Ex-pat's Guide to Brooklyn, New York

When moving to NY, people always consider Brooklyn first. There is a good reason for that - more affordable housing, a great sense of community, top-notch education, rich history, plenty of things to do on those days off, being close to all the important happenings, etc. Moreover, out of NY's five boroughs, Brooklyn is the biggest and the most populated one - so, there will be a place for all the ex-pats willing to start their new life in this incredible place. But, as with everything in life, moving to Brooklyn and settling there will require some preparations. And that is why we are here. We have prepared an ex-pat's guide to Brooklyn, New York, that will help you get ready for this big step.

New York (and Brooklyn) is Expensive! 

First things first - be sure that you know what you are getting yourself into! New York is expensive, and so is Brooklyn. Everything from groceries, utilities, and rent to all those little everyday things can easily break your budget. So, consider everything and calculate as much as you can before you make your move. Be sure that you can live comfortably and pay for all the expenses. Try to keep your finances in order as that is the only way you can survive Brooklyn and reduce your stress during a move. However, there is some good news too - the standard of living in Brooklyn may be high, but so are the salaries. So, if you moved to Brooklyn because of a good job, you will have nothing to worry about.

Choose Your Neighborhood Wisely 

One of the most important things in this ex-pat's guide to Brooklyn is choosing the right neighborhood. Brooklyn's neighborhoods are genuinely iconic, but that does not mean that they are all right for you. Try to explore each area thoroughly, hire a real estate agent, and find one that will suit your needs and budget the most. Here are some of our recommendations for the best Brooklyn neighborhoods:

• Williamsburg Neighborhood - Great place if you seek nightlife, 5-star restaurants, art galleries, dance clubs,  and fantastic architecture. It is one of the most expensive places to live, but at least, you will never be bored.
• Park Slope - Most wanted neighborhood among young families. It has a tight-knit community and some great schools. Park Slope is also a very safe neighborhood.
• Dumbo - This neighborhood is on the rise because of all the companies that recently opened. So, if you are a young professional looking for a job and an affordable stay, Dumbo is the place to go. 
• Sunset Park - A neighborhood adored by families, young couples, seniors, and people with pets. Sunset Park offers a lot of greenery, family homes, and welcoming neighbors. Moreover, you can start your new life here in no time as experts from this neighborhood can help you move in quickly. 

Public Transport is the Way to Go! 

Brooklyn, as well as the rest of New York, is not a great place for cars. The traffic jams, the forever-changing driving laws, cranky drivers, and a constant rise in fuel cost are just some of the things that all drivers in Brooklyn have to face. So, either make walking a daily habit or turn to public transportation. All locals use public transportation as it is highly developed. The best choice would be to use the subway. But, besides the subway, you can also turn to busses, trains, ferries, bicycles, and of course, the yellow cabs. 

Prepare for All Four Seasons 

Brooklyn has all four seasons, and they are all equally magical. What is more, they all bring something different out of Brooklyn. For instance, winners are snowy and Christmasy. Flowers and blooming trees mark springs. Summers are hot and fashionable. And, finally, autumns are just festive and jolly. One thing is for sure - you will have fun in Brooklyn all year round. Just be sure to tell your U. Santini Moving and Storage to bring a lot of boxes as you will have to pack all-year-round clothes and props. 

Brooklyn is Not a Concrete Jungle 

New York is known as the Concrete Jungle; there is no doubt about that. But, that nickname applies to Manhattan primarily. Brooklyn, on the other hand, has its fair share of green places. That is why families, the elderly, pets, and those who need their greenery love it so much. Here are some parks to check out once you have settled in:

• Brooklyn Bridge Park 
• Green-Wood Cemetery 

Moreover, you should also check out the beaches: 

• Coney Island 
• Brighton Beach 
• Manhattan Beach 

The parks and beaches mentioned above are the biggest and the most visited places among tourists and locals. But, there are smaller parks and green areas scattered around the entire Brooklyn too. There are small ponds and rivers where you can take your kids fishing. There are even zoos and botanical gardens where you can spend an entire day and explore. 

Enjoy the Melting Pot for Foodies 

This ex-pat's guide to Brooklyn wouldn't be complete without mentioning all the fantastic food you can try here. The best place to try the local food and the imported specialties is in Smorgasburg - the largest open-air food market in the entire world! You can find it on the Williamsburg waterfront every Saturday during the spring and summer. And, while there, you will have the opportunity to try food from more than 100 vendors. It is a great place to have fun, meet new people, try local specialties, and support small businesses.