If Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the third-largest city in the U.S. with over 2.5 million residents, second to Los Angeles and Chicago. For centuries, immigrants have been coming to Brooklyn and leaving their unique (and delicious) marks on the borough, making it one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the nation. Even today, Brooklyn attracts newcomers and families from all over with its excellent schools, booming job market, and a strong sense of community.
However, renting an apartment or buying a home in Brooklyn isn’t going to be for everyone. Fortunately, Redfin knows about countless cities near Brooklyn that may meet your budget and needs. Whether you’re seeking a quieter suburban lifestyle, a waterfront haven, or a culturally rich community, these cities provide a diverse range of options to suit every preference and budget.
#1: Jersey City, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 8
Population: 263,000
Median home sale price: $605,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,085
Walk Score: 87
Bike Score: 70
Transit Score: 64
Jersey City is situated between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers, with a rich history dating back to its days as a hub for shipping and manufacturing. Now a modern urban community, old factories have been repurposed into office buildings and housing units, and abandoned rail yards are now landscaped parks. While living in Jersey City, you can explore popular attractions like Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, or visit one of the many museums or historical sites located in the city.
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#2: Hoboken, NJ
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Miles from Brooklyn: 10
Population: 53,500
Median home sale price: $855,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,599
Walk Score: 97
Bike Score: 74
Transit Score: 78
Hoboken is a small New Jersey city west of the Hudson River that is only 1.28 square miles. It is referred to as “the mile square city.” Hoboken is well known for its being a historic city with a strong sense of community. It is also known for its diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to New York City.
There’s something for everyone living in Hoboken. Some of the many museums you can visit in Hoboken are the Hoboken Historical Museum, which is popular with locals and tourists, and the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. There is also a unique arts and culture scene, with performing arts venues such as the Hudson Theatre Ensemble and Mile Square Theatre. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at La Isla Restaurant and Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant for a small taste of what this city offers.
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#3: Union City, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 12
Population: 75,000
Median home sale price: $490,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,950
Walk Score: 94
Bike Score: 80
Transit Score: 54
Union City is a historic city located just off the Hudson River. It has a rich cultural heritage and a tight-knit community. Union City is easy to access from New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel, making it a popular home base for New York commuters seeking more affordable places to live.
There are plenty of things to do in Union City. For starters, you can check out the Liberty Science Center, which is a great place for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for something a little more outdoorsy, you can explore the Hudson County Park system, which offers plenty of trails and activities. There’s something for everyone living Union City.
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#4: Newark, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 15
Population: 282,000
Median home sale price: $410,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,742
Walk Score: 76
Bike Score: 65
Transit Score: 51
Newark, located just a 20-minute train ride to New York City, is in the middle of all the action. With ample access to transit lines, a plethora of restaurants, and plenty of other amenities, Newark is a city of character and culture.
There is a lot to do for those living in Newark. You can visit the Prudential Center, the Newark Museum, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, or the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. You can also go shopping at the Newark Penn Station or dine in one of the many great restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for a night out, you can check out the Newark Symphony Hall or the Newark Bears Stadium.
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#5: Elizabeth, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 21
Population: 128,500
Median home sale price: $470,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,879
Walk Score: 80
Bike Score: 47
Transit Score: 54
Elizabeth, NJ is known for its large port and associated shipping industry, plus its role in the American Revolutionary War. The city has a rich history that can be seen through the city’s grand architecture, such as the Elizabeth Public Library and the Union County Courthouse. Warinanco Park and Elizabeth River Park are just two of the many parks in the city. There are also several museums and historic sites, including the Liberty Hall Museum, the Museum of Russian Icons, and the site of the Battle of Springfield.
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#6: Yonkers, NY
Miles from Brooklyn: 25
Population: 200,000
Median home sale price: $512,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,279
Walk Score: 69
Bike Score: 53
Transit Score: 37
Yonkers is the fourth largest city in New York, located along the Hudson River. It is the largest city in Westchester County and is home to many businesses and industries, as well as several colleges and universities. Yonkers is a diverse city with plenty of things to do. For starters, you can check out the Yonkers Raceway, which is a harness racing track that also features electronic gambling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go whitewater rafting on the Hudson River. And, of course, no trip to Yonkers would be complete without visiting the Saw Mill River, which is a popular spot for fishing. Yonkers is also a cultural hub, with the Hudson River Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, shopping centers, and arts and entertainment venues.
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#7: Edison, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 36
Population: 101,000
Median home sale price: $540,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
The city of Edison, New Jersey, was named after the famous inventor Thomas Edison. The town is very proud of its most famous citizen and has many tributes to Edison, including a museum, park, and memorial tower. If you decide to move to Edison, you can check out the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which is dedicated to preserving the site of the famous inventor’s laboratory. You can also head to Menlo Park Mall or one of the many other shopping centers in the area.
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#8: New Brunswick, NJ
Miles from Brooklyn: 39
Population: 777,000
Median home sale price: $312,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,385
Walk Score: 73
Bike Score: 35
Transit Score: 60
New Brunswick is a regional hub for central New Jersey and a commuter town for New York City. The city is the home of Rutgers University and is a commercial hub for businesses and pharmaceutical companies, such as Bristol Myers Squibb and Johnson and Johnson.
There is plenty to do in New Brunswick. For starters, you can visit the Rutgers Gardens, which are free and open to the public. The gardens feature over 10,000 plant species, making them a great place to learn about horticulture. You can also explore the city’s rich history by visiting the New Brunswick Museum or taking a walking tour of the city. If you’re looking for a more active adventure, you can hike or bike through the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park.
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#9: Long Island, NY
Miles from Brooklyn: 49
Population: 7.7 million
Median home sale price: $634,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,220
Walk Score: 95
Bike Score: 94
Transit Score: 82
Long Island is a large island located in southeastern New York State, east of Manhattan. It is divided into four counties: Kings, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk. Long Island is home to over 7 million people, making it the most populous island in the United States. The island is also home to two major airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. In addition, Long Island is home to many colleges and universities, including Stony Brook University, Hofstra University, and Nassau Community College. There are several things to do in Long Island, NY. One can visit the various beaches, go fishing, hiking, or biking. There are also some historical sites to visit, such as the Montauk Lighthouse or the Old Bethpage Village Restoration. In addition, there are many museums, such as the Long Island Museum or the Nassau County Museum.
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Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Brooklyn. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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