From quiet brownstone-lined streets to lively porch concerts and summer Open Streets, Brooklyn is a borough of distinct pockets with major personalities. We asked some of The Agency’s local experts to share their favorite neighborhoods, what makes them special, and some local secrets that are just too good to gatekeep. Whether you’re looking to move, invest, or just explore somewhere new this weekend, here’s five Brooklyn neighborhoods that should be on your radar.
Park Slope
Ashlie Roberson | @ashlieroberson
Park Slope is my absolute favorite neighborhood in the city. I may be partial since I live here! The atmosphere is welcoming and laid-back. It’s a charming neighborhood, known for its gorgeous brownstone-lined streets and an abundance of greenery, bumping up against Prospect Park. There’s really no better way to escape the city than having 600 acres of green space in your backyard. I love that the neighborhood partakes in Open Streets every Saturday on 5th Avenue from May through October— the live music is so fun, and people have a ball. If you’re looking to live in or explore a pedestrian-friendly, picturesque neighborhood, put Park Slope on your list.
Hot Tip: My favorite spots are The Ripped Bodice, which is a quaint, airy independent bookstore on 5th Avenue and Haenyeo (also on 5th Avenue), the most amazing Korean food on Earth.
Ditmas Park & Prospect Park South
Melissa Bemis | @melissabemisnyc
Located near Prospect Park, these neighborhoods are known for their abundance of detached single-family homes, many of which are historic Victorian houses. The vibe here is a charming blend of historic architecture and a growing mix of new coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
During warm weather, neighbors gather on the Malls and Albemarle Road, especially now that we have Open Streets on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. It’s common to see kids playing freely in the streets. Overall, the atmosphere feels distinctly suburban, thanks to the low-density layout, abundant trees, and lush gardens, many blocks feel almost like living inside a park.
Hot Tip: One of the highlights of the area are the beloved porch concerts. As part of Operation Gig, local musicians perform on porches throughout the neighborhood—residents and visitors alike bring blankets or folding chairs to picnic and enjoy the music.
Clinton Hill
Penelope Stipanovich | @penelope_stipanovich
Clinton Hill stuns with block after block of brownstones and a creative, grounded energy. It’s stylish but not trying too hard—neighbors chat on stoops, kids tear through playgrounds, and there’s always a good cortado nearby.
One of my favorite rituals is walking to the Fort Greene Greenmarket on Saturdays—grab a pastry, your week’s greens, and maybe a handmade mug, all in one loop. For dinner, Olea is the move. Cozy, vibrant, and consistently delicious. (Do not skip the dip trio—romesco sauce is non-negotiable.)
Hot Tip: A few blocks over on DeKalb Avenue, you’ll find what I call the “ultra-mini flea.” Outside Edmonds Playground, a handful of vendors casually set up every Saturday with vintage boots, funky ceramics, and word-of-mouth magic. Last season? I snagged near-perfect Khaite boots for $50.
Brooklyn Heights
James Bogan | @agentbk
Brooklyn Heights is one of those neighborhoods that instantly feels like home. It’s rich in history, beautifully preserved, plus the tree-lined streets, iconic brownstones, and charming pre-war buildings give it a timeless, elegant feel. What really draws people in is the sense of community. You’ll see familiar faces at the corner café, dogs playing in Hillside Dog Park, and neighbors chatting on their stoops. It’s that rare blend of old New York charm with a small-town vibe that’s tough to find anywhere else.
And then, of course, there’s the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, one of the most stunning, soul-calming walks in the city. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s a daily reminder of why people fall in love with this neighborhood. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, picturesque place to settle down or want to be seconds from the action with a bit of serenity, Brooklyn Heights really has it all.
Hot Tip: Grab a coffee from Joe Coffee on Pineapple Street and take a morning walk down the Promenade, it’s the best way to start your day. And if you haven’t had the almond croissant from L’Appartement 4F yet… you’re welcome.
Williamsburg
Maurice Singer | @mauricejsinger
What makes Williamsburg unique is its diversity of feels and vibes—an assemblage of micro-neighborhoods, each with something special on tap.
The northwestern corner is the “hotel district,” now filled with towers and rooftop bars boasting skyline views. The southside is transforming with the Domino Sugar factory conversion and five new waterfront towers, while still honoring its Puerto Rican heritage.
Across the BQE, the northeastern area has deep Italian roots—frame houses, butcher shops, pasticcerias, and the scent of sugar in the air. Further south, Williamsburg blurs into Bushwick, where former Michelin chefs are building new empires and warehouses become night spots—some storied, some still secret. The vibe? A cultural melange—Hermès and vintage, dive bars with free pizza and $30 cocktails, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. Whatever your scene is, it’s here.
Hot Tip: Francie’s dry-aged crown roast of Rohan duck is a must. Rule of Thirds slays brunch (yes, it’s technically Greenpoint, but it’s right on the border). Nearby, grab Caffè Panna, or head east to Huda for Levantine flavors. In the southeast, hit Ren for standout Szechuan, then Emack & Bolio’s for dessert.
