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 $1,080,000 median — $663,700 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.
Brooklyn, NY has the stronger safety profile of the two. Brooklyn, NY has Low violent crime and Low 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 88/100 (very walkable) 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 N/A and Upper West Side, NY rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Brooklyn, NY | Upper West Side, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $1.08M ✓ Lower price | $1.74M |
| Median Rent | $4K | $3K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $100K | $167K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | High | Moderate ✓ More stable |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 88/100 | 98/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 54/100 | 79/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 25/100 | 70/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 32 min | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | A ✓ Safer | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Low ✓ Lower risk | Moderate |
| 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 | Young professionals who can afford the high costCultural enthusiasts looking for restaurants, theaters, and galleriesFamilies seeking quality schools and green space |
Bottom line
For someone looking for a neighborhood with an unbeatable lifestyle and excellent transit at an affordable price, the Upper West Side is a better option despite its sky-high costs. However, if you're a first-time homebuyer or someone on a tight budget, Brooklyn might still be worth considering if you're willing to weigh the high prices against what the neighborhood has to offer. Ultimately, the Upper West Side's high cost and limited affordability make Brooklyn a more reasonable choice for those without a premium budget.
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