Borough Spotlight: Moving to Brooklyn

A borough that’s buzzing with diversity, amazing architecture and world-class food, people from all walks of life are moving to Brooklyn.

With an estimated 2015 population of 2,636,675, Brooklyn is the place to be. This borough is booming, boasting the largest rate of growth in New York City, a whopping 5.3% increase over the last five years. For those looking for an urban lifestyle that still offers choice nuggets of suburbia, Brooklyn is brimming with a rich culture, a deep appreciation for coffee, and some of the most iconic structures in New York City.

Brooklyn thrives on being exquisitely different.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about Brooklyn, along with some basic necessities that will be helpful for your move to Kings County:

• Brooklyn was originally its own separate city. It joined the City of New York in 1898.

• If it was still independent, Brooklyn would be the nation's fourth largest city by population!

• Brooklyn has been the backdrop of many popular movies and television shows, including “Saturday Night Fever,” “Moonstruck,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” and “The Honeymooners.”

• Some of New York's best known attractions are right here, like the spectacularly dazzling Brooklyn Bridge, America’s first roller coaster in Coney Island, and the breathtakingly beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

• Brooklyn is known for having some of the best pizza in the world. Local Tip: Check out these 11 must-try slices and pies that promise to blow the taste buds out of your mouth.

• Ready for another fun food fact? Nathan’s Famous first served up its franks in Brooklyn’s Coney Island in 1916!

• A cultural hub, Brooklyn is already buzzing with roughly 700 art galleries and theaters, but soon their Cultural District in Downtown Brooklyn, which continues to undergo renovations, will host more than 400,000 square feet of performance and exhibition space.

• The median price for purchasing a Brooklyn home is $563,000, while the median cost of renting an apartment will cost you about $2,774 per month.

• It’s a good idea to do your utility research before you take up residence in the borough. Having your water, electricity, cable, gas, etc., all set and ready will make your transition go smoothly.

Check out these four tips for a successful move to Brooklyn.

1. Give yourself planning time

With any move, it’s crucial to pay extra attention to the planning process. Make sure that you start preparing at least 4 weeks before your moving date.

Pro Tip: It is important to check on the moving truck accessibility in your Brooklyn neighborhood. Additional charges may be incurred if your household goods need to be transferred from a big van to a smaller truck to get through a gated community or go down a busy downtown street.

2. The sturdier the box, the better

Make sure that you invest in some good, durable moving boxes. Your most prized and personal possessions are going to be making their way into this popular borough, so it’s imperative that they are protected as best they can be.

Pro Tip: Check out your local liquor stores, banks, etc. They tend to give boxes away for free!

3. Pack smart

Think about your current items and what you absolutely NEED, and what you can likely toss or donate. Bring your essentials, but consider getting rid of that old ironing board and investing in some new kitchen appliances once you’re settled in.

4. Take inventory and label those boxes

It pays to be extra organized. Take pictures of all your belongings so that you know exactly what you are or aren’t bringing with you. And don’t forget to label your boxes with as much detail as possible. Nothing is worse than arriving at an empty house or apartment with a truck load of un-labeled or haphazardly labeled boxes. The more details on your labels, the easier it will be to start unpacking your boxes and filling your new space with your belongings. And if you do it right, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your new borough!