Rentopia · Neighborhoods
New York is a culture of subcultures. Here’s a little more on our favorite communities
Considered one of NYC’s trendiest neighborhoods, Williamsburg offers hip restaurants, quaint cafés, cool shops, indie music, and some of the finest digs east of the river. With easy access to Manhattan, this multicultural mashup is a hipstery haven for twentysomething creatives and serious professionals alike. Spacious parks promote a laidback lifestyle, while the neighborhood’s vibrant scene belies its quiet, small-town feel. From charming walk-ups and swanky lofts to luxury high-rises dotting the waterfront, in Williamsburg, individuality is king.
Beyond its notorious warehouse raves and revolving door of a restaurant scene, the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn is beloved for its sensational street art and fiery Latin influences. From taco trucks and quirky cafés to bustling bars and tantalizing farm-to-table fare, the foodservice is fantastic, as are Bushwick’s bountiful gallery spaces. Residents roam the streets on their bicycles, hitting up their favorite yoga studio or the local farmer’s market. Cozy, convenient and picturesque, this urban oasis is home to some of the city’s most sought-after loft apartments.
Before Harlem, there was Bed-Stuy. In addition to its impressive collection of iconic brownstones, the neighborhood is known for its rich Caribbean and African-American heritage, although today’s inhabitants hail from all over the globe. Green parks, beautiful botanical gardens, chill coffee shops and an outdoor amphitheater make Bed-Stuy an exciting place to explore in the summer. And for year-round residents, the local fare is beyond compare. Whether you’re looking for a simple room or a roomy Romanesque residence, Bedford-Stuyvesant is bound to deliver.
Nestled right near the G train and some of New York’s most arresting skyline views, Greenpoint is hyped as a serene sanctuary, a reprieve from the bustling scene of Brooklyn large. Indeed, this best-kept secret is renowned for its spacious mid- and high-rise apartments, labyrinthine jogging paths, rooftop wine bars and other leisurely retreats. Eastern European influence has residents noshing on the world’s tastiest pierogies, while its not-so-secret nightlife offers everything from live jazz to heavy metal. Greenpoint may be nicknamed ‘Williamsburg 2.0’—but we’ll call it a compliment.
An eclectic enclave within the sprawling neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill is Brooklyn’s new Renaissance City. The area’s current incarnation may be in transition, but residents enjoy relatively affordable housing options and a bevy of trendy hotspots to boot. From Caribbean soul food and pan-Latin fare to cute cafés and energetic nightlife, Ocean Hill gives `up and coming’ a whole new multicultural meaning. Bed-Stuy’s eastern end may get a bad rap, but rest assured—inside its borders are some of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets.
Home to the Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Flatbush features a fascinating blend of new and old, ritzy and affordable. Residents of the expansive neighborhood don’t need to travel far with plenty of local shopping, gyms, restaurants, cocktail bars and other amenities sprinkled throughout. The bustling commercial district keeps families busy, while the historic Flatbush Reformed Dutch Church, Kings Theatre, Victorian mansions and renowned flower shops impress visitors and passersby alike. Call this melting pot home, and experience Brooklyn life in full bloom.
At the epicenter of the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens and Windsor Terrace sits historic Prospect Park—Brooklyn’s premier green space. The popular destination boasts an ice skating rink, zoo, riding trails, athletic fields, outdoor concerts, historic houses and the iconic Prospect Park Carousel. Residents to the north, south, east and west find solace in the park’s winding tree-lined paths, indulging in exciting outdoor activities and attractions all year long. From historic brownstones to modern apartments, the height of Brooklyn living lies just over the slope.
Touted as Brooklyn’s ‘perfect neighborhood,’ Clinton Hill provides an ideal mix of culture and quiet, drawing a diverse demographic spanning everyone from visiting students to young families. Gorgeous Greek-inspired mansions, breathtaking brownstones and brick row homes infuse an historic vibe, while the area’s thriving culinary scene, outdoor pubs, vintage shopping and Pratt Institute campus make it an important hub for education and entrepreneurship. Will you call Clinton Hill home?
A peaceful escape from its hectic Brooklyn neighbors to the west, the Ridgewood section of Queens is not exactly revered for its nightlife. So, if you’re looking for the serenity of suburbia with proximity to partytown, you’ve come to the right place. Known for its historic landmarks and slightly conservative mindset, this small-town setting borders Bushwick and is just a few short subway stops from Manhattan. Proud locals emerge from their cozy row houses to visit Ridgewood’s friendly grocers, classic Italian eateries, quaint cocktail bars and fine pastry shops.
Home to the borough’s newest, most magnificent high-rise apartments, Long Island City attracts dwellers of all ages and persuasions. Beyond its beautiful riverfront views and charming prewar low-rises, locals love the area for its critically acclaimed restaurants, moody cocktail lounges, cool comedy clubs, and cutting-edge art and performance spaces. Just minutes from the heart of midtown, Long Island City also offers convenient train and ferry access. In this innovative Queens community, creative energy meets a touch of modern opulence.
Experience the vibrant energy and rich culture of Brooklyn's Crown Heights neighborhood as you rent an apartment that puts you at the heart of it all. Immerse yourself in a thriving community, with an array of diverse dining options, trendy boutiques, and beautiful parks just steps away. Renting an apartment in Crown Heights means embracing a dynamic lifestyle, where you can explore, connect, and create lasting memories in one of Brooklyn's most sought-after neighborhoods.