Feature image
Alt-tag: The Brooklyn Bridge.

One of the greatest joys in life is traveling. Visiting new places, experiencing new things, and learning about different cultures is incredibly inciting. And every city has its signature attraction. And while famous tourist attractions are incredible, sometimes those lesser-known spots make the city what it is. Unfortunately, it is hard to learn about those if you are only visiting a new place only for a few days. It takes a while to truly explore a city and learn about all those interesting places that are a little under the radar. So we decided to do something to help anyone planning to visit a new place or perhaps already living in it but never got the chance to explore it. To be more specific, we made a list of some hidden gems of Brooklyn.

What makes Brooklyn so great?

Brooklyn is New York's most populous borough and one of the most interesting ones. It's a city filled with history, culture, and art. It's a bit more relaxed and more community-focused than Manhattan. That's why many people who want to settle and slow down a little choose Brooklyn as their new home, even those who live far away.

Also, moving to Brooklyn from far away and hiring long-distance movers is quite simple, as there are many affordable moving companies. Then once you let experts get you settled, it's time to start exploring the borough. There are some notable features of Brooklyn, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Coney Island, but we will focus on these hidden gems of Brooklyn:

●      Le Boudoir

●      Bushwick Collective Street Art

●      The Puppet Library

●      Brooklyn Banja Bathhouse

Caption: There are many hidden gems of Brooklyn worth experiencing and photographing.
Alt-tag: Man with a camera around his neck.

Le Boudoir

Putting the words 18th century France and Brooklyn doesn't make much sense, right? Well, in Le Boudoir, one of the secret gems of Brooklyn, it absolutely does. This is a small craft cocktail bar whose interior is inspired by the design of Marie Antoinette's private chambers she lived in while she was queen. Rooms are filled with deep red color and a lot of golden details. The sofas are colorful and soft, and the lights are dimmed but still pleasant.

This makes the place feel more private and intimate and creates a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy your food, as Brooklyn is famous for that, and drink delicious creative cocktails while live jazz music is playing. This is a perfect place to get to know the borough and its community, especially if you just moved in. You can have a big family dinner, a romantic date, or lunch with friends.

Bushwick Collective Street Art

As we said before, one of the things that make Brooklyn so unique is the culture and art. And one of the shining examples of that is the Bushwick Collective Street Art. If you ever find yourself in Brooklyn, visiting this spot is a must, even if you are not a passionate art lover. The creation of this art collective started in 2012, and over time talented street artists from all over the globe have made it what it is today. New murals are being made all the time! You can see the way art progresses and changes through this art collective.

Some people move to Brooklyn just to be close to this incredible display of creativity. According to experts at Clean Cut Moving, many of their clients shared that one of the main reasons they are moving to Brooklyn is experiencing the art and that unique spirit that Brooklyn has.

Caption: Bushwick collective street art will impress even those not big fans of street art.
Alt-tag: A man painting graffiti.

The Puppet Library is one of the best hidden gems of Brooklyn

We continue our list of hidden gems of Brooklyn with the Puppet Library. This unique and creative place in Brooklyn College is very under the radar; many locals don't know about that. There are many innovative handmade puppets that go up to 20 feet tall. That sight alone makes it a place worth visiting. Furthermore, there are animal puppets, film and tv character puppets, and all kinds of other creative shapes.

Many New Yorkers might have seen these puppets in one of the parades. But they don't know there is the Puppet Library where they can go and see it all the time. You can take your whole family to see a puppet show, and it is a guarantee that you will have a good time. Also, because this place is so hidden, there won't be a big crowd, so you can relax and enjoy the show.

Brooklyn Banja Bathhouse

We have arrived at the last item on our list, and that is Brooklyn Banja Bathhouse. Even though it is an extensive 10000 square feet facility, this bathhouse is not that well known to people outside of Brooklyn. And that is a huge missed opportunity because the experience here will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. It is perfect after you have had a long exhausting week and need to relax. This is an authentic Russian bathhouse at Coney Island that offers services such as:

●      Swedish massage

●      Relax aroma massage

●      Sea salt scrub

●      Hot stones massage

Caption: Have a relaxing spa day at an authentic Russian bathhouse in Brooklyn.
Alt-tag: Woman getting a massage.

