Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs, is known for its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and distinct communities.
In terms of a safe place to live or visit, there are several neighborhoods in Brooklyn that are often considered among the safest. While it’s important to note that crime rates can fluctuate over time, here are some neighborhoods that have historically been regarded as the Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, starting with…
Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn
1 Brooklyn Heights
Located on the waterfront, Brooklyn Heights is a charming neighborhood known for its historic brownstones, tree-lined streets, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
It offers a mix of residential tranquility and a vibrant commercial strip along Montague Street and nearby areas. With its proximity to the Brooklyn Promenade and Brooklyn Bridge Park, residents and visitors can enjoy waterfront strolls and breathtaking views. The neighborhood’s rich history, beautiful architecture, and convenient location make Brooklyn Heights a highly desirable place to live and explore.
It has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, making it a popular choice for families and professionals.
2 Cobble Hill
Situated adjacent to Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill offers a similar appeal with its picturesque streets and well-preserved architecture.
It has a strong community spirit and offers a welcoming atmosphere. Residents and visitors can enjoy browsing the local shops, dining at the neighborhood’s restaurants, and taking leisurely walks through the leafy streets. With its old-world charm and sense of community, Cobble Hill has become a sought-after neighborhood in Brooklyn.
This neighborhood has a reputation for being safe, with a close-knit community feel and a variety of amenities.
3 Carroll Gardens
Another neighborhood in the vicinity of Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, is characterized by its beautiful townhouses, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant food and retail scene.
The neighborhood is beloved for its community-oriented spirit, with residents actively participating in local events and initiatives. Carroll Gardens offers a mix of small businesses, including boutiques, cafes, and restaurants along Court and Smith Streets.
Its proximity to parks, such as Carroll Park and the Brooklyn Greenway, provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. With its charming aesthetics, strong sense of community, and convenient location, Carroll Gardens is a beloved neighborhood in Brooklyn.
It has a relatively low crime rate, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals seeking safety and convenience.
4 Park Slope
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Park Slope is a highly desirable neighborhood for families. It offers a range of amenities, including well-regarded schools, numerous parks (including Prospect Park), and a diverse array of shops and restaurants.
The neighborhood is home to a diverse community with a mix of young professionals, families, and artists. Park Slope offers an abundance of amenities, including a bustling commercial strip along 7th Avenue and 5th Avenue, filled with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
The neighborhood’s strong sense of community, top-rated schools, and access to green spaces make Park Slope an attractive place to live and raise a family.
Park Slope has a reputation for being safe, with an active community that fosters a strong sense of security.
5 Windsor Terrace
Nestled between Park Slope and Kensington, Windsor Terrace is a residential neighborhood known for its peaceful streets, green spaces, and a strong sense of community.
The neighborhood offers a tranquil setting with easy access to Prospect Park, where residents can enjoy outdoor activities and events. Windsor Terrace is home to a close-knit community, and its main commercial strip along Prospect Park West offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
With its charming residential character, proximity to green spaces, and a strong sense of community, Windsor Terrace provides a welcoming and idyllic neighborhood experience.
It boasts low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place for families and those seeking a quieter living environment.
6 DUMBO
Short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO is a waterfront neighborhood known for its artistic vibe, converted warehouses, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, boutiques, and tech startups. Residents and visitors can enjoy waterfront walks, outdoor events in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the vibrant cultural scene.
With its unique blend of industrial history, artistic energy, and breathtaking views, DUMBO offers a dynamic and captivating experience in Brooklyn.
While it has experienced significant development in recent years, it remains a relatively safe neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial spaces.
7 Bay Ridge
Located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn, Bay Ridge is a diverse neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It offers a suburban-like atmosphere with tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a range of amenities.
The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and local businesses, with Fifth Avenue serving as the main commercial strip.
