Choosing between Queens and Brooklyn is a decision many New Yorkers face when making a local move. While Manhattan used to be the center of everything, these two boroughs have become just as desirable—offering more space, diverse neighborhoods, and plenty of character. But which is the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
Housing: Affordability vs. Trendy Living
Housing is usually the biggest expense in New York City, and both boroughs come at a premium. However, Queens tends to be more affordable than Brooklyn.
- Queens Average Rent: Around $2,600
- Brooklyn Average Rent: Around $3,000
If budget is your priority, Queens wins. Neighborhoods like Flushing offer affordable apartments, cultural diversity, and endless dining options. On the other hand, Brooklyn has hot spots like Dumbo, where rents soar to $5,000 but reward you with stunning waterfront views, trendy restaurants, and easy access to Manhattan.
Queens’ counterpart to Dumbo is Long Island City (LIC), where median rents hover around $3,500. LIC has quickly grown into a hub for young professionals, thanks to its skyline views and proximity to Midtown Manhattan.
Commuting: Trains, Stations, and Airports
When it comes to commuting, location is everything.
Brooklyn offers better subway coverage with 157 stations, making it easier to get around the city. If you work in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn is often more convenient.
Queens, with just 78 stations, is more spread out—but it has a unique edge. It’s home to JFK and LaGuardia airports, making it a dream for frequent travelers. Plus, the Long Island Rail Road makes weekend getaways to the Hamptons easy.
Commute times are fairly similar (around 47–50 minutes on average), so your choice may depend on where you work.
Food: Flavor Without Limits
Both boroughs are food havens, but in different ways.
Brooklyn shines with its trendy, experimental restaurants and foodie spots. It’s home to Smorgasburg, an iconic open-air food market, and even boasts Michelin-starred dining.
Queens is all about authenticity. In Flushing, you’ll find some of the best Chinese food in the city, while Jackson Heights is the go-to for Indian, Colombian, and more. The Queens Night Market also adds a fun cultural twist with global eats and live performances.
Attractions: Big Names vs. Hidden Gems
When it comes to things to do, both boroughs deliver.
Brooklyn: Enjoy the rides at Coney Island, explore Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, or catch a game or concert at the Barclays Center.
Queens: Sports fans will love the US Open and Citi Field, home of the Mets. Beyond sports, Queens offers gems like the Museum of the Moving Image and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the historic site of the World’s Fair.
So…Queens or Brooklyn?
The answer depends on your lifestyle. If you value affordability, cultural diversity, and easy airport access, Queens may be the right fit. If you want trendier neighborhoods, more subway options, and a bustling food and nightlife scene, Brooklyn might be calling your name.
Whichever borough you choose, the next big step is moving—and that’s where having the right movers makes all the difference. Professional Queens movers or Brooklyn movers can help you transition smoothly into your new neighborhood so you can focus on settling in.
Making the choice between Queens and Brooklyn is exciting, but once you’ve decided where to live, the real challenge begins—planning your move. That’s where Movers Not Shakers comes in. As trusted local movers in New York, we specialize in hassle-free relocations across all boroughs, including Queens and Brooklyn. Our team knows the unique challenges of moving in NYC, from navigating busy streets to handling apartment walk-ups, ensuring that your transition is smooth and stress-free. Contact us today and let our experienced team handle every detail of your relocation so you can focus on enjoying life in your new neighborhood.
