Life on Union between 3rd 4th Ave…
Hi, I’m moving from Washington, DC to Union Street (633 Union St, to be exact!), and I’m wondering what to expect…anyone familiar with this block? (Or the building I’ll be living in!?) Is the block pretty safe? How’s the noise – and having the Holiday Inn as a neighbor? I’d appreciate any thoughts, opinions, etc on what to expect! Thanks! -JoAnne
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Not much to look at (check out Street View of Google Maps) but close to a ton of great stuff and 1/2 block from subway, and 10-15 minute walk from major subway hub.
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The block is pretty ugly - it's mostly made up of car repair shops, warehouses, a giant car storage lot, and the holiday inn.
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How is it that you're moving and know nothing about the area to which your are moving? Just askin' is all.
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I looked at a pretty large apartment on 4th which was in a 2 story newish building around Union. It was beside a car repair type store with little hondas and shit outside of it 24/7.
needless to say I looked else where. Regardless of that its a nice area although alittle empty feeling at night besides loads of cars driving by. -
It's fine. Not the best block as far as looks or ambiance, as others have implied. It's pretty much crap surrounding, bordered on a high-traffic road. But it's only 1/2 a block from the subway, and very close to a bunch of really GREAT stuff (4th & 5th Avenue) so that should make it worth it.
Also, not to imply that it's significantly less safe than surrounding areas, but once you cross 4th Ave, it can be a little desolate at night. Obviously, you need to be aware of your surroundings in NYC anytime, but maybe even a little more so right there at night. Luckily you've only got a 2 minute walk from the subway... so keep your head about you, and you'll be fine.
Overall though, you're moving to the border of a wonderful neighborhood, and your rent should be a little cheaper because of where you are. -
at the forefront of Gowanus boating community!
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Thanks so much everyone! You've significantly allayed some of my fears! I'm moving from an area in DC that used to share a lot of the characteristics you describe - not the nicest block but pretty safe and near to great stuff. (I've lived here for 8 years, and now the block is a great place to live in its own right!) As I'm sure you guys know, trying to find a place to live is super stressful and I only had a few days in town to look. I saw the place once, mid-day on a Monday, and didn't really get a sense of the surroundings - so your comments are super helpful! Thanks again! -JoAnne
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If you lived in a bad area of DC for 8 years you'll be beyond fine.
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I've lived on that block (across from the hotel) for the last year. I like it. Wish there were more trees and the assholes on the street didn't play their car stereos so loud, but that's about it.
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It does not seem like the presence of the Holiday Inn has changed things that much on the block; no other signs of gentrification right around there that I see. When I moved to the Slope 5 years ago, the Holiday Inn was a cheap parking lot - we parked our car there for $125 a month for about a year. I found a lady's purse once on the street, so it was sort of desolate. I don't think it's particularly dangerous - if anything the Holiday Inn has helped matter - but it is certainly one of the uglier blocks around. Well, welcome to NYC!
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Subject: Re: Life on Union between 3rd & 4th Ave…
JoAnne wrote: Hi, I’m moving from Washington, DC to Union Street (633 Union St, to be exact!), and I’m wondering what to expect…anyone familiar with this block? (Or the building I’ll be living in!?) Is the block pretty safe? How’s the noise – and having the Holiday Inn as a neighbor? I’d appreciate any thoughts, opinions, etc on what to expect! Thanks! -JoAnne
As long as caskets don't bother you, you'll be fine. I'd also go out when the Hess station refuels. -
Caskets? Is that the block with the Brooklyn casket Company??? (don't think so) But explain what you mean bklyngirl.. Now the Hess station refuel.. I get that.. areally big toxic stink.
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Wow, coincidentally, I performed virtually the same move a year and a half ago. I moved from DC (McLean really, near Tysons Corner) to Union street, one block over from where you'll be (bt. 4th and 5th). Everyone has pretty much said what i'd say; it's a pretty deserted block, but not necessarily unsafe. Again, walk a block and a half and you're on 5th, so you're really close to one the most popular stretches of street. And when getting off the subway, it lets off right at 4th and Union, so that's a bonus, particularly when it gets cold. You'll find, once you move here, that you'll be walking up to 5th/7th most of the time for bars/restaurants/shops. Welcome to the neighborhood.
