Quantifying the characteristics of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn for young professionals

Moving around Brooklyn via location data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street- and neighborhood-level insights.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Brooklyn’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Brooklyn neighborhoods for young professionals, as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors.

Ranking the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn for young professionals

Here’s our data-informed list of the best places to live in Brooklyn for young professionals:

1. Boerum Hill

The Boerum Hill neighborhood was called “a village in the city” by The New York Times. It’s a tree-lined area full of townhomes and brownstones, and home to mainly young professionals and families. There are a number of bars, restaurants, and eclectic shops scattered along Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street.

Two popular watering holes include Grand Army Bar and Hollow Nickel. If you’re into sports or music, Barclays Center is right in your backyard. If you’re more into art, The Invisible Dog Art Center is a must-visit on the weekends.

2. Fort Greene

Fort Greene, home to the namesake 30-acre park in the neighborhood’s center, is another Brooklyn neighborhood offering tree-lined streets and fun for families and young professionals alike. Its roots in the arts run deep as it was home to Walt Whitman and John Steinbeck, and now has Spike Lee and Erykah Badu. It’s known for the Greenlight Bookstore, and the communal Cuban food at Habana Outpost.

Diversity is a strength of the neighborhood, and presents itself in the many casual eateries, bars, and indie stores along DeKalb and Myrtle avenues. Locals love to visit the seasonal market at the Brooklyn Flea, catch performances at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, or a meal at the Forma Pasta Factory.

3. Clinton Hill

Clinton Hill, also known as “The Hill,” is home to many architects, artists, photographers, and craftspeople. The world-renowned Pratt Institute is found in the neighborhood and teaches architecture, interior design, graphic design, and industrial design.

The main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is also here, and is a great place for folks of all ages to gather as a community. In the evenings, there are a ton of spots to choose from including Soco for soul food and Mekelburg’s for specialty dishes, craft beer, and trivia night.

4. Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights is one of the smaller Brooklyn neighborhoods, and it’s known for its cultural diversity as much as its tree-lined streets. The area is home to a strong Caribbean-American community, and much of the neighborhood has been designated as an historic district. A number of hip craft cocktail bars, like Fiona’s Bar, and eateries like Cheryl’s Global Soul, are found along Vanderbilt and Washington avenues.

There are also a few public food courts in the area. For those who want to mix the experience of beautiful cocktails and beautiful artwork, Ode to Babel should be in the regular rotation after work or on the weekend. For those who like to get outside, Prospect Park (along with its massive farmers’ market), and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are popular options.

5. Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a hip neighborhood full of bars, dance clubs, and music halls. You’ll find some amazing eats at places like Laser Wolf, and there are tons of cool independent businesses to support. The Brooklyn Bowl is a top choice for locals who want to hear the sounds of up-and-coming music talent.

If you’re more of an indie movie buff, Nitehawk Cinema (which is dine-in) is the move. If you’re looking for a team building activity, fun after work with friends, or a date night, check out Painting Lounge, which is BYOB. If you want to continue the night from there, hop into Barcade right next door for some cool craft beers and retro games. When you’re looking to take a load off, head down to the waterfront to take in a beautiful view of Manhattan.

Finding the right neighborhood in Brooklyn for your career

If you like the idea of living and working in a modern, vibrant neighborhood that respects and preserves its history, then you should definitely consider one of our top five best neighborhoods in Brooklyn for young professionals. If you like to get outside, every area offers ample green space, and if you like to have new food and drink experiences, Brooklyn is the place to be.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Brooklyn. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you.