Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs, is not only densely populated but also extensive, with numerous neighborhoods worth exploring. For those concerned about safety, several areas in Brooklyn are considered safe, including Park Slope, Dumbo, and Williamsburg.

Brooklyn has numerous neighborhoods to explore, but safety is a significant concern for many people. Fortunately, several areas in Brooklyn are considered among the safest neighborhoods in the borough, including Park Slope, Dumbo, and Williamsburg. Additionally, with gentrification and a decrease in crime rates throughout the borough, Brooklyn has become safer than ever, making it an excellent place to live or visit. The world-famous tree-lined streets of Brownstone Brooklyn add to its allure, attracting a considerable number of people to the area annually.

6 Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn in 2023

  1. Park Slope
  2. Brooklyn Heights
  3. Boerum Hill
  4. Williamsburg
  5. Greenpoint
  6. Dumbo

Park Slope

Park Slope is widely regarded as the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn, with a remarkably low crime rate, making it an ideal place to live. It is an aesthetically pleasing and tranquil neighborhood characterized by picturesque streets lined with historic rowhouses and brownstone houses amidst lush greenery. This area is home to over 40,000 people, with many young families with children choosing to settle there. The neighborhood’s name derives from its location on the western slope of Prospect Park, adding to its appeal.

Park Slope’s history dates back to the 17th century when the area was primarily covered in woods and farms. As the 19th century approached, the territory was subdivided into rectangular parcels to accommodate a growing number of residents moving in. The 1880s saw a significant influx of wealthy residents who built rows of houses and mansions throughout the neighborhood, leading to its transformation into the aesthetically pleasing area it is today.

Park Slope is home to numerous historic brownstones and iconic buildings, as well as bustling shops, bars, and restaurants that attract visitors from all over New York City. The area also boasts several popular local attractions, such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Central Library, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum. The neighborhood’s numerous churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions add to its safety, contributing to the peaceful atmosphere while walking its streets. Most of these institutions are housed in historic buildings, each with its unique charm and architectural style. With a high concentration of college-educated residents compared to other areas in Brooklyn, many parents choose to raise their families in Park Slope due to its reputation for overall safety and low crime rates.

Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights, a charming waterfront neighborhood, is widely regarded as one of the safest areas in New York City, with extremely low crime rates. It’s no wonder that the area has been popular since the early 1800s when it was considered one of America’s first suburbs. Despite its small size, measuring only about 0.320 square miles, Brooklyn Heights is home to over 20,000 people who enjoy its historic and impressive architecture. The neighborhood boasts a plethora of Brooklyn brownstones and row houses, as well as many churches and other religious institutions. The low-rise architecture of Brooklyn Heights is a sight to behold, featuring various styles such as Victorian Gothic, Greek Revival, Classical Revival, Second Empire, Neo-Grec, and Romanesque. Walking the charming streets of Brooklyn Heights is a safe and delightful experience.

Brooklyn Heights is brimming with cultural and historical landmarks that are worth exploring. One such landmark is the Brooklyn Arts Gallery, which first opened its doors in 1958. The neighborhood is also home to several architecturally significant buildings, including the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, First Unitarian Congregational Society, and the stunning Holy Trinity Church. These landmarks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also serve as a testament to the neighborhood’s rich history. Anyone visiting Brooklyn Heights should definitely take the time to check out these incredible structures.

Boerum Hill

Boerum Hill is a secure and welcoming residential neighborhood situated in the northwest part of Brooklyn. It’s a relatively small area with a population of approximately 12,000 residents. The neighborhood exudes a sense of safety and comfort, which has made it a popular choice for families. Boerum Hill has two primary roads, Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street, which are generally busier than the quieter, residential streets lined with trees.

The Boerum family owned a colonial-era farm that once spanned most of the neighborhood, and the area was named after them. Although the farm is no longer there, the neighborhood still boasts a considerable number of three-story row houses dating back to the mid-1800s, adding to its historical charm.