And so much more. As you can see, there is something for everyone. The staff is incredibly kind and professional and will ensure you have a great time there. The exact location is 602 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn.

In conclusion

Many hidden gems of Brooklyn will satisfy tourists worldwide and even inspire some people to move there. You can visit 18th-century France-style cocktails bars, enjoy some incredibly creative street art, experience all the glory and weirdness of the Puppet Library in Brooklyn College, and at the end of the day, go and relax at the authentic Russian bathhouse. It's crucial to look under the surface when visiting a new place. There is so much more to see and experience. It's just hidden a little, but it's really worth finding.

Buying a home is a big step and can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the home buying process:

1.     Pre-Approval:

This is the first step in the home buying process, and it involves getting pre-approved for a mortgage. To do this, you will need to provide your lender with preliminary documents such as W-2s, pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. This will give you an idea of how much you can afford to spend on a home and will also make you a more attractive candidate to sellers.

2.     Find A Home:

Once you have your pre-approval, it's time to start looking for your dream home. Assess your wants and needs and let a real estate agent like Century 21 MK Realty help you find the perfect home to fit your lifestyle.

3.    Make an offer:

Once you find a home that you love, make an offer. If the offer is accepted, sign the binder and schedule an inspection.

4.    Inspection:

Schedule a home inspection within 5 days of the accepted offer. This will give you a professional evaluation of the condition of the home and any potential issues that need to be addressed.

5.    Contract:

The seller's attorney will prepare a contract for the buyer's attorney to review and discuss with their client.

6.    Application:

Submit updated documents from your pre-approval to your mortgage broker.

7.    Order Appraisal:

Within two weeks of the signed contract, the mortgage broker will schedule an appraisal.

8.    Appraisal Report:

Once the mortgage broker receives and reviews the appraisal report, they will update you on any outstanding items needed for approval. Stay in touch with Century 21 MK Realty throughout this process.

9.    Underwriting:

The processor will submit your file to the underwriting department for review and a commitment letter will be issued. This letter will be sent to the buyer's attorney for review.

10. Commitment:

Submit all outstanding closing condition items to the mortgage broker for the commitment letter prior to final clearance.

11. Title Report:

The buyer's attorney will submit the title report to the bank attorney for review and clearance

12. Homeowners Insurance Policy:

Provide a copy of the appraisal and mortgage clause to the buyer to secure a homeowners insurance policy.

13. Clear to Close:

The buyer's attorney will be notified that the file is clear to close and a closing date will be scheduled by both the buyer and seller's attorneys.

14. Final Walk-Through:

Do a final walk-through of the property to approve the condition of the house prior to signing the purchase documents with your Century 21 MK Realty agent.

15. Closing:

All parties will sign the closing documents with the bank attorney. Congratulations! You are now a homeowner!

The Home Buying Process Tips:

Helpful Strategy:

• Save and submit all future pay stubs.
• Save and submit all future bank statements (complete with all pages)
• Keep copies of all documents submitted to processing.
• Continue to pay all debts and loans on time.

Common Mistakes:

• Don't make any cash deposits.
• Don't make any large purchases on your credit cards.
• Don't co-sign a loan for anyone.
• Don't change bank accounts.
•  
• Don't apply for new credit cards.

Best Areas for Raising a Family in Brooklyn

Alt: View of the Brooklyn Bridge from the streets below.

It is easy to become overwhelmed when deciding where to relocate your family. The possibilities are endless, and most people are afraid that they will make a bad choice. However, we believe you won't make a mistake if you relocate to Brooklyn.  Brooklyn is quickly becoming one of the most desirable in New York. That is mostly the case because of Brooklyn's exciting cultural scene, excellent dining options, spacious parks, and promising business climate. It's great for families and young people, entrepreneurs, and artists. Getting settled in this New York City borough will indeed be an ordeal. However, it's worth it once you see everything it offers. Therefore, to help you choose, we'll discuss the best areas for raising a family in Brooklyn.

1. Dumbo

When deciding where in Brooklyn to relocate, we recommend examining Dumbo first. Older generations from Brooklyn knows Dumbo by its old name: "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass." However, due to the influx of new residents and businesses in recent years, Dumbo has become the preferred moniker.  That said, what makes Dumbo a great place for raising a family in Brooklyn because of its many parks and playgrounds. Bridge Park 2, a new public park for the area, will be constructed not far from the York Street F subway stop. The park will have swings, a spray shower, brand-new playground equipment, and a multipurpose synthetic grass field. 

