Brooklyn is not only the most populous borough in New York City, but it is also vast, with numerous areas to discover. For those worried about safety, there are several safe neighborhoods in Brooklyn, including Park Slope, Dumbo, and Williamsburg.
Over the past few decades, Brooklyn has undergone significant changes, with numerous neighborhoods gentrifying and crime rates decreasing throughout the borough, making it a safer place than ever before. The borough boasts a rich history and an incredible cultural scene that attracts many. The tree-lined streets of Brownstone Brooklyn are renowned worldwide, making it a fantastic place to reside. Hence, it’s no surprise that Brooklyn continues to attract a vast number of people annually.
6 Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn in 2023
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- Park Slope
- Brooklyn Heights
- Boerum Hill
- Williamsburg
- Greenpoint
- Dumbo
Park Slope
Park Slope stands out as the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn. Its tree-lined streets are adorned with historic rowhouses and brownstone houses, exuding a serene and scenic environment. The crime rate in this neighborhood is impressively low, making it a top choice for over forty thousand residents. Park Slope is particularly popular among young families with children who appreciate the area’s location on the western slope of Prospect Park, which inspired its name.
In the 17th century, Park Slope was settled and the area was covered with woods and farms. As more residents began to move in, the territory was divided into rectangular parcels in the 19th century. The neighborhood saw a significant change in the 1880s when a large number of affluent residents started constructing row houses and mansions.
In Park Slope, you can come across a plethora of historic brownstones that have stood the test of time. This charming neighborhood is home to iconic buildings, bustling shops, vibrant bars, and delectable restaurants that draw visitors from all over New York City. In addition to these, there are several other local attractions that are worth exploring such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Central Library, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum.
Park Slope boasts a plethora of churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions, which contributes to the neighborhood’s safe and secure atmosphere. These institutions are housed in historic buildings that exude unique charm and architectural style, adding to the neighborhood’s overall appeal. Additionally, Park Slope is home to a higher number of college-educated residents compared to other areas in Brooklyn, making it an ideal location for families to raise their children. Thanks to its low crime rate, parents feel secure in choosing Park Slope as their preferred neighborhood to call home.
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is an enchanting waterfront neighborhood that has held a reputation for being one of the safest areas in New York City for a long time. Living here is a joy because of the neighborhood’s extremely low crime rates. It’s not surprising, given that the area has been a favorite among residents since the 1800s, when it was considered one of the first suburbs in America.
Brooklyn Heights, covering a mere 0.320 square miles, is home to slightly over 20,000 people. The neighborhood boasts of magnificent and historic architecture, which is a delight to both residents and visitors. A plethora of Brooklyn brownstones and row houses can be found here, alongside numerous religious institutions and churches.
As you stroll through the streets of Brooklyn Heights, you’ll be captivated by the neighborhood’s low-rise architecture. It’s a delightful mix of Victorian Gothic, Greek Revival, Classical Revival, Second Empire, Neo-Grec, and Romanesque styles, all beautifully represented. You’ll feel secure as you explore the area’s charming and inviting streets.
Brooklyn Heights is home to various historical and cultural landmarks that are worth exploring. One such place is the Brooklyn Arts Gallery, which has been welcoming visitors since 1958. In addition, several buildings in the area are renowned for their remarkable architecture, including the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, the First Unitarian Congregational Society, and the awe-inspiring Holy Trinity Church.
Boerum Hill
Nestled in the northwestern region of Brooklyn, Boerum Hill is a snug and secure residential district with a population of approximately 12,000 individuals. This small neighborhood exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a sought-after location for families. Boerum Hill is dominated by two primary thoroughfares, namely, Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street, which are comparatively busier than the serene, tree-lined residential streets that characterize the area.
The Boerum Hill neighborhood derives its name from the Boerum family, who owned a colonial-era farm that dominated most of the area. Although the farm is no longer in existence, there are still a plethora of three-story rowhouses that date back to the mid-1800s, adding to the neighborhood’s historic charm.
