American Abroad

new yorker abroad · January 2009

I am an British designer living with my family in Japan. We are moving back to the NY area. A dear friend is convincing me to look seriously at Brooklyn. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on which spot in Brooklyn has the most charm, diversity, safety, and whatever other characteristics that you love.... and why. Thank you for your guidance!!

my2cats · January 2009

I love Park Slope and Carroll Gardens. They have a great vibe and home style feeling. Come visit once and you will see.
Most times people have to choose a neighborhood for other considerations such as where they work, where they want to send their kids to school, where they can find a decent apartment. Make sure you factor in all of these other variables when choosing where to live.

Welcome to Brooklyn!

MOD · January 2009

I second that. Love Park Slope, Carrol Gardens, Brooklyn Heights,... as a designer you'll love these areas.

danielle123 · January 2009

Subject: Carroll Gardens

I have lived in Carroll Gardens for 11 years and highly recommend it. It's an old school Italian neighborhood that has gentrified so you still have bits of both cultures - great, fresh pasta, pizza and bread with hipster coffee shops and fun, trendy boutiques and restaurants. Every street has a "mayor" which gives it character and it's very safe.

danielle123 · January 2009

P.S. You can't go wrong with any of the following nabes: Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill. They are all beautiful, safe neighborhoods with just slightly different vibes.

Park Slope tends to be more liberal-leaning and Brooklyn Heights tends to be a little more conservative-leaning. Park Slope is near Prospect Park, 2nd only to Central Park in size. B. Hts has the promenade with a great view of the Manhattan skyline and it is closer to the city (so your Manhattan commute will be shorter and cab fares less expensive). Cobble Hill is quaint and gorgeous and tends to be on the quieter side, I think. I'm in C. Gardens (see previous post) and I live 3 blocks from the water where they are starting to build a waterside, miles long park.

You should have a broker show you a place in each neighborhood. You will know which nabe is right for you when you're there. Good luck!

dawnc · January 2009

I agree with the other posts. These are the prettiest and safest neighborhoods with lots of cool bars , restaurants and shops but with lovely brownstone architchture. If you want ultra hipster , go to Williamsburg but it is ugly! At the end of the day even Brooklyn is expensive so where you can live will depend on your budget. Always allow more than you think you can afford!
Forget Manhattan. Its all happening in Brooklyn these days.

queencallipygos · January 2009

One vote here for Clinton Hill.

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