Brooklyn VS. Manhattan
Brooklyn and Manhattan are known for their unique character and distinct cultures. While they share some similarities, there are also significant differences between these two boroughs. What are the pros and cons? Brooklyn VS. Manhattan: which comes out on top?
(read the website’s name and then choose).
Manhattan- the city that never sleeps.
Otherwise known as the Big Apple, the Empire State, Gotham, the Capital of the World, among other names. Manhattan is an island on the western edge of NYC. It’s considered the beating heart of New York (said a Manhattanite obviously). Manhattan’s where the big players congregate ergo Wall Street. It’s known for its fast-paced lifestyle, iconic landmarks, and world-renowned institutions such as Sloan Kettering Hospital, the Museum of Natural History, and Broadway.
It is the most densely populated borough and is home to a few diverse neighborhoods. Chinatown offers some of the best Chinese food in the entire city and has great lighting stores on Canal Street. Chelsea is a neighborhood made up almost exclusively of art studios. Harlem is a hub of African American history and culture.
Along with its rich, diverse cultures, Manhattan offers some of the best jobs and amenities in the country, making it a great place to live. Manhattan has the most train service of all of NYC and a ceaseless supply of taxis and car services at beck and call. It’s called the city that never sleeps because there are so many 24/7 establishments.
Brooklyn: a laid-back alternative to Manhattan
Brooklyn is likewise known for its institutions, diversity, rich cultures, and parks. It is located on the western edge of Long Island and is connected to Manhattan via bridges and tunnels. Much of Brooklyn’s prestige has hinged on its connection to Manhattan, but it’s also had a streak of independence historically.
Brooklyn has numerous landmarks and institutions, from the Brooklyn Museum, the Brooklyn Historical Society, and Brooklyn College. It’s famous for its parks and green spaces, most notably Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
Brooklyn offers a more natural, relaxed pace of life than its counterpart, which Brooklynites take fierce pride in. The neighborhoods take on a residential feel because buildings are more spread out and are not as tall and austere. Many Brooklynites take pride in their stoop gardens and yards. Park Slope is famous for its potted stoop gardens.
Brooklyn offers many educational opportunities at the earlier mentioned Brooklyn College and in Downtown Brooklyn. Many parts of Brooklyn have easy access to the subway and a nice variety of car services. One area where Brooklyn shines are its rent prices.
Brooklyn is a wide, diverse borough.
Bay Ridge is home to many European heritage groups, such as Polish and Italians, where you can find delicious delicacies. Sunset Park is where you will find some of the best Mexican cuisine in the entire city. Did you know that Brooklyn has its own Chinatown, which is even larger than Manhattan’s Chinatown?
Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, and Fort Greene are some of the poshest neighborhoods in the entire city. Stately Brownstones line the streets and hearken back to a pivotal time in Brooklyn’s history when it had just merged with Manhattan. Ditmas Park is a time capsule of Victorian houses.
Bushwick, Red Hook, Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Greenpoint are enclaves of artists and freethinkers. The arts scenes thrive in these neighborhoods, where you will find many music arenas, art studios, and theaters. In many regards these neighborhoods represent Brooklyn’s less developed frontier.
Similarities.
In the debate of Brooklyn VS. Manhattan there are many similarities. One of the most significant similarities is the diversity. Both areas are home to people from different cultures of the world, religions, and backgrounds. This diversity is reflected in the food, music, and arts.
Schlepping to the culinary scene, you’ll find a lot of food options, from street vendors selling hot dogs and pretzels, to Michelin-starred restaurants. The food scene in both areas is a reflection of their diverse populations and cultural influences.
Another one is their commitment to sustainability and green living. Both areas have implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable living, such as bike lanes, public transportation, and green spaces.
Differences and drawbacks.
Manhattan is brimming with diversity and opportunity. It’s also one of the most expensive places to live in the entire world. With exceedingly high rents and its high cost of living it’s reserved for the financial elite mostly. One of the downsides of living in such a densely populated place is lack of space. Another downside is that infrastructure requires much more maintenance due to increased usage. As time has progressed prices for apartments have only increased as offered space has decreased.
One of the biggest differences between Manhattan and Brooklyn is the cost of living. Here’s where Brooklyn just stands on it’s own two feet. The median rent in Manhattan is $4,250 while in Brooklyn it is $3,558. The rent and the price of living make Brooklyn a better choice for many.
Brooklyn is densely populated as well, but to a much lesser degree than Manhattan. One of the jokes about the BQE (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) is that it will never be finished because it constantly needs repairs. While traffic is often congested in Brooklyn it is no where as atrocious as Manhattan. Though driving is easier in many regards, mass transit options are relatively limited. When it comes to transportation Manhattan has Brooklyn beat. (sorry Brooklynites).
Brooklyn VS. Manhattan: who wins?
Brooklyn and Manhattan each have their own unique character, culture, and landmarks. Manhattan is the bustling city, with world-renowned museums and theaters. Brooklyn is known for its laid-back atmosphere, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. Despite their differences, both areas are united by their shared history.
Brooklyn VS. Manhattan: who wins? That depends on what your priorities are. Manhattan represents a particular vision of the American dream to many. Brooklyn is Manhattan’s wilder, less polished half. Manhattan is built to completion while Brooklyn is comparatively unfinished and only beginning to realize its potential.
Whether you are looking for a high-energy lifestyle or a more relaxed pace of life, you do you.
PS: Read the website’s name.
As always I, and the Brooklynites team, thank you for reading. Click back soon. <3
Read about how the Brooklyn Bridge made New York City:
https://brooklynites.nyc/the-brooklyn-bridge-made-new-york-city/
Read about the fascinating history of Coney Island:
https://brooklynites.nyc/brooklyns-amusement-parks/
Read more about Brooklyn and Manhattan:
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