Where to live in Brooklyn Without a Car

If you are a prospective homebuyer considering where to live in Brooklyn, whether or not you have a car can refine your housing search automatically. Brooklyn is a large and expansive borough, and some of the neighborhoods in the borough are not pedestrian-friendly. Fortunately, however, there are a number of great neighborhoods in Brooklyn that rank highly when it comes to finding "walkable" neighborhoods in New York City. Consider this your Brooklyn buyer's guide for homebuyers without a vehicle.

Where to live in Brooklyn

1. Cobble Hill

Cobble Hill is aptly named since you may want to visit a cobbler or shoe store to get ready for how walkable this neighborhood is! While walking the neighborhood, you will immediately be struck by the fact that there is plenty to see. Corner cafes, local cinemas and boutique shopping make up much of the local landscape, providing Cobble Hill with its unique charms. The neighborhood borders on the trendy side, making it a great neighborhood for homeowners who want to remain involved with the trendy and hip NYC scene. Don't be intimidated by the hip environment, however. Locals are known for being approachable and affable, and the neighborhood streets are picturesque in every sense of the word. Walkable and oh so livable, Cobble Hill should be on any Brooklyn homebuyer's shortlist.

2. Brooklyn Heights

Where walking is concerned, Brooklyn Heights is well named since it is among the pinnacle of walkable Brooklyn neighborhoods. Shops, stores, and amenities are available in every part of the neighborhood, meaning you can't go wrong wherever you buy. Bike riding and public transportation is equally fantastic, and 6 and 3 trains will take riders into Manhattan within 30 minutes. Beyond the fantastic walkability and public transportation, lovers of a good view should strongly consider Brooklyn Heights. Plenty of properties are ideally situated near the East River, providing stunning views of Manhattan. If you find a property that does not have an ideal view of the city, fear not. Brooklyn Bridge Park is just a short walk away no matter where you live in the neighborhood, providing you with beautiful views and desirable green space. Add it all up, and you have a great place to call your Brooklyn home.

3. Boerum Hill

Amenities abound in this lovely Brooklyn neighborhood, making it the ideal choice for pure walkability concerns in Brooklyn (plenty of other Brooklyn neighborhoods are nipping at Boerum Hill's heels, however). No matter where you live in Boerum Hill, restaurants, bars and coffee shops are mere minutes away. Best of all, the walkability of the neighborhood pairs nicely with the fantastic public transportation options. The neighborhood has convenient 7 trains that take passengers into the heart of Times Square, and 4 trains are an additional transportation option that riders will love. Bike riders will be happy to know that Boerum Hill fits the bill here as well, thanks to convenient Citi Bike locations and the wide range of grocery stores, pharmacies and shopping options scattered throughout the borough. No matter what your favorite method of transportation is without a car, Boerum Hill has you covered.

4. Park Slope

Beauty and walkability collide in this picturesque of Brooklyn neighborhoods. While you may come to Park Slope for its walkability and neighborhood amenities, you'll stay for its green space, leading public schools (the quality public schooling makes Park Slope an ideal destination for couples with young children) and fantastic public transportation. Handling your daily errands, groceries and shopping is a breeze, and Manhattan workers will be happy to know that there are a myriad of trains that get you onto the island quickly and efficiently. Foodies can rejoice as well since Park Slope is home to one of the largest food coops in the country thanks to the Park Slope Food Coop. The neighborhood also isn't hurting for great restaurants and bars, either, making Park Slope a do-it-all neighborhood for your Brooklyn residence.

5. Downtown Brooklyn

When you hear the word downtown in New York City, you can automatically assume it will have great public transportation. While that is certainly the case in Downtown Brooklyn, it is also exceptionally walkable. Even better, the neighborhood has seen a renaissance of late insofar as the restaurant scene is concerned. All things considered, if you are looking for an authentic Brooklyn scene that is walkable yet still within easy reach of Manhattan and other boroughs, Downtown Brooklyn is worth the look.

6. Carroll Gardens

Not to be outdone by previous entries in this guide, Carroll Gardens rounds out our Brooklyn walkability list. When you are considering where to live in Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens is more than deserving of a long look. If you take a walking tour of the neighborhood, expect to grow an appetite quickly. Tree-lined streets and brownstones surround the vast array of restaurants in the neighborhood along Court and Smith streets. The city is truly a reflection of old and new Brooklyn converging, making it the perfect destination for homebuyers who think forward while still taking the time to appreciate history's time-honored traditions. While the neighborhood was historically an Italian-American neighborhood (this has led to a plethora of well-loved sandwich shops and other Italian storefronts), today it is also home to many young professionals. This combination has resulted in a family-friendly and youthful setting rolled into one. As such, expect fine dining in close proximity with great nightlife and bars that are perfect for a good pub crawl. Walking to these locations is a breeze, and groceries and essential items can easily be procured in short order. Manhattan-bound workers also need not worry since the F train will bring you into Midtown in around 30 minutes flat. We hope that you have found this guide helpful as you continue your housing search in Brooklyn. Each of these neighborhoods has distinct flavors and personalities to offer, ensuring that there is a walkable Brooklyn neighborhood that will help you feel right at home.