National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Apartment List has released Brooklyn's results from the first annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. The survey, which drew on responses from over 18,000 renters, provides new insights into what states and cities must do to meet the needs of the 105 million American renters nationwide.
Navigate apartment hunting and city life like a local with our curated articles about Brooklyn, New York.
Creative energy flows through Williamsburg, where industrial-chic apartments and vibrant street life create Brooklyn's trendiest neighborhood. Rental options include converted factories and luxury new construction with amenities targeting young professionals. While the area offers exceptional dining, nightlife, and L train access to Manhattan, the popularity has pushed rental rates toward premium levels with weekend crowds affecting livability in some sections. Particularly appealing to young professionals, artists, and those willing to pay higher rates for neighborhood energy and distinctive surroundings.
Beyond the hype, Bedford-Stuyvesant offers what's increasingly rare in Brooklyn – actual community where neighbors know each other's names. The neighborhood's stunning brownstones often contain surprisingly affordable apartment units with architectural details you'd pay millions to own – intricate woodwork, pocket doors, and decorative fireplaces that actually work. Unlike the sterile sameness of luxury developments, rentals here have character reflecting generations of careful stewardship. The A/C trains provide express service to Manhattan, while the neighborhood's commercial strips support Black-owned businesses from bakeries to bookstores. For best value, look east of Malcolm X Boulevard, where beautifully maintained blocks offer comparable housing stock at lower prices than western sections. Just know street cleaning regulations – longtime residents can point out which side to park on which days to avoid tickets.
Caribbean energy pulses through this enclave where the Labor Day Carnival's sequined masqueraders spill onto Church Avenue. Renters prize pre-war apartments with original parquet floors but face 45-minute subway commutes to Manhattan. The hidden gem? The Caton Market's Guyanese pepperpot soup available only on winter weekends.
"Brooklyn renters report overall satisfaction but are concerned both with the direction of the economy and with safety," says Andrew Tam, Vice President of Data Science at Apartment List. "The US renter population is at its highest level in 20 years, and while Brooklyn is a very desirable location for renters in many ways, there are still opportunities for Brooklyn to make itself more appealing to this large demographic."
Key findings in Brooklyn include the following:
A detailed report explaining the survey's methodology, analysis, and findings is available upon request. To obtain a copy, please email Andrew Tam, Apartment List's Vice President of Data Science, at andrew@apartmentlist.com.
