Let the numbers do the talking.
Brooklyn, NY vs Upper East Side, NY
Brooklyn, NY vs Upper East Side, NY: What the data shows
Brooklyn, NY is in Brooklyn, NY while Upper East Side, NY is in Upper East Side, NY — both in the same state. On home prices, Brooklyn, NY is the more affordable option at $1,080,000 median — $492,800 less than Upper East Side, NY's $1,572,800. WYLT rates Brooklyn, NY as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Upper East Side, NY as “Settle here” — an excellent place to put down roots.
Brooklyn, NY has the stronger safety profile of the two. Brooklyn, NY has Low violent crime and Low property crime. Upper East Side, NY has Low violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Brooklyn, NY has Low flood risk and Upper East Side, NY has Low flood risk.
Upper East Side, NY is the more walkable neighborhood. Brooklyn, NY scores 88/100 (very walkable) versus Upper East Side, NY's 95/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, Upper East Side, NY has the higher school rating — Brooklyn, NY rates N/A and Upper East Side, NY rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Brooklyn, NY | Upper East Side, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Settle here |
| Median Price | $1.08M ✓ Lower price | $1.57M |
| Median Rent | $4K | $3K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $100K | $149K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 88/100 | 95/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 54/100 | 86/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 32 min | 7 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | B |
| Violent Crime | Low | Low |
| Property Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Community | ||
| Schools | N/A | 7.3/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Young professionalsUrban enthusiastsFoodies and nightlife lovers | affluent familiesyoung professionalsstudents near colleges |
Bottom line
For young professionals and urban enthusiasts on a tighter budget, Brooklyn may be worth considering as a more affordable option for its desirable amenities - but be prepared for intense competition and extremely high prices. If budget and luxury are priorities, the Upper East Side's top schools, short commute, and walkability make it the clear winner. However, if you need a home that's within a reasonable budget for your income, Brooklyn might be a better choice.
Share this comparison