Midwood is a suburban-like, family-friendly neighborhood in south-central Brooklyn. The name “Midwood” comes from the Dutch word “midwout,” meaning middle woods, and for years, the area was a dense forest right in the middle of Brooklyn. Situated south of Flatbush and a few miles north of Coney Island, Midwood’s spacious streets and large homes feel worlds apart from the rest of Brooklyn.
While much of Brooklyn has become a hub for hipster culture, Midwood remains refreshingly affordable and unpretentious. As of July 2024, rent here averages around $1,442 for a studio and $1,790 for a one-bedroom. And if you’re eyeing real estate, homes in Midwood sold for a median price of $754,000—a steal compared to East Williamsburg’s $1.4 million.
Food
- Pescada New York (1776 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn): A sleek, white-tablecloth kosher restaurant serving up seafood delights with a takeout option. Perfect for those who love an elegant dining experience, for every meal.
- Falafel Tanami (1305 E 17th St, Brooklyn): This restaurant serving Middle Eastern comfort food, has made Pete Wells’ list of 100 Best Restaurants in NYC two years running.
- Florencia (2925 Avenue P, Brooklyn): A newly opened kosher pizzeria with gluten-free options and over 30 different pie toppings to choose from. It’s more than just pizza—they’ve also got ceviche, pasta, and event catering.
- Milk and Honey Cafe (1119 Newkirk Ave, Brooklyn): A must-visit halal coffee shop and brunch haven with outdoor patio seating. Don’t miss the spicy lamb flatbread and the salted caramel shake.
Attractions
- East Midwood Jewish Center (1625 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn): Since 1924, this egalitarian Conservative community space has been a place for worship, learning, and connection. Great place for family recreation and community events.
- World Spa (1571 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn): This spa is perfect for couples or a girls’ getaway. As the name suggests, you can indulge in spa treatments inspired by traditions from around the world, including Finnish saunas or an exotic Polynesian Journey Scrub. Try the snow room that even has gentle snow flurries falling.
- Coney Island: This legendary amusement district is home to the world-famous Cyclone, the oldest operating wooden rollercoaster in the country. With many areas left unchanged for decades, it offers a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages.
Nightlife
- Sycamore Bar (1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn): A quirky drinking spot tucked behind a florist shop, bartenders double as florists, serving up bourbon and fresh bouquets.
- Highbury Bar (1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn): A cozy Irish pub where you can catch live English Premier League matches while enjoying European beers and meat pies.
- Peddlers and Parchment Escape Room (1905 Avenue M, Brooklyn): More than just an escape room, it’s an immersive museum that takes you on a journey through Jewish history and culture—both educational and insightful.
- Rusty Nail Bar (1701 Foster Ave, Brooklyn): A charming local spot with generously poured drinks and unique cocktails. It’s the kind of place that might just become your favorite neighborhood bar.
Neighborhood Festivals
- Midwood Mardi Gras Street: Running for over 40 years, this annual street festival brings the heart of Midwood to life with entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more unusual experiences, like an FDNY fire safety demonstration, and Jewish organ performances.
Living in Midwood
Midwood is a predominantly Orthodox Jewish community, with yeshivas and synagogues on nearly every block. The Flatbush/Midwood area is home to approximately 152,00 people, with a demographic breakdown of 68% White, 12% Asian, 9% Hispanic, 6% African American, and 4% identifying as two or more races.
Today, Midwood is known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. There are subway stations conveniently scattered throughout the area that provide a 45-minute ride to Manhattan.
Schools in the area include Brooklyn College and Edward R. Murrow High School, which is home to one of the nation’s best chess teams. Fun fact: Jean-Michel Basquiat attended Edward R. Murrow High School in 1976.
In a city where rent prices often climb, Midwood stands out. Unlike the rest of Brooklyn and Manhattan, apartment rent in Midwood has actually decreased by 2.2% in the past year.
Moving to Midwood Brooklyn
If you’re looking for a peaceful, safe neighborhood with a diverse community and affordable homes, moving to Midwood could be your perfect next move.
Let Metropolis Moving take care of the heavy lifting. We’ll make sure your move is stress-free, so you can focus on settling into your new neighborhood.
