Brooklyn has all but overtaken Manhattan as one of the trendiest boroughs in New York City. It's young, hip and has just about any niche anyone could ask for.

Queens is also beginning to experience the same rapid growth that Brooklyn experienced a few years ago. Queens also has a reputation for being one of the most culturally diverse places in the world, which means an inclusive, ultra-diverse community and plenty of internationally inspired cuisine and culture.   Which borough is better for you? Let's take a look.

1. Queens vs Brooklyn Housing Costs

If you're looking at getting an apartment in Brooklyn, you should know that the average cost to rent is $3,010. If you're looking in Queens, the average is $2,561. There are many factors to consider when looking at apartments in the city, but navigating costs can be one of the trickiest.

handful of $100 bills

Brooklyn is also more expensive for homeowners. The average home value in Brooklyn is $875k, with the average home value in Queens being about $733k. For these reasons, Queens, generally speaking, is the better choice for people who are trying to keep their housing costs as low as they can.

Housing Type Brooklyn Queens
Average Monthly Rent $3,010 $2,561
Average Home Value $875,000 $733,289

2. Queens vs Brooklyn: Views

View of Manhattan from Buckwick rooftop

After one glance at Manhattan's soaring skyscrapers, it's easy to see why a view of the skyline is desirable for both seasoned residents and starstruck newcomers alike. Fortunately, both Brooklyn and Queens offer spectacular views of the iconic skyline, it's just a matter of knowing where to look.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't always have to spend a fortune to get a decent view of the city. In general, the key is to find a neighborhood that borders the East River. So, if views are one of your must haves, an apartment in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Greenpoint or Williamsburg could be a great fit! Similarly, in Queens, some of the neighborhoods most likely to have great views are Long Island City and Astoria.

3. Queens vs Brooklyn: Residents

hipster

In recent years, Brooklyn has become known as the "New Manhattan" due to its surging popularity among young professionals and millenials looking to escape rising prices in Manhattan. The result? Brooklyn has transformed into a hip, thriving community that has something for everyone. It also has the largest population out of all five boroughs, which may not be ideal if you prefer to live in a slightly quieter community.

If you prefer a more suburban community vibe Queens may be a better fit, as it's the largest borough from a geographical standpoint, but has a slightly smaller population than Brooklyn. It's a little more spread out and has room for woods, backyards, and other wonderful green spaces. Similar to Brooklyn, the Queens community is thriving, yet it is even more diverse. In fact, it is home to one of the largest populations of foreign born residents not only in New York, but perhaps the world.

4. Ethnic Melting Pot of Cuisines vs Hip Foodie Paradise:

A culinary scene unlike any other

Brooklyn is known for its diverse dining scene and ever-growing selection of restaurants. Not to mention, its food trucks and open air market, Smorgasburg, are of legendary status. The restaurants and cocktail bars here are unlike that of Manhattan, which is a hub for some of the most famous, most expensive, culinary experiences in the world.

food truck

Queens isn't quite as known for its foodie scene, but maybe it should be. With its incredibly diverse population, the restaurants are great in both international variety and quality. It also has the Night Market, which doesn't quite stack up to Smorgasburg in terms of size, but with 89 vendors and nightly cultural performances, it's a force to be reckoned with. If you prefer authentic ethnic food from around the world over Instagramable foodie delights, Queens is the place to be.

nightclub vibe

Or, if going to clubs is more your thing and you're hoping to escape Manhattan's crowded nightlife, fear not! Both Brooklyn and Queens have great nightclubs that are less crowded and also less frequented by tourists. Brooklyn probably edges out Queens as far as liveliness, but if you're looking for a dive or a quieter bar, both neighborhoods have plenty to offer.

5. Attractions:

prospect park

We've already mentioned Smorgasburg as a drool-worthy place to visit in Brooklyn, but what else is there for entertainment? Well, besides all of the food, Brooklyn is home to many iconic attractions and things to do. If you're looking to have exhilarating fun head on over to Luna Park or the beach at Coney Island, or if you're in need of some zen amidst the chaos of the city, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden may be just what you need. Be sure to check out Prospect Park as well, it is one of the best parks in the whole city.

baseball field

If tourists aren't really your thing and you're looking for a more low-key adventure, Queens is relatively less frequented by out-of-towners, while still being home to various museums, parks and sporting events. In Queens, you'll find MoMA PS1, the Museum of the Moving Image, and the Noguchi Museum. For outdoor adventure, Queens Botanical Garden and Flushing Meadows Corona Park are excellent options that rival some of the best green spaces in New York City. Don't miss Citi Field, home of the New York Mets!

Decision Time

So, what'll it be? At the end of the day, you have to make the decision that will be best for you and your lifestyle. Hip and quirky Brooklyn has done a lot of growing up in recent years, becoming the most populated borough and earning the title the "New Manhattan". It is admittedly more expensive, but Queens is just that much further away from Manhattan, so what you save on rent you may end up paying in transportation costs or time. Queens, however, has been on the rise with its sub-urban atmosphere and cheaper housing costs.

metropolis moving truck

There are many things to consider when choosing a place to live, but when it comes to choosing your movers, Metropolis is the clear choice. Metropolis Moving has tons of experience with both Brooklyn and Queens moves, so we've got the expertise and know-how to make your move go smoothly no matter which borough you choose. Fill out a quote form today, and let us take care of the heavy lifting so that you can focus on building the life you envision for yourself in Brooklyn or Queens.