Boerum Hill boasts a diverse range of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a vibrant neighborhood. Additionally, many talented young artists who own galleries in the area also reside here. The neighborhood’s proximity to Prospect Park makes biking a popular mode of transportation.
Boerum Hill has been home to a number of well-known individuals, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Heath Ledger, and Jonathan Lethem, a highly regarded American essayist, novelist, and short-story writer. It’s worth noting that Lethem chose Boerum Hill as the setting for his novel “Motherless Brooklyn” published in 1999.
Williamsburg
If you’re looking for a great place to live in Brooklyn, Williamsburg is definitely worth checking out. This iconic neighborhood is well-known for its hipster culture, lively nightlife, and thriving contemporary art scene. While it may not be the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn, incidents of violent crime are actually quite rare. Overall, you can feel safe and secure living in Williamsburg and enjoy all that this vibrant community has to offer.
Williamsburg Brooklyn spans just over 2 square miles and is home to approximately 80,000 residents. The land was initially occupied by the indigenous Lenape people before being bought by the Dutch West India Company in 1638, after which Europeans began to settle in the area.
Williamsburg boasts a diverse range of districts, including commercial, residential, and manufacturing. This vibrant neighborhood attracts a plethora of young and creative individuals and is renowned for its exceptional street art. Back in the 1970s, artists migrated to Williamsburg due to its affordable apartments and easy access to Manhattan. However, in present times, Williamsburg has become a popular destination in its own right.
Williamsburg is a lively neighborhood with a plethora of activities to keep residents entertained. Whether it’s sipping on a delicious cocktail or wine at a local bar, shopping for unique vintage clothing, taking a leisurely walk in one of the many picturesque parks, or catching a hilarious comedy show, there’s always something to do. Locals truly relish the vibrant atmosphere and endless entertainment options that Williamsburg has to offer.
With the ongoing gentrification of the area, one can anticipate a further decline in crime rates, resulting in a safer neighborhood than ever before.
Greenpoint
Greenpoint, Brooklyn presents an excellent option for those searching for a secure neighborhood that is also reasonably priced. Situated north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint boasts a robust local community, making it an ideal place to call home. The area’s crime rates have decreased over the years, and residents feel secure in this peaceful neighborhood located on Brooklyn’s northern edge.
Greenpoint may have a more residential vibe, but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. With a significant Polish population, the area boasts an array of traditional shops and restaurants that are worth checking out.
Residents of Greenpoint enjoy the neighborhood’s incredible location that provides them with access to the finest offerings of the city. The adjacent Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a vibrant nightlife scene, while a short ferry ride takes them to Manhattan’s bustling city.
Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood is highly sought after and known for being one of the safest areas in the borough. It is a popular tourist destination and a coveted place to live for many New Yorkers. The neighborhood hosts a variety of events, including art exhibitions and live music festivals, providing ample entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
Dumbo
Dumbo is an ideal neighborhood for living or raising a family due to its high safety standards. What makes Dumbo unique is its rich history, which dates back to its days as a manufacturing district. Today, the neighborhood boasts some of the most expensive apartments and lofts in Brooklyn, making Dumbo real estate highly sought after in NYC. One of the neighborhood’s highlights is its impressive architecture, which includes industrial and warehouse buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries, many of which have been converted into stunning residential lofts. Furthermore, Dumbo offers a variety of charming cafes, chic restaurants, trendy bars, and lounges, making it a great place to unwind and socialize.
In the late 1970s, the area that was once known as Fulton Landing was given a new name – Dumbo. The moniker, which stands for “down under the Manhattan bridge overpass,” was adopted due to the influx of artists and significant changes in the neighborhood. Real estate agents recognized the opportunity and took advantage of the transformation by giving the area a catchy new name.
Methodology for Selecting the Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn
We evaluated the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn based on their overall crime rates and their violent crime rates. The neighborhoods we handpicked have an average crime rate that is 32% lower than the national average and 27% lower than the city average. Furthermore, the violent crime rates in these neighborhoods are even lower, with some areas reporting no homicides at all in 2020 and 2021.
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