Other than that, Dumbo also boasts a new public library, the first in Brooklyn since the 1970s. Furthermore, The Brooklyn Children's Museum is another popular playground in Dumbo. The community also hosts concerts and other activities appropriate for all ages. Additionally, the fall and winter seasons bring out the neighborhood's full beauty, making now an excellent time to move.

2. Red Hook

A move to Red Hook will require you to travel further north than Dumbo or Downtown Brooklyn, but this should not deter you if you're willing to put up with some traffic. Moving to Red Hook may be the best option for people looking to raise their families in quiet residential areas. Indeed, the neighborhood is home to several lovely residential areas and community spaces, such as the Van Brunt Playground and the Spuyten Duyvil Creek Park. Furthermore, several elementary schools in the area have recently received significant upgrades and expansions to meet the growing population's needs. Given these enhancements and other family-friendly amenities, the Red Hook neighborhood is an excellent choice for raising children in New York City. Therefore, if that is what you're looking for, you can quickly settle in with expert help, maybe even before the end of the holiday season.

3. Boerum Hill

Like other parts of Brooklyn known for its historic brownstones, Boerum Hill is conveniently close to downtown. It is also close to the shopping and entertainment hubs of the Fulton Mall, City Point, and the Barclays Center. Additionally, Boerum Hill is home to several green spaces and recreational areas that give the neighborhood its signature atmosphere. The popular Boerum Park, Carroll Park, and the quieter Cobble Hill Park are among them. Thousands of people gather in these parks each year for the Halloween Parade.

Furthermore, in Boerum Hill, you will find many amenities. Among them are the YMCA, the New York Transit Museum, multiplex, art house cinemas, Trader Joe's, Michael's, and Marshall's. Finding a crew to get you here is easy. Therefore, if you like what you've heard, there is no reason to postpone your relocation. 

4. Windsor Terrace

You will find Windsor Terrace immediately over Prospect Park. It is a great place for people who find Park Slope's rent too high. Windsor Terrace is more residential, and some would even say more sleepy than the surrounding neighborhoods. Windsor Terrace may be a dream come true if you enjoy peace (but still want to live in Brooklyn). We've mentioned that Windsor Terrace is near Prospect Park and Park Slope. That allows families to enjoy the best of both neighborhoods without driving. Close by are Prospect Park's Parade Grounds and Vanderbilt and Greenwood playgrounds. That guarantees that you will never be at a loss for kid-friendly activities.

Additionally, you will find some of the best elementary and middle schools in the city within District 15, which includes Windsor Terrace. One of the defining features of Windsor Terrace is that it mostly has single- and multi-family homes rather than apartment complexes. That means that it doesn't have many renters. However, it also means that it is a better neighborhood for people who want to buy a permanent home rather than rent one. We think this is an ideal neighborhood for raising a family in Brooklyn and want a quiet life in the Greenpoint/Prospect Heights area.

5. Brooklyn Heights

And last but certainly not least on our list of the best areas for raising a family in Brooklyn is Brooklyn Heights. It is the home to all of the city's most endearing hallmarks. This region is great for families because of its historic buildings, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and unique community atmosphere. Soon, there will be a new library and a permanent public pool at Squibb Park. Furthermore, there are several prestigious private schools in the area, and the public schools were rezoned to accommodate the growing population. In addition to that, downtown Brooklyn and the DUMBO area are both close by. However, due to its rising popularity, Brooklyn Heights has seen a rise in the median value of its residences to slightly over $1 million. On the other hand, if you are looking to rent, you will be looking at a price somewhere around $3,800.

Meta description: If you are looking for the best place to relocate with your family, here are some of the best areas for raising a family in Brooklyn.

Keyword: Raising a family in Brooklyn.

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Feature image

Alt-text: Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn is a place that caters to people of all ages. Both residents and tourists are happy in this New York City neighborhood. You will easily find ways to have fun, whether you visit with friends or family. The Brooklyn community and the amenities found here are significant enough to make you consider even moving here. Find the best ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn, from the always-fun Coney Island to the Bushwick murals.

