Originally a residential suburb, commercial uses became prominent during the 20th century, particularly along the St. Johns River and Riverside Avenue, and the area became included in Jacksonville's central business district.

Brooklyn is located along the St. Johns River, south of Lavilla and the Downtown Core, and immediately north of Riverside.

It is roughly bounded by McCoy's Creek and the CSX Railroad lines to the north, the river to the east, and Interstate 95 to the south and west.

After the war it was acquired by Miles Price, who sold the southern half of the property to be developed as the suburb of Riverside.

It remained primarily residential into the 20th century, but it eventually developed into a commercial and industrial area with the increasing use of the railway.