Boerum Hill is a vibrant neighborhood, boasting a diverse selection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, as well as being home to many young and talented artists who own galleries in the area. With its proximity to Prospect Park, biking is a popular mode of transportation in Boerum Hill.

Over the years, Boerum Hill has been home to many notable individuals, including the late artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, actor Heath Ledger, and the acclaimed writer Jonathan Lethem. Lethem even set his novel Motherless Brooklyn (1999) in this charming neighborhood, adding to its cultural significance.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a popular and trendy Brooklyn neighborhood that offers a vibrant nightlife, a thriving contemporary art scene, and a unique hipster culture. While it may not be the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn, it still boasts a relatively low rate of violent crime, making it a safe place to call home.

Williamsburg is a neighborhood in Brooklyn that spans over 2 square miles and is home to around 80,000 residents. The neighborhood has a rich history, with the Lenape people being the original inhabitants of the area. In the 17th century, Williamsburg was purchased by the Dutch West India Company and became a hub for European settlers.

Nowadays, Williamsburg is a diverse neighborhood that boasts various districts, including commercial, residential, and manufacturing areas. It has become a popular destination for young and creative people, with its vibrant street art and thriving art scene. While the neighborhood wasn’t always a cultural hub, artists began flocking to the area in the 1970s because of its affordable apartments and convenient transportation options to Manhattan.

Williamsburg is a vibrant neighborhood that offers plenty of attractions and entertainment options to its residents. With its diverse nightlife, residents can enjoy a night out at a trendy cocktail or wine bar, while vintage clothing shops provide a unique shopping experience. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are several local parks to explore and take a relaxing stroll. Additionally, comedy enthusiasts can catch a fantastic comedy show in the area.

Greenpoint

Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a great option for those seeking an affordable and safe neighborhood with a strong sense of community. Situated north of Williamsburg, Greenpoint has a tranquil and residential feel, with low crime rates that have been decreasing over the years.

Greenpoint is also known for its large Polish community, where traditional shops and restaurants can be found. Even though Greenpoint is more residential, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, and residents benefit from its excellent location.

With easy access to the best of the city, including neighboring Williamsburg’s vibrant nightlife and Manhattan, just a short ferry ride away, Greenpoint is an excellent place to call home.

Dumbo

Dumbo, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Brooklyn. It is well-known for its safety, and attracts many visitors and residents alike. Art exhibitions, live music festivals, and other cultural events take place in the area on a regular basis.

Notably, Dumbo has a rich history as a former manufacturing district that later became a residential area. It is now home to some of the most expensive apartments and lofts in Brooklyn, with real estate prices that reflect its desirability. The neighborhood boasts impressive architecture, including industrial and warehouse buildings dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries, many of which have been converted into stunning residential lofts.

Dumbo also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options. It has a plethora of charming cafes, chic restaurants, and trendy bars and lounges. Overall, it is a great place to live or raise a family for those who can afford the high cost of living.

In the late 1970s, the neighborhood of Fulton Landing in Brooklyn underwent significant changes, including an influx of artists and other developments. As a result, the neighborhood was given a new name, Dumbo, which is an acronym for “down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass”. This name change was popularized by real estate agents who saw an opportunity to promote the neighborhood to new residents.

Today, Dumbo is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, with low crime rates and a thriving arts and culture scene. The area is home to numerous galleries, shops, and restaurants, as well as beautiful waterfront parks and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Dumbo’s unique blend of history, creativity, and community spirit continues to attract both residents and visitors alike.

Methodology for Selecting the Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn

Our selection of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn was based on thorough analysis of overall crime rates, including violent crimes. On average, the neighborhoods we identified had crime rates that were 32% below the national average and 27% below the city average. Moreover, these neighborhoods reported notably low rates of violent crime, with some areas recording zero murders in 2020 and 2021.

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