Brooklyn continues to dominate New York City’s real estate scene in 2025, attracting buyers and renters with its unique blend of culture, affordability (compared to Manhattan), and community vibes. Between July 2023 and July 2024, Brooklyn added nearly 25,000 new residents, pushing the borough’s population to 2.6 million, making it the city’s largest borough. If you’re planning a move to Brooklyn, here are the neighborhoods generating the most buzz and search interest this year.
The Top Contenders: Neighborhoods Everyone’s Searching
Based on the latest real estate data, six Brooklyn neighborhoods have emerged as the most sought-after destinations for 2025. StreetEasy listed six Brooklyn areas in its top 10 New York City neighborhoods to watch in 2025, including Greenwood (also known as Greenwood Heights), Windsor Terrace, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. These areas saw the biggest increases in online searches from buyers and renters over the past year.
What’s driving this interest? A combination of factors:
- Value proposition: More space for your money compared to Manhattan
- New developments: Modern buildings with amenities at lower price points than across the river
- Community feel: Tree-lined streets and neighborhood character that appeals to families and young professionals
- Accessibility: Strong public transit connections to Manhattan and other boroughs
Whether you’re relocating from another city or moving within New York, Zenith Moving can help make your transition to these hot Brooklyn neighborhoods smooth and stress-free.
The Rising Stars: Five Neighborhoods to Know
Greenwood Heights: The Quiet Alternative
Greenwood is nestled between Park Slope and Sunset Park and had a 9% rise in StreetEasy searches from 2023 to 2024. What makes it particularly attractive? The median asking rent of $3,250 fell 1.1% from the year before, the largest drop on the list, and the median asking price fell 3.2% to $1.5M.
Key highlights:
- Located near the iconic Green-Wood Cemetery, which provides 478 acres of green space
- More affordable than neighboring Park Slope while offering similar charm
- Family-friendly atmosphere with a quieter, residential feel
- Easy access to excellent restaurants and shops on nearby Fifth and Seventh Avenues
Fort Greene: Cultural Hub with Historic Charm
Fort Greene was named “One of the nicest places in America” by Reader’s Digest in 2024, and StreetEasy searches increased 7.2% in 2024. This neighborhood perfectly balances serenity with cultural vibrancy.
What draws people here:
- 30-acre Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn’s oldest park with Revolutionary War history
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) for world-class performances
- Charming brownstones and tree-lined streets
- Vibrant restaurant scene and independent bookstores
- Central location between Downtown Brooklyn and Clinton Hill
- Median asking price fell by 4.3% to just over $1.6M, offering better value than recent years
Windsor Terrace: The Best-Kept Secret
Windsor Terrace might be Brooklyn’s best-kept secret, offering lower price points than other neighborhoods surrounding Prospect Park, with a median asking price of nearly $1.3M and a median asking rent of $3,592.
Neighborhood perks:
- Just blocks from Prospect Park’s western edge
- Charming rowhouses dominate the residential streets
- Several modern rental buildings have recently opened
- Strong sense of community with local shops and cafes
- More affordable than Park Slope while offering similar proximity to the park
Prospect Heights: Culture and Convenience
Situated on Prospect Park’s northern border, Prospect Heights combines cultural attractions with residential charm. With a median asking price of $1.2M in 2024, buyers may find Prospect Heights to be a slightly more affordable alternative to nearby Park Slope and Fort Greene.
Major attractions:
- Barclays Center for sports and concerts
- Brooklyn Public Library’s central branch
- Brooklyn Museum with a world-class art collection
- Mix of historic townhomes and modern buildings
- Excellent restaurant scene along Vanderbilt and Washington Avenues
Crown Heights and Prospect Lefferts Gardens: Affordable Charm
These neighboring areas offer some of the best value in Brooklyn. Crown Heights’ median asking rent falls $250 below the borough median, making it a great option for renters seeking new buildings with amenities on a budget.
Meanwhile, Prospect Lefferts Gardens has a median asking rent of just $2,950, $450 below the borough median, with large pre-war rental buildings offering classic charm and massive layouts.
Both neighborhoods feature:
- Beautiful historic brownstones
- Proximity to Prospect Park
- Diverse dining scene
- Active arts and cultural events
- Strong community atmosphere
- Multiple new developments expanding housing options
Beyond the Hottest: Other Neighborhoods Worth Considering
While the above neighborhoods are seeing the biggest search increases, several other Brooklyn areas deserve attention:
Gowanus: The Transformation Story
Gowanus, once a post-industrial area, is evolving into one of the most in-demand places in the borough, with a controversial rezoning sparking a building boom, including luxury rentals with rooftop pools and hundreds of new affordable units. The mix of art studios, indie gyms, and buzzy restaurants attracts young families who appreciate its gritty yet convenient character.
Greenpoint: Williamsburg’s Sophisticated Neighbor
North along the East River, Greenpoint is emerging from Williamsburg’s shadow with new waterfront towers, easy access to McCarren Park and the ferry, and a steady stream of new cafés and bookstores. The area appeals to both longtime locals and Manhattan transplants seeking a slightly more residential feel than Williamsburg.
Flatbush: The Value Play
Flatbush is the borough’s not-so-secret bargain, long celebrated for its Caribbean food scene, the landmark Kings Theatre and tree-lined blocks leading to Prospect Park, where buyers still get more space for their money. Prewar apartments with original hardwood floors and sometimes coveted parking draw first-time buyers and families priced out of other brownstone neighborhoods.
What to Expect: Pricing and Market Trends
Brooklyn’s real estate market remains strong heading into late 2025. Median home prices hit record territory at $1,022,500 in Q1, Brooklyn’s first time crossing the million-dollar median.
For renters, Brooklyn’s average rent stands around $3,424, up approximately 5% year-over-year. However, specific neighborhoods show varied trends, with some experiencing slight dips while others see continued increases.
Key market factors:
- Inventory is slowly increasing but remains below the ten-year averages
- New developments continue to add options, especially in emerging neighborhoods
- Competition remains high, particularly for well-priced units
- Manhattan residents continue looking to Brooklyn for better value
Making Your Move to Brooklyn
Choosing the right Brooklyn neighborhood depends on your priorities:
For families: Consider Fort Greene, Windsor Terrace, or Park Slope for excellent schools, parks, and community atmosphere.
For young professionals: Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Gowanus offer vibrant social scenes with good value.
Budget-conscious movers: Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Flatbush, and parts of Crown Heights provide the most space for your money.
No matter which Brooklyn neighborhood you choose, the moving process doesn’t have to be stressful. Zenith Moving specializes in Brooklyn relocations, whether you’re moving from another borough, across the country, or just down the block. Our experienced team knows Brooklyn’s streets, parking regulations, and building requirements, ensuring your move day goes smoothly.
The Bottom Line
Brooklyn’s appeal shows no signs of slowing in 2025. The borough offers something for everyone, from historic brownstone-lined streets to cutting-edge new developments, from quiet family neighborhoods to buzzing cultural hubs. The six neighborhoods seeing the biggest increases in interest (Greenwood, Windsor Terrace, Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens) represent excellent opportunities for new movers seeking value, community, and quality of life.
As Brooklyn continues to grow and evolve, getting in now means being part of these neighborhoods’ exciting transformations. Ready to join Brooklyn’s thriving community? Start your search in one of these hot neighborhoods and prepare for everything this dynamic borough has to offer.
