Moving to Bedford-Stuyvesant

Moving to Bedford-Stuyvesant, or also known as “Bed-Stuy” is a great opportunity for people who want to live in Brooklyn but in a more affordable area. This neighborhood is located in the central part of Brooklyn, and it is known for its rich cultural history, and beautiful Victorian architecture dominated by brownstones. Bed-Stuy is a home to many community gardens and parks, small local businesses, and world-class restaurants.

In fact, Bed-Stuy offers a next-level nightlife scene boasting some of Brooklyn’s best bars, while at the same time being the cultural capital of Brooklyn. This is the best up-and-coming neighborhood in Brooklyn currently. Its tree-lined streets, paired with a diverse community, vibrant atmosphere and endless list of attractions will make you fall in love with it in no time. If you want to know more about living in Bed-Stuy, start by checking out our short and informative guide.

What Makes Bedford Stuyvesant So Special?

In the early 20s and 30s, Bed-Stuy became a hub for African-American families looking for a place to live. Many of these families were first settled in the South and Harlem, but soon left to establish themselves here. Nowadays, mostly young professionals and artists are relocating to this area since it is affordable and well-connected by public transportation. With the arrival of this new and young crowd, the energy flow changed so now Bed-Stuy is full of new pop-up restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Rental and real estate prices

Finding the perfect place to live in a metropolis like NYC might seem easy. This city is big so naturally, you’ll have much more options and opportunities. What people mostly forget is that you’ll need to consider your budget, the type of housing that suits you best, and how far away is it from your work. It does not sound so easy anymore, right?

Luckily, one of the biggest draws in Bes-Stuy is affordable housing options, for both renters and buyers. The brownstone homes in this neighborhood are some of the cheapest in New York City. This unique architectural style is what that drives New Yorkers to opt to buy a house in this particular area.

The rental and real estate prices in Bed-Stuy have been on the rise in recent years, but still remained on the affordable side. The median home value for a four-room brownstone in Bed-Stuy is $1.25 million which is way more affordable than in other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

When we talk about rentals, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Bed-Stuy is around $2,500 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment, suitable for families with kids goes around $3,200. Naturally, you can find even cheaper rentals since prices vary widely depending on the location and condition of the apartment. Make sure you look for the pockets of the neighborhood where prices are even more affordable, particularly on the outskirts of the neighborhood or in less gentrified areas.

Public transportation and commuting options

BedStuy is well-connected to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan by public transportation. To be more precise you’ll need around 15 minutes to reach Williamsburg, or 25 minutes to reach Midtown. It can’t get faster than that. What we like the most is how walkable this area is. Everything you need is literally just a few minutes of walking away from you. This is quite important considering the parking space is limited so there will be no need to start up your car just to get some groceries. Here is the list of available commuting and transportation options:

• Subway – This area is served by several subway lines, including the A, C, G, J, M, and Z lines. These subway lines provide easy access to other neighborhoods in Brooklyn, as well as to Manhattan.
• Bus – Also, several bus routes are available. Lines that run through Bed-Stuy are B15, B25, B26, B38, and B52. These buses will take you to other parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
• Commuter rail – The Long Island Rail Road’s Atlantic Branch stops at the East New York station. It is located on the border of Bed-Stuy and East New York. This rail provides a direct connection to Manhattan’s Penn Station, as well as to other parts of Long Island.
• Bike share – Bed-Stuy is also served by a few bike share stations operated by Citi Bike. This way you can conveniently and most importantly cost-efficiently get around the neighborhood and other parts of Brooklyn.

As you can see public transportation options make it easy for residents and visitors to get around the neighborhood and to other parts of the city. However, don’t forget that Manhattan and Brooklyn are the busiest NYC boroughs so traffic and congestion can be an issue during peak commuting hours. Plan your commuting on time.

Local Attractions And Amenities

Bed-Stuy is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with many local attractions and amenities. This area is a popular destination for residents and visitors when they just want to spend the day out relaxing. Not only that this neighborhood is home to some of Brooklyn’s best dining and nightlife scene, but it’s also the home to one of Brooklyn’s oldest parks – Herbert Von King Park. This is a centuries-old greenspace that features baseball fields, handball courts, and designated barbecue stations as well as an amphitheater where concerts and performances are held year-round. Also, a Fulton Park is another green space where you can get some fresh air.

Here are some of the top attractions and amenities in Bed-Stuy:

• Historical architecture – The Victorian-style architecture is what draws tourists to this place. NYC brownstones are mainly built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries which makes them historical artifacts in some way. Walking tours that include brownstone watching are a big thing among tourists.
• Art galleries – Bed-Stuy is home to several art galleries and creative spaces. Places like Brooklyn Children’s Museum, MoCADA (Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts), and the Bill Hodges Gallery are a must-see for both residents and visitors.
• Live music venues – Bed-Stuy is also known for its live music scene. Several venues are showcasing local and national talent. Popular spots are Brooklyn Bowl, The Sultan Room, and C’mon Everybody.
• Community events – This neighborhood has a strong sense of community, and residents mostly organize and enjoy a wide variety of local events and festivals year-round. These include the West Indian Amerian Day Parade, and the Bed-Stuy Alive! Street Festival, and the Brooklyn Book Festival.
• Restaurants and bars – Bed-Stuy has a diverse and thriving restaurant scene. Here you will find plenty of options, from Caribbean and African cuisine to farm-to-table and vegan options.

Pros And Cons Of Moving To Bedford-Stuyvesant

Deciding whether Bed-Stuy is the right neighborhood for you depends on your personal preferences, priorities, and lifestyle. No matter where are you moving it is always important to do your research, and visit the neighborhood in person if possible. This is the only way to get a sense of whether it would be a good fit for you or not. Just like any other neighborhood, Bed-Stuy as well has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some potential pros and cons of moving to Bed-Stuy.

Pros:

• Affordable housing and rental options – Although housing prices have been rising in recent years, Bed-Stuy still remains more affordable than some of the other popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
• Public transportation – Bed-Stuy is well-connected to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan by public transportation, including several subway lines and bus routes.
• Cultural heritage – Bed-Stuy has a strong sense of community and cultural identity, with a rich history that includes a diverse mix of African-American, Caribbean, and immigrant communities.
• Victorian architecture – Bed-Stuy is known for its stunning brownstone buildings, many of which have been beautifully preserved or restored.
• Arts and culture scene – This neighborhood is home to several art galleries, museums, and live music venues, offering a vibrant arts and culture scene that only evolves day after day.

Cons:

• Traffic jams – Like many neighborhoods in New York City, traffic and congestion can be an issue in Bed-Stuy during peak commuting hours.
• Limited parking spaces – This is the most common problem in almost all aprts of NYC.
• Limited green space – Even though Bed-Stuy has some beautiful parks and green spaces, it is relatively limited in terms of the amount of open space available.
• Gentrification – The rapid development and gentrification of the neighborhood have led to some displacement of longtime residents and rising rental prices.
• Noise – Bed-Stuy can be a noisy neighborhood, particularly in areas close to busy streets or nightlife spots.

From Anywhere To Brooklyn With iMOVE NYC

Moving to or from Brooklyn has never been so easy, iMOVE NYC is your trusted partner no matter how far you are going. We provide a wide range of moving services from transportation, labor services, to packing, and premium services. The only thing you need to do is decide which moving services suit your needs and budget the best. We will handle everything after that! Contact us via e-mail and schedule your free estimation.