I lived in Kreuzburg when it began gentrifying. I lived near the Kotti. I liked the area and have a love/hate relationship with Berlin. May Day in Kreuzburg was interesting. I got an appointment to see a dermatologist in Berlin in one day. I had no German health insurance or travel insurance. The whole thing, including medication, cost me around 30 euros. Their health system is much more sane than ours. In summer go to the lakes in the eastern part of the city. You’ll see whole families stripping in front of everyone and going for a swim. Definitely a different experience. Good luck!