Anyone else feel this way? With a population of 11,203, Brooklyn is a small town.
15 upvotes
8 Replies
Angel
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 5 years ago from New York and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Downtown. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in government. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Greyson Ortiz
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The thing nobody mentions is community vibe. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cultural scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Downtown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
29 upvotes
Nova Brooks
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Francisco about 10 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is tough.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Audrey H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
22 upvotes
William Stewart
it depends on the neighborhood
13 upvotes
Owen Rodriguez
it depends on the neighborhood
9 upvotes
Easton Long
We moved here with our family and it was the best decision I ever made. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
7 upvotes
Adam W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 12 years. Moved from Tampa for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Nightlife is limited. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.