Are you considering a move to Brooklyn? As one the most popular and populated NYC boroughs, finding an apartment at an affordable rate might seem impossible. Luckily, Brooklyn is large and there are plenty of neighborhoods that are both safe with reasonable rents. Of course, there are tradeoffs for each of these locations, so if you’re looking for a place with a 10-15 minute commute to NYC, then be prepared to pay more! Below are some of the most affordable neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Canarsie
Located off the last stop on the L train, Canarsie provides residents with easy access to waterfront activities, a welcoming community, and great schools. It’s a great place for families and retirees, and young professionals if they enjoy outdoor activities. Median monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,000, and you can buy an actual house for around $600,000. The area is also quite safe as the residents look out for each other. The most popular activity to do in Canarsie is either fishing or kayaking in Jamaica Bay. If water sports aren’t your thing, you can relax along the Canarsie Pier and watch others boat and sail. Canarsie Park, aka Seaview Park, has plenty of amenities like a skatepark, cricket field, hiking trail, and the historical Jans Martense Schenck house. There are also two shopping centers – Canarsie Plaza and Brooklyn Terminal Market – where you can pick up pretty much everything, including horticultural items like plants, trees, and fruits.
Population & Demographics Snapshot
| Neighborhood | Population | Median Age | % Families | % Singles | Renters vs. Owners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canarsie | 84,000 | 39 | 65% | 35% | 55% Owners / 45% Renters |
| Dyker Heights | 43,000 | 41 | 70% | 30% | 60% Owners / 40% Renters |
| Prospect Lefferts Garden | 63,000 | 36 | 48% | 52% | 70% Renters / 30% Owners |
| Sheepshead Bay | 125,000 | 42 | 68% | 32% | 58% Owners / 42% Renters |
| Cypress Hills | 57,000 | 34 | 54% | 46% | 65% Renters / 35% Owners |
Dyker Heights
Home to the famous NYC Christmas lights show, Dyker Heights is a perfect location if you’re looking for a more family-friendly neighborhood. Median rents are around $2,500, though if you want to buy a house, expect to pay around $1 million. Many residents own a car here as the area is not served directly by the subway. The nearest train station is about 15-20 minutes away in Bay Ridge, Borough Park, or Bensonhurst. There are a few express bus routes that go through the area, though. There’s plenty to do in the area outside of Christmas. There are plenty of playgrounds for young children, two libraries, including the Brooklyn Public Library – McKinley Park, which offers events like Kids Tech Tie and Babies Create. For outdoor activities, head over to McKinley Park to enjoy some bocce ball or enroll your children in the local Little League softball team, or play some golf at Dyker Beach Park and Golf Course, which is both a public park and a championship golf course.
Prospect Lefferts Garden
Central Park might be the most famous public park in NYC, but if you can’t afford prices in Manhattan, why not move next to Prospect Park – the 2nd largest park in Brooklyn and designed by the same architects who planned Central Park? Prospect Lefferts Garden is situated on the east side of Prospect Park and has seen explosive growth since the 2000s, with condos and high rises popping up due to its access to express B and Q train lines and close proximity to the 2 and 5 trains. Rents have seen a huge jump, but you can still find one-bedroom apartments for $2,600 a month, and you can purchase an apartment for around $600,000. There’s plenty to do in Prospect Lefferts Garden. You have easy access to Prospect Park, and if you head a bit further north, you can visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park Zoo. You can pretty much do all of your shopping along Flatbush Avenue and enjoy some local eateries like Brooklyn Perk Coffee and Bonafini. Or visit Allan’s Bakery on Nostrand for some delicious desserts and baked goods.
Median Rent Comparison by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Avg Rent (2019) | Avg Rent (2025) | Home Price (2019) | Home Price (2025) | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canarsie | $1,650 | $2,000 | $480,000 | $600,000 | +21% |
| Dyker Heights | $2,100 | $2,500 | $850,000 | $1,000,000 | +18% |
| Prospect Lefferts Garden | $2,100 | $2,600 | $480,000 | $600,000 | +25% |
| Sheepshead Bay | $1,900 | $2,300 | $680,000 | $850,000 | +25% |
| Cypress Hills | $2,100 | $2,600 | $550,000 | $700,000 | +27% |
Sheepshead Bay
Named after the bay that separates Brooklyn from Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay is an often-forgotten neighborhood of Brooklyn, and residents prefer it that way. Due to its good public schools, number of amenities, and overall safety, Sheepshead Bay is considered one of the best places to live in NYC and generally a great place for families or even young professionals. You have access to the B and Q trains as well as several bus lines, though many residents tend to own a car to get around. Average rent for a one-bedroom is around $2,300, and the price of an actual house is around $850,000. Plenty of NYC residents have never been to Sheepshead Bay, but there’s actually a lot to do! This historic district is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Sheepshead Bay Yacht Club, which offers beautiful waterfront views. Enjoy the beautiful sands at Plumb Beach and then walk along the Shore Road Promenade for a great view of the water. After that, check out the Russian Bath for some food and a relaxing sauna.
Cypress Hills
This classic Brooklyn neighborhood will make you forget you’re in NYC as the area is filled with single-family and attached houses, tree-lined streets, and a welcoming community. You have easy access to Lower Manhattan thanks to the J and Z lines on Fulton Street and several bus lines. Average rent for a one-bedroom is around $2,600, and you can buy a house for around $700,000. While Cypress Hills might be mostly residential, there are some mom-and-pop shops you can stop by, mainly along Fulton Street. The biggest attraction near Cypress Hills is Highland Park, a 190-acre green space with hiking trails, sports fields, and a reservoir. If you want to enjoy a bit of history, head over to the Cypress Hills Cemetery, which was established during the Civil War and now serves as the final resting place for over 20,000 veterans.
Public Transportation Access (Stations & Lines)
| Neighborhood | Subway Lines | # of Stations | Avg Commute to Midtown | Bus Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canarsie | L | 1 | 50–55 mins | B6, B17, B42, B82 |
| Dyker Heights | (No direct subway) | 0 | 60–70 mins (via Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst stations) | X28, X38 (Express to Manhattan), B1, B64 |
| Prospect Lefferts Garden | B, Q, 2, 5 | 3 | 25–30 mins | B12, B16, B41, B44 |
| Sheepshead Bay | B, Q | 2 | 45–55 mins | B4, B36, B49, B68 |
| Cypress Hills | J, Z | 2 | 35–40 mins | Q24, Q56, B13, B20 |
Move to Brooklyn
Whether you’re moving to one of these neighborhoods or a different one, NYC Great Movers can help make your relocation easier. Our team of highly trained professionals can help formulate a custom plan that matches your needs and budget. Reach out to us, and we’ll help walk you through the process.
FAQ
Are these neighborhoods in Brooklyn safe?
Not all neighborhoods in Brooklyn are safe, but the ones listed above tend to be one the safer side. Of course, in a city with over 8 million people, there’s bound to be crime. Regardless of where you move, always be alert, avoid traveling late at night, and make sure your phone and wallet are in a secure location.
How long is the commute from Brooklyn to Manhattan?
It depends on where you live and the train lines. For example, Prospect Lefferts Garden takes around 30 to 40 minutes to get to Manhattan. Sheepshead Bay might take 1.25 hours or more while Cypress Hills train lines will only get you to the Lower East Side in about an hour.
