Brooklyn vs. Manhattan: Comparing Coliving Opportunities

Finding the right place to live in New York City can become an overwhelming situation. Even if you narrow your choices down to the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, you can find it difficult to make a decision. 

Learning more about what to expect in each community can help you make a more informed choice. Once you choose your new community, it will be easier to find the perfect coliving apartment. 

Living in Brooklyn vs. Manhattan: Know the Neighborhoods

Before you focus on finding the right coliving company, refine your search to one NYC borough. The two most popular choices are Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

Although each borough offers a unique living experience, the two communities are surprisingly close to one another. A commute of just nine miles makes the drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn an enjoyable diversion.

While Brooklyn had a poor reputation in the past, the borough’s leaders and community have worked hard to improve the quality of life in this part of NYC. 

Today, this borough provides a slower pace and a close-knit community. The tree-lined streets serve as a stage for the residential community’s historical architecture with a focus on traditional brownstone buildings.

When looking for opportunities for coliving in Brooklyn vs. Manhattan, population density can make a difference. Even though Brooklyn has a more relaxing pace, its 2.7 million population exceeds the 1.9 million residents in the bustling borough of Manhattan. 

Unlike Brooklyn, Manhattan keeps its residents conveniently close to entertainment, shopping, and business districts. 

Find Your Ideal Living Space

When looking at rooms to rent in NYC, the style of rentals will impact your decision. Some people value the strength and beauty of traditional architecture. This is just one of the advantages of choosing a Brooklyn rental as they typically have more spacious rooms since there wasn’t a population crisis during the construction of these homes.

Additionally, brownstones and other historical residences in this borough are considerably shorter than the high rise buildings common in Manhattan. This means your Brooklyn neighborhood will enjoy more sunlight and brighter daylight hours. 

Rental rates are typically lower in Brooklyn since Manhattan real estate offers a more prime location.

When comparing living in Brooklyn vs. Manhattan, modernity might be a concern. While older residential buildings in Brooklyn are often updated with the latest technology, they may not have the infrastructure necessary to adapt to new smart technology. 

Manhattan residences are smaller, but they make up for their cozier living spaces by offering more amenities. You’ll find more state-of-the-art technology in Manhattan rentals. Apartment communities in Manhattan are more likely to offer attractive amenities, such as clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, and rooftop lounges.

How to Choose an NYC Neighborhood Based on Rental Rates

Rental costs are important to consider from your financial perspective. Overall, Manhattan demands a higher price in exchange for the convenient location. 

SoHo (South of Houston Street) is Manhattan’s priciest community with rent starting at $5,000. The least expensive Manhattan community is the Flatiron District with rent beginning near $3,800.

In Brooklyn, you’ll find the lowest living costs in Fort Greene, with rent starting at $2,700 a month. The most affluent neighborhood in Brooklyn is DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge). Rentals in this area cost $3,800 and up.

How Will Transportation Affect Your Daily Routine?

While understanding NYC rental markets is important, you should try to determine how each borough will affect the quality of your daily life. A primary concern is how you’ll get around as you go to work, meet friends at a corner pub, or take your family for an evening outing. 

If you own a car, it’s more economically feasible to live in Brooklyn. This NYC borough has metered parking on most streets. Whether you choose street parking or park your car in a lot, you should expect to spend up to $300 per month.

Just like many other aspects of Manhattan living, parking is more expensive in this popular borough. Metered parking is rare, and it can be difficult to find an available slot on any street. Between street and lot parking in Manhattan, the average cost ranges between $500 and $600 a month.

How to Choose an NYC Neighborhood for Fun and Socializing

When comparing Brooklyn to Manhattan, consider your interest in nightlife, dining, shopping, and other types of entertainment. The type of activities you enjoy should play a role in finding your ideal neighborhood. You’ll want to settle on a borough that delivers more of the things that interest you.

As you look at living in Brooklyn vs. Manhattan, ask yourself if you have an interest in outdoor activities. While Manhattan has Central Park, Brooklyn values nature with many more parks and outdoor recreational venues. 

Some popular parks in Brooklyn include Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and McCarren Park. Brooklyn also offers locally-owned restaurants, corner stores, and small pubs.

While there are fewer parks in Manhattan, you’ll find more commercial offerings in Manhattan. 

People comparing coliving in Brooklyn vs. Manhattan prefer to live in Manhattan since it keeps them close to theaters, nightclubs, and fine dining. Additionally, there’s a wide range of dining options, family-friendly entertainment, and shopping.

Breaking Down the Cost of Living in Each Community

In general, Brooklyn offers lower living expenses than Manhattan. Along with rent, income taxes are definitely lower. While federal tax rates remain consistent everywhere, Manhattan adds 0.5% to the total rate. However, looking for cheaper coliving options can help compensate for the higher Manhattan taxes. 

When it comes to utilities, the costs even out. Brooklyn utilities are slightly cheaper, but turning to energy-efficient practices is a more effective strategy for saving on living expenses.

Similarly, groceries and household essentials cost the same throughout the two boroughs. Essentially, your day-to-day costs remain similar in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

What’s the Location That Best Suits Your Lifestyle?

Finding the right community is an important first step in building the life you want for yourself. 

Whether you decide to make a home in Brooklyn or Manhattan, joining a coliving community is the easiest way to give you a fresh start. You’ll enjoy cost-of-living savings, camaraderie, and convenience when you find a beautiful coliving space at Roomrs.