Residents and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, explore the scenic Shore Road Park, and take part in community events such as the annual Norwegian Constitution Day Parade. With its friendly atmosphere, diverse offerings, and beautiful surroundings, Bay Ridge is a cherished neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Bay Ridge has a relatively low crime rate and is often considered one of the safest Brooklyn neighborhoods.
8 Fort Greene
Next on my rundown of the Safest Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Fort Greene is a lively and historic neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and well-preserved brownstone homes.
The neighborhood is named after the historic Fort Greene Park, which serves as a central gathering point for residents. Fort Greene is also home to a thriving arts scene, with the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) located in the heart of the neighborhood. BAM hosts a wide range of cultural events, including theater performances, film screenings, and live music.
With its mix of historic charm, cultural attractions, and vibrant community, Fort Greene offers a unique and vibrant Brooklyn experience.
9 Boerum Hill
Boerum Hill is a charming and picturesque neighborhood in Brooklyn that exudes a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
Renowned for its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and trendy shops, Boerum Hill has become a highly sought-after safe place to live.
The neighborhood offers a mix of residential streets and a vibrant commercial district along Smith Street, which is filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Boerum Hill also benefits from its proximity to cultural institutions, such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), and its easy access to nearby neighborhoods like Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights.
With its architectural beauty, diverse community, and vibrant local scene, Boerum Hill is a beloved neighborhood in Brooklyn.
10 Vinegar Hill
Vinegar Hill is a historic neighborhood nestled between DUMBO and the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn.
Known for its cobblestone streets and well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Vinegar Hill offers a unique and charming atmosphere. With its rich history and close-knit community, the neighborhood provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the architectural beauty, take part in community events, and explore the nearby attractions and amenities of this hidden gem in Brooklyn.
11 Prospect Heights
Prospect Heights is a vibrant, safe, and diverse neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its lively atmosphere and cultural offerings.
The neighborhood is named after the iconic Prospect Park, which borders its eastern edge. Residents and visitors can enjoy the expansive green spaces, walking trails, and recreational activities that the park has to offer.
In addition to its natural beauty, Prospect Heights is home to several renowned cultural institutions, including the Brooklyn Museum as well as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The neighborhood also features a mix of restaurants, bars, and shops, adding to its appeal as a dynamic, safe, and desirable place to live and explore.
12 Red Hook
Red Hook is a waterfront neighborhood located in southwestern Brooklyn. Known for its industrial past and maritime heritage, it has undergone significant transformation in recent years.
Today, it is a vibrant neighborhood with a unique character. The neighborhood offers stunning views of the New York Harbor, a thriving food and arts scene, and a close-knit community.
Red Hook’s mix of old warehouses, trendy shops, and eclectic dining options make it a destination for locals and visitors alike.
13 Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park is a charming residential neighborhood in central Brooklyn. Known for its tree-lined streets and Victorian-style homes, it has a suburban feel within the bustling city. The neighborhood boasts a diverse community with a mix of families, artists, and professionals.
Residents enjoy the convenience of Cortelyou Road, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops. With its well-preserved architecture and community-oriented atmosphere, Ditmas Park offers a tranquil, safe, and welcoming environment for those who live there or visit.
14 Marine Park
Marine Park is a neighborhood located in southeastern Brooklyn. It is known for its namesake park, which is the largest public park in Brooklyn. The park offers ample green space, sports fields, playgrounds, and a saltwater marsh.
Residents of Marine Park enjoy outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, and picnicking. The neighborhood also has a suburban feel with quiet residential streets and a strong sense of community.
With its abundant recreational opportunities and family-friendly atmosphere, Marine Park provides a safe and peaceful retreat for residents away from the bustling city.
15 Clinton Hill
Clinton Hill is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood located in north-central Brooklyn. Known for its tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and thriving arts scene, Clinton Hill offers a blend of charm and creativity.
The neighborhood is home to Pratt Institute, a renowned art and design college, which contributes to its artistic atmosphere. Residents and visitors can explore the local galleries, boutiques, and restaurants that add to the neighborhood’s dynamic character.
