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Brooklyn has never exactly been under the radar, but a new report from the NYC Department of City Planning shows the borough is back on a growth tear. Between July 2023 and July 2024, Brooklyn added nearly 25,000 new residents, a 1-percent jump that helped push the borough’s population to 2.6 million overall, still the largest of the five boroughs. Citywide, the headcount climbed to 8.48 million, a gain powered by international newcomers, more new construction than any other borough and fewer New Yorkers heading for the exits.
That momentum is changing the map. Gowanus, once a post-industrial punchline, is evolving into one of the most in-demand places in the borough. A controversial rezoning has sparked a building boom and while luxury rentals with rooftop pools are part of the story, hundreds of new affordable units are also rising. The canal may never win beauty contests, but the neighborhood’s mix of art studios, indie gyms and buzzy restaurants is making it a magnet for young families who like their grit with a side of convenience.
North along the East River, Greenpoint is emerging from Williamsburg’s shadow and into its own spotlight. The waterfront has sprouted new towers, some with set-asides for lower-income renters, and the easy access to McCarren Park, the ferry and a steady stream of new cafés and bookstores means the neighborhood now appeals to both longtime locals and Manhattan transplants. With cranes dotting the skyline and developers eyeing more schools and community projects, the area feels poised for another breakout year.
Flatbush, meanwhile, is the borough’s not-so-secret bargain. Long celebrated for its Caribbean food scene, the landmark Kings Theatre and tree-lined blocks leading to Prospect Park, it’s also where buyers still get more space for their money. Prewar apartments with original hardwoods, some with coveted parking, draw everyone from first-time buyers to families squeezed out of pricier brownstone Brooklyn. Brokers say affordability, diversity and sheer vibrancy keep Flatbush on the upswing, and city data suggests more housing is on the way.
Brooklyn may already be the city’s heavyweight, but the latest numbers show it’s still gaining ground. If the past year is any indication, Gowanus, Greenpoint and Flatbush are the places most likely to define the borough’s next chapter.