price costs an eye-watering $765,100. Getting by from day to day will be a challenge without a stable income. But here comes the good news: Brooklyn brims with opportunities in various industries, such as healthcare, tech, retail, accommodation, and finance. If you’re planning to look for a job after the move, make sure to prepare enough savings to help you survive the first few months.
2. Hire Professional Movers
Relocating to NYC isn’t the same as anywhere else. You’re going to have a hard time if you don’t know your way around. Cheap Movers Brooklyn, a trusted NYC moving company, shares some concrete benefits to hiring movers:
- They know the rules of parking. Brooklyn is so crowded that there are many laws implemented to systemize parking. As a newcomer, you’ll most likely incur fines if you don’t know what you’re doing.
- Lifting furniture up and down the stairs. There’s a high chance you’ll be living on the upper floors of a 10-story apartment with no or dysfunctional elevators. Movers can save you the hassle by doing the job without a sweat (maybe a little).
- Insurance. Aside from making sure to pack your belongings safely, movers go as far as insuring them to provide you with peace of mind. This way, you know they’ll be very careful since they’ll be held accountable.
- Movers let you focus on the more important stuff. Instead of stressing yourself with the physical labor, you leave it to the professionals while you work on other aspects of settling in.
3. Move During the Fall Season
Timing your move is crucial to reduce the costs. That said, summer is the worst month if you’re clinging to a tight budget. The nice weather causes demands for relocation to skyrocket together with the prices. People going on vacations contribute to the traffic, aggravating the situation. On the contrary, it’s cheapest to move during winter. However, you’ll have to make compromises for the harsh weather conditions and slippery roads. Okay, so when should you relocate? Fall is undoubtedly the sweet spot for moving on a budget. The rates aren’t inflated, and at the same time, the weather is still tolerable. You can use the money you save to help settle down comfortably in Brooklyn.
4. Say Goodbye to Your Car
No, owning a vehicle isn’t illegal in Brooklyn or New York City in general. It’s just that you won’t really need one. If you do intend to bring your car along, prepare yourself for the most horrible traffic experience of your life – every day. That’s how congested the Big Apple is. You’ll be better off walking or buying a bike instead. Getting around the city is pretty easy, thanks to the superior transportation system. With over 470 subway stations, you can go wherever you want for as low as $3.00. Be sure to bring a book or download a movie because sometimes it’ll be a long ride.
5. Choosing a Neighborhood
Brooklyn is famous for being a diverse place. It’s so culturally and ethnically varied that stereotypes don’t apply to it. Given this, different sections offer a unique experience, whether it’s about housing costs or entertainment. Below are some of Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhoods:
- Park Slope: Located in northern Brooklyn, this affluent neighborhood is a natural magnet for young professionals, artists, and entrepreneurs. You’ll fall in love with its coffee shop chains, boutiques, brownstone homes, and the safe atmosphere surrounding the area.
- Brooklyn Heights: You’ll surely enjoy the cozy vibe that this neighborhood offers. It features cobblestone streets, decent high-rises, a gorgeous waterfront, and plenty of restaurants. Brace yourself for the steep prices, though.
- Bay Ridge: Although it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods, Bay Ridge hasn’t lost its charm. It provides a satisfying mix of trendy culture and classic feels of past eras. It’s also one of the more affordable areas in Brooklyn.
- Williamsburg: Want to enjoy life surrounded by history? Then Williamsburg is the perfect choice. There are at least four museums in its vicinity paired with a decent number of excellent public schools.
- Clinton Hill: Nestled north beside Fort Greene, Clinton Hill is a place that artists call home, thanks to the presence of Pratt Institute. This place is great for starting or raising a family since it has plenty of parks, eateries, and a thriving supermarket.
Again, Brooklyn isn’t budget-friendly. It’ll take a lot of apartment hunting and bargaining if you want to secure a good spot in town for an affordable price.
6. The Best Places to Eat Cheap
Bet you’re depressed by the overwhelming housing costs, right? Don’t worry. You will easily find comfort in the abundance of graciously affordable yummies in Brooklyn. Here are some local favorites you should never miss:
- Joe’s Steam Rice Roll delicious $4 rice roll filled with meat and seafood.
- Try the $3 doubles combo of a fried dough bun with fish and Trinidadian snacks at A&A Bake and Doubles.
- Treat your palate with White Bear’s $8.50 pork dumplings. It definitely hits the right spot if you pair it with a bottle of soda!
- If you love Egyptian food, check out Zooba’s tasty menu and their ever-popular pickled lemon ta’ameya for only $7.
- Peppa’s Jerk Chicken classic, the $10 jerk chicken meal is guaranteed to make your mouth water.
7. How To Enjoy Brooklyn
It’s impossible to get bored in Brooklyn. There is so much stuff to do, so many places to explore, and plenty of sights to see. Start your adventure by taking a trip to Coney Island, the borough’s summer capital. Ride the famous Cyclone roller coaster or surf the thrilling Atlantic waves. You in for a historic getaway? Admire the masterpieces sitting at Brooklyn Museum or experience the old subways at New York Transit Museum. It’s also worth dropping by the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, where you can capture unforgettable views of the city skylines. Finally, the Botanic Gardens provide a relaxing escape from the chaos surrounding the metro areas. Overall, you’ll be more likely to run out of breath than run out of things to do.
8. The Most Important Tip of All
ENJOY THE MOVING EXPERIENCE. All caps for emphasis. Things might seem rocky now but think about it. You won’t be relocating that many times in your life. This might even be your last move if everything goes well and you learn to reside in Brooklyn comfortably. That’s why you should make the most out of every second of it. Approach this with a willing mindset and treat it as an opportunity to have fun. You’ll be surprised at how smooth things will unfold.