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veets wrote: Caskets? Is that the block with the Brooklyn casket Company??? (don't think so) But explain what you mean bklyngirl.. Now the Hess station refuel.. I get that.. areally big toxic stink.
The Brooklyn Casket company and Milso - which has several large and active warehouses. I meant it as sarcastic rather than "ooh...be afraid".
I would say that in a few years that is going to be a really desirable area to live, so moving there now is a great idea. And ditto about the subway - It's the M and the R, but only 1 stop to Atlantic Ave brings you access to anywhere you want to go. -
bklyngirl.. yeah I understood your sarcasmm... forgot where the Casket Company was.. but for real.. I think it would be kind of charming to live on that block with that neighbor!
There are many sketchy sections in DC like 2 out of 4 quadrants.... now that is helpful at least because in DC you know where NOT to live,,, in Brooklyn ya gotta ask (lol)..
Anyone who has weathered DC will do fine on Union St.!! -
I'm on Union between 3rd and Nevins, it's not a pretty block, but it's totally safe. Plus you're a 3 minute walk to the R, and a 10 minute walk to the F. It's sorta off the beaten path, the casket company is definitely weird to pass by every day.
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Thanks again for the info and the welcomes - I can't wait to check out the neighborhood! The casket company sounds particulary intriguing... Plus, I noticed from another thread that a city pool may be nearby...if so, then it's definitely the perfect location--you can't beat having a pool nearby in summer and being half a block from the subway in winter!! -JoAnne
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I don't know that area very well. Are you talking about the pool in red hook? Is it still there?
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Yep.. That must be a reference to the Red Hook pool.. it is there.. and many people use it in summer.
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She might be referring to the city pool that's just 2 short blocks up at Degraw and Nevins (although entrance for that might be on Douglass, not sure).
Never been to that pool, but have been to Red Hook often. Red Hook pool is great. Just remember that you can only bring a towel (and tshirt, over your suit) into the pool area. Anything else needs to be locked in the lockers on the way in. -
Jeffrey.. You could be right.. I totally forgot bout that pool at degraw and nevins....I know nothing re that pool .
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yes - the degraw nevins pool is the one i meant - from the map, it looked like it may be close enough to walk to. but with all the praise for the red hook pool, i'll have to check that one out too!
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JoAnne wrote: yes - the degraw nevins pool is the one i meant - from the map, it looked like it may be close enough to walk to. but with all the praise for the red hook pool, i'll have to check that one out too!
Don't go there!! It's tiny, crowded, dirty (oh god, the locker room is disgusting). Also sad - the last time i was there (last year) I saw more than a few heavily pregnant teenage girls, rowdy gangs, parents that don't care at all, and parents who hit. -
bklyngirl wrote: [quote=JoAnne]yes - the degraw nevins pool is the one i meant - from the map, it looked like it may be close enough to walk to. but with all the praise for the red hook pool, i'll have to check that one out too!
Don't go there!! It's tiny, crowded, dirty (oh god, the locker room is disgusting). Also sad - the last time i was there (last year) I saw more than a few heavily pregnant teenage girls, rowdy gangs, parents that don't care at all, and parents who hit.
and yet . . . it's a pool that is nearby. I've been a few times. It's fine, if you can deal with kids.
And like at all the city pools, less crowded towards the end of summer when the kids get bored with the pool.
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i walked by that place that claims to be the oldest Italian restaurant in brooklyn. Is it any good?
also the area around there is pretty lively but its mostly old people from the looks of it. -
Monte's is that the restaurant you are talking about??
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yes
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I have eaten in Montes... on and off for the last 30 years. Yes this place is a blast from the past. Think lots of red sauce. The food is good.. especially if you don't have an Italian mother to go home to for sunday dinner. The area around it has a taste of old South Brooklyn.. this time of year you have lots of people sitting on folding chairs in front of their houses.. charming.
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car repair shops.....low income housing ....ugly block - you could do much better! :roll:
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heartobklyn wrote: .....low income housing ....- you could do much better! :roll:
I grew up with people who live on that block and I do take offense to your statement. Low income does not = bad.
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