With its mix of cultural institutions, architectural beauty, and a strong sense of community, Clinton Hill continues to be a safe and desirable place to live and visit.
16 Gerritsen Beach
Gerritsen Beach is a waterfront neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Brooklyn. Situated on a peninsula surrounded by water, Gerritsen Beach offers a serene and close-knit community atmosphere. Residents enjoy the picturesque views, boating opportunities, and the neighborhood’s private beach.
The area is known for its bungalow-style homes and a strong sense of pride among its residents. With its tranquil waterfront setting and a tight-knit community, Gerritsen Beach provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
17 Midwood
Midwood is a residential neighborhood located in the southern part of Brooklyn. Known for its quiet streets, suburban feel, and well-maintained homes, Midwood offers a peaceful living environment.
The neighborhood is characterized by its tree-lined blocks and diverse community, with a mix of single-family houses and apartment buildings.
Midwood Avenue serves as the main commercial corridor, offering an array of shops, restaurants, and amenities. With its tranquil atmosphere, proximity to parks, and a variety of housing options, Midwood provides a safe suburban oasis within the urban landscape of Brooklyn.
18 Bensonhurst
Bensonhurst is a diverse neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Brooklyn. Known for its bustling streets, vibrant cultural scene, and an array of culinary delights, Bensonhurst offers a taste of multiculturalism.
The neighborhood is home to a significant Italian-American population, with many Italian restaurants, pastry shops, and pizzerias lining the streets.
Residents and visitors can explore 18th Avenue, the neighborhood’s main commercial strip, which is filled with shops and eateries. With its lively atmosphere, diverse community, and a rich culinary heritage, Bensonhurst offers an exciting and flavorful experience in Brooklyn.
19 Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay is a waterfront neighborhood located in southern Brooklyn. With its picturesque bay, marinas, and fishing boats, Sheepshead Bay has a strong maritime influence.
It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with diverse dining options featuring fresh seafood. Residents and visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and strolling along the bay promenade. Sheepshead Bay also boasts a vibrant Russian community, evident in its Russian grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural events. With its waterfront charm and multicultural ambiance, Sheepshead Bay offers a unique safe living experience in Brooklyn.
20 Kensington
Kensington is a residential neighborhood situated in the central part of Brooklyn. Known for its quiet streets, tree-lined blocks, and a strong sense of community, Kensington offers a peaceful living environment.
The neighborhood is home to a diverse mix of residents, creating a multicultural atmosphere. Residents can enjoy the local parks and green spaces, such as Prospect Park and Kensington Stables. The commercial strip along Church Avenue offers a variety of shops, markets, and restaurants, reflecting the neighborhood’s diversity.
With its serene atmosphere, community-oriented spirit, and convenient location, Kensington provides a welcoming and safe haven within Brooklyn.
Also, Considering other Safe Places to Live?
Then check out our comprehensive guides to the Safest States in America to work and live in 2023.
Or, take a look at the Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago, the Safest Neighborhoods in New York City, or the Safest Neighborhoods in Philadelphia. However, if you already know that you will be staying in an area with a few safety concerns, we can help break down your options. Such as our in-depth guides to the Best Neighborhoods in Queens, the Best Neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and many more!
Finally, if you’re still not sure where to relocate to, why not explore other areas of the US? Like the Safest Cities in Texas, the Safest Cities in Tennessee, the Safest Places to Live in Florida, the Safest Neighborhoods in Atlanta, the Safest Neighborhoods in Houston, or the Best Places to Live in Florida for Families!
Final Thoughts
It’s worth noting that while these neighborhoods have historically been regarded as safe, it’s always important to exercise caution and maintain general safety practices regardless of the location.
Additionally, crime rates can vary within different parts of a neighborhood, so it’s a good idea to research specific areas and consult local resources for the most up-to-date information on safety.
As always, stay safe and have fun living or traveling to Brooklyn.