The Brooklyn Commute Guide: Bridges, tunnels and patience
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Brooklyn really takes.
Alexa, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Alexa is a lifelong New Yorker that never left because... well, why would anyone!? She has access to oceans, lakes, vineyards, breweries, museums, and world-class restaurants and entertainment all in her home state. Her most memorable move was buying her first home mid Covid which taught her that hope is not a strategy. She treats BECSPK and everything bagels like fuel, philosophy, and emotional support all in one bite. As the "real Alexa" she has learned to not answer every "Hey Alexa" question within earshot, even though she probably knows the answer. At Snappy Scout she gets to let that knowledge loose, turning lived experience into guidance that actually helps make New York feel a little easier to navigate.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
How Do You Get Around Brooklyn?
Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.
The time I spend getting to/from work every day is
whatever the L train feels like that morning, cherish those remote work options
Traffic congestion areas to avoid
the BQE always, but especially during any hour with numbers
Ability to get around without a car
a car here is basically a $400/month paperweight with wheels, unless you need to commute to Long Island
Locals dream of driving around in a
vintage Volvo wagon with Bon Iver bumper stickers
The reality is that most locals drive
they turn subway turnstiles, not steering wheels
Quirky local driving habit
treating double parking like a constitutional right (we are not endorsing this)
The likelihood of finding parking
about the same as finding affordable rent in Williamsburg
#1 driving tip
alternate side parking signs require a law degree to decode but still cheaper than racking up parking tickets
Where I Go for a Quiet Escape
As cliche as it sounds, the Brooklyn Public Library is a go-to for a bit of peace and quiet. There's bound to be a branch within walking distance.
— Alexa Matthews
New York Local Expert
Ready to See If Brooklyn Fits You?
Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Brooklyn guide for the bigger picture.