Visit Coney Island for a day

One of the most popular things you can do in Brooklyn is go to Coney Island. This place is an endless source of fun and has it all. The amusement park can entertain people of all ages. After you’ve taken your turn on the rides, go for a walk through the Aquarium. Even though the fall weather makes it impossible to go for a swim, you can still walk along Coney Island beach. All in all, this is the perfect place to visit with your friends and family. With so many amenities, you will easily find ways to spend an entire day here.

Go to the Brooklyn Museum this fall

Stay away from the rain and cold weather by going to the Brooklyn Museum this fall. This art museum features so many different collections and pieces that you will be able to spend an entire day here without any problems. Best of all, the museum always holds different events. If you are looking to buy Christmas presents early, you can buy unique gifts at the museum’s gift shop, too.

Visit the Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick

This gorgeous public park is worth visiting. It is one of the best places to visit with children and family members. This park will help you stay active during the colder fall months with playgrounds, basketball courts, and available exercise equipment. If you plan on visiting Brooklyn with your dog, you can also take your pet to this park, as there are dog-friendly areas available here. In Brooklyn, the sense of community is strong; proof of that is this park. Places like these will make you want to stay here for good and relocate to Bushwick. You can easily do so by hiring professional movers to handle your Bushwick relocation. Soon enough, you will be part of this beautiful community. 

In Brooklyn, you can ride your bike anywhere

Alt-text: a bicycle inside a home

Explore the nightlife scene in Brooklyn

Brooklyn may seem like it’s a good location only for families, but this isn’t the case. With many different clubs, the Brooklyn nightlife scene will keep you entertained. You and your friends will always have somewhere new to go and dance. No matter what kind of music you like to listen to, in Brooklyn, you will easily find something that you’ll enjoy during the weekends.   

Go thrift shopping in Brooklyn

The best way to find unique items is to go thrift shopping. Second-hand clothes can be found in all conditions and of every quality. No matter if you are looking for simple décor for your home or high-end brands, you will find it all in the Brooklyn flea market. There are many locations for flea markets in Brooklyn, with the most famous one being in Dumbo. Besides the flea market, you can go window-shopping in the thrift shops and find things that are just as great. You will save yourself some money along the way as well.

Visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Fall weather has its disadvantages, but one of the biggest pros is the look of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. One of the best ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn is to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. With the leaves changing color and falling on the ground, it creates a scenery everyone should see. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden has so many different species of trees and plants, all in one place. You will get the opportunity to see new species of plants while at the same time going on a relaxing walk. 

You will never be bored during your stay in Brooklyn

Alt-text: an image of Brooklyn

See the Bushwick murals

There’s nothing better than taking a relaxing walk while the weather is still nice. Before the first snow falls, take this opportunity to go on a stroll through Bushwick and see some of the famous murals found here. The artwork truly makes this place one of a kind. From simple graffiti art to 3D murals, this neighborhood is a must-see when in Brooklyn. If you are coming to Brooklyn with your dog, take them along with you.

Explore Brooklyn's food scene

After a long walk through the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, go inside one of the plenty of Brooklyn restaurants to warm up. You will get to enjoy some of the best food in New York right here in this neighborhood. The food scene in Brooklyn is vast, with many restaurants featuring food from all over the world. You can find somewhere to go for every meal of the day without having to eat the same thing twice.

Bike riding is one of the ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a very walkable neighborhood, and you can easily get around. Use these last days before the snow falls to ride a bike through Brooklyn. Renting a bike is an affordable option to do so. You will get to experience Brooklyn in a different way when you take a bike to get around. Another advantage to bike riding in Brooklyn is the fact that you will be able to see more in a much shorter period of time. 

One of the ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn is by exploring the food scene

Alt-text: an image of a waiter bringing food to the table

To sum up

Brooklyn is one of those places you will keep coming back to. This gorgeous New York City neighborhood has features that can make anyone fall in love with it. With so many different murals to see and Coney Island rides to go on, one day won’t be enough. Brooklyn has so many attractions and amenities that there’s no chance of ever being bored here. Use this fall season to visit and explore Brooklyn as a local by using our ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn.

Meta: There are many ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn. Find out the best and most popular activities and locations in Brooklyn.

Kw: ways to spend fall days in Brooklyn

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