4 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Brooklyn

With much of its World War II-era architecture still intact, Brooklyn’s massive population of 2.7 million people breathes life into the historic bones of this city. Averaging a sale price of $926,459, Brooklyn real estate has seen a price increase of 4.8 percent since May 2021. And with an availability increase of 4.9 percent, now is the time to look at Brooklyn homes for sale.

The New York coastal city's various beaches, parks, restaurants, and shopping areas serve its large population well.  Despite its big-city feel, Brooklyn has built-in natural oases from Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk to Marine Park and the Brooklyn Bridge. So, regardless of if you like to play hard or relax beachside, there is something for everybody wanting to spend a day out in the city.

The most popular beach in Brooklyn is Coney Island Beach, with courts for volleyball, handball, and basketball and three miles of shoreline to lay out on after a swim. For the young at heart, playgrounds and amusement rides are available for playing and riding. For chillier days, people wanting to stay in Coney Island can walk down the historic Riegelmann boardwalk, visit the aquarium, or go to the MCU park.

For an equally as enjoyable beach experience, Brighton Beach is right next to Coney Island and offers a nice strip of the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is perfect for surfers and provides a path for skateboarders, bicyclists, and walkers alike. Russian immigrants initially settled here, and Russian culture is still very alive in Little Odessa, a section of nearby shops and restaurants. This culture pops in Brighton Beach’s vibrant nightlife, perfect for those who want to experience the ocean under the stars.

Manhattan Beach Park is another beach option for those wanting to avoid some of the crowds of the more popular Coney and Brighton Beaches. This beach is terrific for those wanting to sunbathe, swim, or barbecue. And it offers playgrounds and several areas to play sports like baseball, tennis, and basketball.

A bonus of buying Brooklyn real estate is the number of places and activities to spend a day out in nature. The largest park in Brooklyn is Marine Park, which provides a range of services to ensure everybody who visits has a good time. On 530 acres of grassland and salt marsh, it houses the Salt Marsh Nature Center, which hosts a variety of weekly activities for kids and adults. Those who spend a day at Marine park can also play on one of its several sports courses and playgrounds, walk along its Salt Marsh Nature Trail, or canoe and kayak at Gerritsen Inlet.

Another expansive and popular park in Brooklyn is Prospect Park. Built by the same creators of Central Park, it boasts elaborate manmade wetlands, is a haven to most of Brooklyn’s forest, and spans 526 acres. The Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and the Brooklyn Museum are within the park’s bounds. The park provides several areas to walk, play, learn Brooklyn’s history, and eat.

For one of the best views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, residents can visit Brooklyn Bridge Park. From birding to fishing to kayaking, the park provides plenty for visitors to do while enjoying the views of Brooklyn. People visiting this park can explore its six piers, Jane’s Carousel, or walk through Empire Stores. And the selection of restaurants and cafes keeps park visitors fueled all day.

There are many shopping places to explore for those interested in Brooklyn homes for sale. City Point has a wide range of shops where buyers can find clothes, shoes, jewelry, toys for children, and a shop for bookworms. After, shoppers can rest their feet and eat at one of its many restaurants offering cuisine spanning from classic American to Asian to Hawaiian, and visit the ice cream shops for dessert.

Another Brooklyn favorite is Brooklyn Flea, which offers an eclectic variety of goods like collectibles, vintage clothing, a curated selection of art and jewelry, and food. It’s received high acclaim from places like Travel + Leisure and Country Living, making it a must-see. With two locations, Brooklyn Flea is open on the weekends year-round in the outdoor market, Chelsea Flea, and open from April to December in DUMBO.

For those interested in tapping into Brooklyn’s creatives, Industry City’s historic architecture and greenery along the water make it a beautiful place to shop, eat, and have fun. With a mix of local shops and mainstream brands, the shopping center is a great place to shop for furniture, vintage clothing, art, and jewelry. In addition, Industry City holds creativity at its center and hosts a calendar of events for music lovers, health and wellness, and alcohol tastings.

Those searching for a Brooklyn home for sale can count on eating well in this bustling city. Considered “The best of the best” by Anthony Bourdain, Di Fara Pizza has been serving pizza since the 1960s. The menu is small but mighty, with the likes of a classic pie to a chaos pie.

For over a century, Gage & Tollner, located in Downtown Brooklyn has been another excellent option for those searching for a good meal. From seafood to steaks and chops, as well as its varied cocktail menu, this restaurant has something for everybody. Or, for those interested in trying something new, Victor’s selection of contemporary pan Mediterranean dishes with its changing wine and cocktail menu is perfect for an easy-going dinner or Sunday brunch.

Brooklyn real estate is ready to purchase for those interested in the history and the culture brimming in this city. For help finding the perfect property, contact one of the experienced agents on The Riolo Team to guide you through what Brooklyn has to offer.