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 $1,037,900 median — $705,800 less than Upper West Side, NY's $1,743,700. WYLT rates Brooklyn, NY as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — 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 48/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Upper West Side, NY's 98/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, Upper West Side, NY has the higher school rating — Brooklyn, NY rates 7.1/10 and Upper West Side, NY rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Brooklyn, NY | Upper West Side, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $1.04M ✓ Lower price | $1.74M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $61K | $167K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 48/100 | 98/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 52/100 | 79/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 3/100 | 70/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 30 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 | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families with kidsCommuners to Midtown ManhattanThose who value diversity | Young professionals who can afford the high costCultural enthusiasts looking for restaurants, theaters, and galleriesFamilies seeking quality schools and green space |
Bottom line
If you're a family with kids or a first-time homebuyer looking for a more affordable option with good schools, Brooklyn might be a more realistic choice. However, if you're a young professional with a high income and can afford the luxury, the Upper West Side's unbeatable lifestyle might be worth the price. Ultimately, Brooklyn has a more mixed bag of pros and cons.
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