7 Underrated Cities In New York With Brooklyn Vibes, But Better (2024)

Brooklyn, New York City's most populous borough, is challenging to define. The area is famous for trendy cafés, streets adorned with colorful street art, and independent shops. Indeed, Brooklyn is a place for art enthusiasts, where urban murals, artsy shops, and galleries abound. However, Brooklyn also features spots perfect for nature fans, making it great for outdoorsy folks as well.

Once a center of industry, Brooklyn's warehouses have been transformed into art studios and trendy restaurants, fostering a haven for creativity and artistic expression. This combination of the historical and the modern, the established and the innovative, is the essence of Brooklyn's charm.

Beyond the well-trodden Brooklyn path, other exciting destinations offer a similar vibe, minus the crowds and high costs, potentially making them even better. Check out these underrated cities in New York that are like Brooklyn in many ways, but even better in others.

7 Ithaca

This pretty college town has similarities with Brooklyn's university neighborhoods

Ithaca is arguably Upstate New York's most beautiful city, and it's possible to find similarities with Brooklyn; both places have youthful energy and vibrant art scenes. Located amid the scenic Finger Lakes, Ithaca is home to Cornell University, which creates an atmosphere that can also be experienced in Brooklyn's university neighborhoods.

Travelers can explore the Ithaca Farmers' Market, overflowing with fresh produce and local crafts—a quieter version of Brooklyn's bustling weekend markets. They can also plan a visit to the Johnson Museum of Art, which showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works.

Outdoor enthusiasts can have a blast exploring trails through gorges and waterfalls, while scenic lakes offer kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding opportunities.

6 Kingston

Like Brooklyn, Kingston preserves historic charm but also embraces a hipster vibe

This historic yet trendy town is famous for being New York's former capital. Kingston is a perfect day trip from NYC and offers many things to do. Once a center of colonial power, Kingston now attracts artists, musicians, and young families seeking an alternative to Brooklyn's high costs.

Both locations are open to changes; Kingston and Brooklyn are places where historical charm meets "hipster cool". The former's revitalized waterfront district mirrors Brooklyn's trendy areas, now home to craft breweries, art galleries, and stylish restaurants.

Travelers can also explore the Kingston Stockade District, a charming neighborhood with a strong sense of community similar to Brooklyn's historic districts. History enthusiasts should plan a visit to the historic Senate House State Historic Site, which played a crucial role in New York's rich political past.

For a memorable experience, travelers should visit the Kingston Wine & Brew Festival, often held in September.

5 Hudson

A city steeped in history that embraces a fresh, artistic identity, much like Brooklyn does

The town of Hudson, New York, USA

Luckily, other New York cities also embrace history and innovation like Brooklyn does. Hudson is a destination for those who crave Brooklyn's charm minus the crowds. Probably, the area that holds more similarities to Brooklyn is Warren Street, thanks to its many shops and cafés that offer a similar vibe.

Like Brooklyn neighborhoods champion local artisans, Hudson's focus on handcrafted goods and artisanal products fosters a similar vibe. While Brooklyn has a broader range of galleries and museums, Hudson features galleries and studios housed in charming buildings.

4 Beacon

The repurposed industrial warehouses are famous in both cities

Beacon is perched across the Hudson River from Newburgh, only 69 miles from Brooklyn. They have some similarities, including being considered a paradise for artists and art lovers. This once-industrial city has transformed into a creative hub, attracting artists with its affordable studios and galleries, mirroring how Brooklyn's industrial spaces were re-imagined as artist lofts and studios.

Dia:Beacon, a contemporary art museum housed in a former Nabisco factory, has a similar vibe to Brooklyn's re-purposing of industrial spaces. The city's Main Street boasts a diverse mix of eclectic shops, trendy restaurants, and independent art galleries, very similar to that of Brooklyn.

3 Saratoga Springs

Brooklyn and Saratoga Springs offer memorable seasonal experiences

The historic city of Saratoga Springs and New York City's Brooklyn might seem like an unlikely pair, but they share some surprising similarities. Both offer a delightful mix of old and new. Saratoga's historic streets lined with Victorian architecture thrum with the excitement of thoroughbred horse racing, while Brooklyn balances trendy neighborhoods with iconic landmarks.

Both destinations showcase a seasonal appeal. Summer in Saratoga brings the excitement of horse racing and outdoor festivals, similar to Brooklyn's bustling street fairs and vibrant outdoor scene. Fall foliage paints both locations with stunning colors.

2 New Paltz

New Paltz is a college town, home to SUNY New Paltz, that features a creative energy akin to Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods. The historic Huguenot Street, the oldest inhabited street in the US, which is lined with 17th-century stone houses, combines history and charm. Both destinations have bustling areas with shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

The city is also a destination for those eager to explore the nearby Shawangunk Mountains for hiking and rock climbing. New Paltz also hosts numerous cultural events, farmers' markets, and music festivals, making it a lively, engaging place year-round.

1 Troy

Troy, New York

Troy might not be a Brooklyn borough, but it shares a connection with the New York City district; both cities have a story of transformation. Once dominated by industry, they've shed their industrial past and emerged as innovation hubs.

Troy's historic architecture, with its grand Victorian mansions, is being given a new lease on life, while Brooklyn's industrial spaces have been repurposed as art studios and trendy restaurants. This spirit of renewal fosters a thriving artistic scene in both locations. Troy is famous for its street art, and travelers can head to Lark Street to find galleries and shops.