Are you trying to decide which is better: living in Queens vs Brooklyn? Many first-time visitors, as well as seasoned New Yorkers, have a tough time choosing between Brooklyn vs Queens because both neighborhoods are legendary for their diversity and culture.
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. But there are also many reasons to move to Queens. The area is 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, meaning plenty of internationally inspired cuisine and culture.
So, the question becomes, which borough is better for you: Brooklyn vs Queens? Let’s take a closer look at several different factors to help you decide!
Brooklyn vs Queens: FAQs
How is Queens Different from Brooklyn?
Queens and Brooklyn, two of New York City’s five boroughs, offer different cultural and geographical experiences. Queens is celebrated for its incredible diversity and is known as one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world, while Brooklyn is often hailed for its unique blend of hipster culture, arts scene, and iconic landmarks.
The areas also differ in architectural styles and public transportation. Brooklyn is famous for its brownstone townhouses and converted lofts, while Queens has a mix of high-rise apartment buildings and single-family homes. Additionally, Brooklyn has more subway lines running through it, making it easier to get around. However, Queens is the only borough with two major airports — JFK and LaGuardia.
What Separates Brooklyn from Queens?
If you look at a map of Brooklyn and Queens, NY, you’ll see that these boroughs are incredibly close to each other –– so close, in fact, that there have been disputes over the boundary lines for centuries. Although a defined 21-mile boundary separates Queens to the east from Brooklyn to the west, the specifics of this border have been shrouded in ambiguity since colonial times.
Is Queens or Brooklyn More Populated?
In terms of population, Brooklyn is larger than Queens. As of 2020, Brooklyn has an estimated population of 2.57 million, making it the most populous borough in New York City, while Queens’ population is 2.27 million.
However, if we consider the land area, Queens is the largest borough. It spans over 109 square miles, compared to Brooklyn’s 71 square miles. Therefore, while more people live in Brooklyn, Queens covers a larger geographic area.
Living in Queens vs Brooklyn: How to Choose the Best Borough for You
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to living in Brooklyn vs Queens. Both offer unique experiences. It’s all about choosing the best option for your living preferences.
1. QUEENS VS BROOKLYN: HOUSING COSTS
There are many factors to consider when looking at apartments in the city, but navigating costs can be one of the trickiest. The average monthly rent cost in Brooklyn is $3,558 for a 660-square-foot apartment. In Queens, the average monthly price is $2,925 for a 709-square-foot apartment. From the numbers, it’s easy to see you can get a little more bang for your buck in Queens if you rent.
Brooklyn is also more expensive for homeowners. The average home price in Brooklyn is $975,000, with the average home price in Queens, New York being $684,000. For these reasons, Queens is generally the better choice for people wanting to keep their housing costs as low as possible.
| Housing Type | Brooklyn | Queens |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Rent | $3,558 | $2,925 |
| Average Home Value | $975,000 | $684,000 |
2. Queens vs Brooklyn: Views
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. 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, the best areas of Brooklyn to live are Greenpoint or Williamsburg. Similarly, in Queens, some of the areas most likely to have great views are Long Island City and Astoria.
3. Queens vs Brooklyn: Residents
In recent years, Brooklyn has become known as the “New Manhattan” due to its surging popularity among young professionals and millennials looking to escape rising prices in Manhattan. The result? Brooklyn has transformed into a hip, thriving community with something for everyone. It also has the largest population 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, making it one of the most diverse counties.
4. QUEENS VS BROOKLYN: FOOD SCENE
When you’re trying to decide between Brooklyn vs Queens in terms of the food scene, you’re really choosing between a hip foodie paradise vs an ethnic melting pot of cuisines.
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 world’s most famous, most expensive culinary experiences.
Queens isn’t quite as known for its food scene, but maybe it should be. With its incredibly diverse population, the restaurants are excellent 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 food from around the world over Instagramable foodie delights, Queens is the place to be.
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 less frequented by tourists. Brooklyn probably edges out Queens as far as liveliness, but both neighborhoods have plenty to offer if you’re looking for a dive or a quieter bar.
5. QUEENS VS BROOKLYN: ATTRACTIONS
We’ve already mentioned Smorgasburg as a drool-worthy place to visit in Brooklyn, but what else is there for entertainment? Besides all 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.
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!
6. Queens vs Brooklyn: Safety
If safety is one of your primary considerations when deciding between living in Queens vs Brooklyn, there’s good news! Both boroughs have safe neighborhoods –– it’s all about knowing where to look. The best place to live in Queens, New York, in terms of safety, is Auburndale, followed closely by Forest Hills and Kew Garden Hills. Some of the safest and best areas of Brooklyn to live are DUMBO, Park Slope, and Kensington.
So, Which Borough is Better: Queens or Brooklyn?
At the end of the day, you have to make the best decision for your lifestyle, whether that’s living in Queens vs Brooklyn. 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 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.
There are many things to consider when choosing a place to live, but when it comes to choosing your movers, Metropolis Moving is the clear choice. We have tons of experience with both Brooklyn and Queens, so we have the expertise and know-how to make your move go smoothly, no matter which borough you choose. Get a free moving quote 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.
