Photo by myself, in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Brownstone buildings are typical of the neighborhood. On the main streets, stores, restaurants, bars and cafes typically populate the ground level.
Yet another friend of mine is finding herself priced out of Brooklyn.
The largest of the five boroughs, Brooklyn is located across the East River from Manhattan. Commuters like me take the subway below ground or over bridges to get to work each day.
I lived in Manhattan on the Upper West Side for more than ten years, but I somehow feel more attached to Brooklyn. It's mellow here, down to earth, rich with diversity, restaurants and goings on.
I suggested Jersey City and Hoboken to my friend, on the other side of the Hudson River, as less expensive alternatives. She'd be living in New Jersey rather than New York, but there are tons of young people out there and a busy real estate market.
I'm reminded of a coworker who moved home to Texas, after doing some math - she found that she earned as much in New York after paying her rent as she would if she were working in McDonald's in Texas. Except here, she was working crazy, stressful hours in a major design firm.
I hope she's happy back home.
Related posts: The Cost of Living Here, The Rat Race, and Through The Roof.
12 comments:
I was always under the impression that Brooklyn was a rough area? It must just be the press over here - they talk rubbish. This is a pretty picture anyway. I don't drink but the neon sign looks nice against the darkening sky..
Ciao
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Hi from South Shields, nice picture you have here today Kitty.
I need your support, see my latest post at South Shields Daily Photo
Photographers rights in the UK and worldwide are under increasing threat and we need to make a stand now!
Unless something changes dramatically, this will be the last ever post at South Shields Daily Photo.
Hi Scarlet
Some parts are rougher than others, but overall, Brooklyn is quite gentrified. Much has become rather desirable, which good schools, awesome restaurants, little boutiques and pretty neighborhoods.
There's much less traffic out here, and you get more space for your rent money. Well, relatively more space!
Hi Curly
I'm saddened that photographers' rights are being threatened by the fear of sexual predators, and hope the issue finds resolution soon. Very good luck to your cause.
Neat liquor sign in neon. I used to watch them make neon signs. Fascinating.
Imagine my surprise at what popped-out of my sprinkling can > Dances on Sunshine
Bloomberg wants the riff raff out of town. And that means anyone making less than he does!
"I'm reminded of a coworker who moved home to Texas, after doing some math - she found that she earned as much in New York after paying her rent as she would if she were working in McDonald's in Texas."
That's funny. I've lived on LI since 1969 and am planning The Big Move to Brooklyn next year, and I'm Very Excited. I just hope I can afford it! It's not even so much the rents as the credit checks! I read all these CraigsList apartment postings and they say things like, "Rent $1600 - must make 60 times that in annual salary" - SHEESH! Am I totally out of touch with reality, or is it reasonable to expect that someone who makes $96,000/year (which I do NOT!) would live in a $1600/month apartment??
Hi kitty, like you I think Brooklyn is much more peaceful than Manhattan. Also, two of my favopurite movies were recorded there: "Blue in the face" and....gang!, I forgot the name of the other movie but they are both written by Paul Auster. My favourite author. Also living in Brooklyn! :-)
Awesome photo. I've heard Brooklyn is a great place to live and be. I like diversity.
Hi Mr Lincoln
I love neon, too. It's nostalgic and doesn't use a crazy amount of electricity
Hi Ken
Generally Bloomberg has been good, but it's true, the middle class is really being priced out. You have to be well off to live in Manhattan or just have a great deal.
Welcome Islipian
I hate to say it but $1600 would be the going rate in a share situation, or a small studio.
Great that you're moving here, though. i hope you have a great time. Welcome to Brooklyn!
Hi Eva
I think you mean Smoke, with Harvey Keitel? I love Paul Auster, he's one of my favorite authors. Auster is one of our most famous residents
Thanks Tam!
Great evening photos. I liked the one of the Ansonia. Thanks for sharing Peace
It's amazing to read that people are being priced out of BROOKLYN!
Thanks Lady Di!
lol Louis, but Brooklyn is expensive, especially if you're a single person who refuses to shack up with roommates.
there are folks in Williamsburg who shack up three or four to a loft, and not just kids just out of school, either.
It's not uncommon for unattached folks in their 30's to be living with several roommates
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