L Train Shutdown Could Cause Flock To Downtown Brooklyn: Report

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — A flock of Williamsburg hipsters fleeing the L train shutdown could be on their way to Downtown Brooklyn next year, a new report finds. They might have even already arrived.

Downtown Brooklyn was dubbed the number one "neighborhood to watch in 2019" in a new report by StreetEasy, meaning its population is likely to balloon in the new year.

This time around, the report said, the looming L train shutdown in April and renters fleeing high-price neighborhoods for more affordable options shaped the list. The subway is set to shut down for 15 months beginning April 27.

"More than half the neighborhoods to watch are in Brooklyn," StreetEasy said. "We expect Downtown Brooklyn in particular to generate the most interest in 2019, due to its rising sales prices, continuing construction and comparable prices and amenities to Williamsburg."

The report analyzes change in median asking rent, change in median sale price, StreetEasy user searches, and new-construction units.

Downtown Brooklyn found itself at the top of the growth list, with 904 new units over the last year. It's median prices weren't among the most affordable, falling at $3,300 for renters and $1.1 million for buyers, but were still comparable to Williamsburg, the report found.

"(Downtown Brooklyn) attracts residents from Williamsburg and beyond with luxurious new buildings and easy access to several subway lines," the report said.

Several other Brooklyn neighborhoods made the top 10; Flatbush came in second, Crowns Heights was fifth, Bed-Stuy sixth, Cobble Hill seventh and Prospect Heights came in tenth.

You can read the full report on StreetEasy.com.

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