Both Brooklyn's DUMBO and Toronto's Queen West offer vibrant urban living with excellent walkability and access to amenities. DUMBO stands out for its proximity to job centers and detailed housing cost information, while Queen West is noted for its lower crime rates. The choice depends on individual priorities, such as affordability, safety, and proximity to employment.
| Attribute | Brooklyn's DUMBO | Toronto's Queen West |
|---|---|---|
| Walkability Score | 98 (Walker's Paradise) | 99 out of 100 (Walker's Paradise) |
| Public Transportation Options | World-class; A, C, and F subway lines; Transit Score of 100 (Rider's Paradise) | Readily accessible with streetcar routes (like the 501 Queen) and bus lines. Subway access is available via Osgoode Station. |
| Green Spaces and Parks | Brooklyn Bridge Park (85 acres), Main Street Park, Pebble Beach, Susan Smith McKinney Steward Park | Trinity Bellwoods Park, Massey Harris Park, Lamport Stadium Park |
| Local Schools Quality | 55 school options; P.S. 8 Robert Fulton (highly-rated), The Art of Words Community School (top-ranked private elementary) | Not available |
| Safety and Crime Rate | Overall crime rate slightly above average; safety ranking of 185 out of 307 neighborhoods in NYC; violent crime slightly above average but slightly lower than NYC overall; property crime slightly above average and higher than NYC; high larceny and robbery | Crime rates are reported to be lower than the national average. Violent and petty crime are almost non-existent. Bicycle theft is noted as being higher than the city average. |
| Noise Level | Noisy, up to 80 decibels recorded; significant noise from Manhattan Bridge traffic | Busy and bustling area. More specific details on noise levels during the day and night were not found. |
| Restaurant and Cafe Scene | Vibrant; restaurants include The River Cafe, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, Celestine, Luke's Lobster, Cecconi's Dumbo; cafes include % Arabica, Butler, Bluestone Lane | Known for its diverse and eclectic dining scene. Trendy cafes, casual eateries, and upscale restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines. |
| Shopping and Retail Options | Diverse; boutiques, vintage stores, local treasures; Empire Stores, Made in DUMBO, WORD Bookstore | A vibrant mix of locally-owned stores, art galleries, and vintage boutiques. Queen Street West is home to cutting-edge boutiques. |
| Cultural Attractions and Entertainment | St. Ann's Warehouse, The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge, Powerhouse Arena | A hub for arts and culture. Graffiti Alley is a designated space for street art. The neighborhood has many independent galleries and live music venues. |
| Community Events and Festivals | Outdoor movie screenings, art festivals, live music, Brooklyn Flea | The Queen West Art Crawl is a major annual event held in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Other community events and festivals are held throughout the year. |
| Housing Costs (Rent/Purchase) | Expensive; studio apartments around $943,000, two-bedroom apartments average $1.42 million; median rent > $3,500/month | Affordability is 'High' |
| Proximity to Job Centers | Financial District (10-15 minutes by subway), Midtown Manhattan (around 26 minutes), Upper East Side (25-30 minutes by subway) | Most large employers are concentrated just east, in downtown, or south, in Liberty Village. |