4 Reasons Brooklyn Is a Great Place to Live, Work and Invest in 2026

From the Mendy Realty archive, first published by Mendy Lipsker.

Originally 2 cities, the City of Williamsburgh and the City of Brooklyn, Brooklyn annexed Williamsburg (dropping the ending “h”) in 1854. With the influx of immigrants and people looking for less expensive housing within commuting distance to Manhattan, it is now the second largest city and the most populous of the 5 boroughs that make up The City of New York. With 2.5 million people, Brooklyn is also the 4th most populous city in the United States.

Brooklyn, at one time, was not considered a chic place to live, but that has changed. Brooklyn is now a great place to live and here are 4 reasons why.

1.   It’s an easy commute to Manhattan and has a less expensive cost of living.

There are areas of Brooklyn, like Park Slope and North Williamsburg, that can give Manhattan prices a run for their money, but in general living here is much less expensive than living in the “City.” And, it is a relatively short commute by whatever means you wish to use. Brooklyn has a lot of bikers called “hipsters.” People do it to stay in shape and live longer, plus it is a good way to commute. You get three things in one; you save money, exercise and get from one place to another.

If not by bike, you can commute on the NY subway. It used to be that the subway was not used by the rich and famous, but they discovered what many of us knew all along, that the subway is a great cost and time-effective way to get around. Now everyone is riding together, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who encourages New Yorkers to make use of bikes and the subway in order to reduce traffic congestion.

2.   Brooklyn is a mini-melting pot of cultures.

At one time, Brooklyn neighborhoods were mostly centered around a single ethnic group, but today, you will find the neighborhoods are much more diversified. This mix of cultures provides unique opportunities for experiencing, appreciating, and celebrating the variety of ethnic customs, foods, arts and crafts that are part of the “Brooklyn” culture. For example, on Labor Day, the Caribbean Parade was held, with people from all over Brooklyn participating in it.

3.   Brooklyn is a good place to bring up a family.

There was a time when many parts of Brooklyn were not safe places to live. Bushwick used to be a very rough town but now people are going crazy to live there.

In addition to the ethnic cultures, there are many first class educational and entertainment venues in Brooklyn. Among them are:

Barclays Center, a sports and entertainment arena

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Brooklyn Museum, Library and Education Center

Brooklyn is attracting people from all walks of life, including celebrities. I once went to a pet shop and in walked J Lo. She was around that area and came in to buy some cat food or something. Celebrities just roam around here with everyone else.