Question about the area

tiredbk · July 2008

Hi everyone,

Could you tell me please what is the area around Columbia St between Degraw and Congress like? I think I've been to some restaraunts on Columbia awhile ago but I don't remember much... let's say I walk from Bergen st or Carrol St F/G train station: is it safe at night? is it nice? are there any stores,etc.?

I will be in the area looking at an apartment in a couple of days, so I will see for myself, but I would like to get a head start

Thanks a lot!

tiredbk · July 2008

Anyone? :help: Words of wisdom?.. No?

linus · July 2008

I think the area as far as safety goes is very safe, When compared to a place like Suburban South florida or maybe New Jersey. Now We must not forget this is a Big City in Fact the Largest city in the USA. The area of Columbia street is Very Small and gives a small town feel, yes dinning is available and with the Brooklyn Greenway almost finished More retail will come with it. If you want a More exciting feeling and need nightlife look no further than across the BQE to Court and Smith st. But with DUB Pies and Many others on Columbia st you might not even have to cross except for the Subway.

tiredbk · July 2008

Linus, thanks for your response.

I'm a bit confused about your comparisons to suburban south Florida or NJ - these are not really reference points for me... By "safety" i mean: can I (a single female) walk home at 2 am without being scared - that kind of safety.

Thanks again,
BK

hannah smith · August 2008

It's much more deserted than other parts of the area - once you get past Court Street you're gonna be in a few blocks of residential houses, and then there's crossing the BQE (the bridge over near Carroll Street isn't exactly the most welcoming thing).

It's also a pretty long walk (15 minutes from the subway).

tiredbk · August 2008

Hannah,

Thanks for your response. Yeah, it's a bit of a hike but I'm ok with it. But overall I found myself very comfortable in the area - crossing the BQE and all.
Nothing gave me a bad vibe. I remember a few weeks ago I went to see the are for an advertised apartment near Smith Ave/9th - it was right across the BQE, right across from the outskirts of the Carroll Gardens. I was there during the day but I could see that I would NOT feel comfortable in that area late at night - the area under the BQE felt potentially unsafe. I might be wrong but it's all very subjective, obviously, and I tend to rely on gut feelings when it comes to this kind of things.

hannah smith · August 2008

The foot traffic to and from the Carroll Street station is also much different to the foot traffic to and from the Smith 9th Street station.

Didn't mean to imply that it was unsafe - just definitely a lot more desolate later at night.

Glad you feel safe there, and over towards the Columbia Waterfront area definitely has more of the still, um, 'un-yuppiefied' places that are falling like flies on Smith Street.

iluvbrooklyn · August 2008

Columbia Street north of Sackett can be hit or miss. The residential buildings get fewer and fewer and there are definitely a few homeless people who camp out up there. They seem relatively harmless, but you may want to stop by later in the evening to see how you feel about it to make sure. A few blocks south there are restaurants and a bookstore.

ms. b · August 2008

Actually, there have been a few cute places such as Pit Stop and Sugar Lounge that are on Columbia North of Sackett. I've lived "across the BQE" for 6 years now and can say that it is VERY safe. It may be slow but there is a consistent increase in cute restaurants/coffee shops, etc. opening up. Even a reasonably priced gym & several yoga studios. The only thing that might be annoying is the traffic on Columbia heading to Ikea & Fairway in Red Hook.

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