If you’re considering relocating to Brooklyn, you’re in for the move of a lifetime—unparalleled culture, exciting nightlife, leading employment, and education. With all that Brooklyn has to offer, it’s no wonder that the cost of living can be a bit on the steep side. From hefty broker fees when you find your place—which typically amounts to 15% of your annual rent—to higher-than-average grocery prices, new residents may have a bit of sticker shock when they first move in. That’s why, as you’re exploring your potential new home, you should do so with the mindset of “less is more,” learning how to travel on a budget so that you can eventually live frugally but fully.
If you’re visiting on a budget, Brooklyn has plenty to offer. In fact, some of the best places to travel on a budget in Brooklyn are also the borough’s best attractions. Free, outdoor fun abounds in Brooklyn, including at Prospect Park, just 10 minutes from 363 Bond Street. At more than 500 acres, the park is Brooklyn’s second-largest, offering a lake, running trails, a zoo, bridges, historic statues, and a dog beach, among many other features. The park is a hub of community activity, hosting sporting tournaments and live music events frequently, as well as a great place to get in touch with nature in one of the world’s busiest cities. The park is often at the top of any budget travel guide to Brooklyn NY for all of the free fun it offers.
Another great way to see the area for less is by hopping aboard one of the many ferries that cruise the local waterways. A one-way fare is just $2.75, the same as a ride on the subway, and gives you access to all of the excitement of Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs. Hop aboard at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to head up the East River, seeing the riverside neighborhoods of Queens on one side and the heart of Manhattan on the other. You can disembark just blocks from Central Park for some more affordable outdoor fun and hop the ferry back right back to Brooklyn when you’re done.
Once you make the move to Brooklyn, the ferry and subway are great ways to save a few bucks getting around. Investing in the local community is also a good option for those looking to save some money without having to miss out on socializing. Community groups, farmer’s markets, sports clubs, and more are affordable options for getting to know neighbors and seeing all that Brooklyn has to offer—all for less.