Let the numbers do the talking.
Brooklyn, NY vs Upper West Side, NY
Brooklyn, NY vs Upper West Side, NY: What the data shows
Brooklyn, NY is in Brooklyn, NY while Upper West Side, NY is in Upper West Side, NY — both in the same state. On home prices, Brooklyn, NY is the more affordable option at $646,400 median — $1,097,300 less than Upper West Side, NY's $1,743,700. WYLT rates Brooklyn, NY as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Upper West Side, NY as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Brooklyn, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Upper West Side, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brooklyn, NY has Low flood risk and Upper West Side, NY has Low flood risk.
Upper West Side, NY is the more walkable neighborhood. Brooklyn, NY scores 13/100 (car-dependent) versus Upper West Side, NY's 98/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, Brooklyn, NY has the higher school rating — Brooklyn, NY rates 7.4/10 and Upper West Side, NY rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Brooklyn, NY | Upper West Side, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $646K ✓ Lower price | $1.74M |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $68K | $167K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 13/100 | 98/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 45/100 | 79/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 72/100 ✓ More bikeable | 70/100 |
| Commute | 27 min | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | CyclistsFamilies with kidsYoung professionals | Young professionals who can afford the high costCultural enthusiasts looking for restaurants, theaters, and galleriesFamilies seeking quality schools and green space |
Bottom line
Between Brooklyn's Clinton Hill and Manhattan's Upper West Side, Clinton Hill is a more accessible and affordable option for families and individuals who value a vibrant urban lifestyle without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a world-class experience and can afford the steep premium, the Upper West Side might be worth it, but for most people, Clinton Hill is a more practical choice. If budget and affordability are priorities, head to Brooklyn.
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