Thinking about moving to Bed Stuy, need input

We live on Tompkins Avenue, near Jefferson and Putnam Ave and are very pleased. It is a 15 minute walk to the A train at Nostrand, but a seven minute walk to the C at Kingston throop. We are within six minutes of Super Foodtown at Restoration Plaza, which is a massive and great grocery store. Common Grounds Coffee House is across the street on Tompkins Ave and is better than just about any coffee house I have been to. I think anywhere near Tompkins Avenue between Madison and Fulton is a good option. Tompkins is not always that quiet, but with the summer over that has changed substantially. There are so many great, quite blocks off of Tompkins. Plus there are two nice parks on Tompkins. For our money, the area has been great.

There is a alot less to think about in renting, but streets like Macon, Halsey, Hancock, Jefferson, Chauncey, Decatur and Macdonough between Stuyvesant and Bedford are good for the A/C and for the G Greene, Lexington, Clifton Lafayette, Dekalb and Spencer are good. Good Luck

Tennis-
I'm not sure about down near thomkins, but yes there is a pool of sorts a few blocks off lafayette. Its a "wading" pool I think (one of those huge but shallow ones.) I guess what I mean is there's not many kids near my intersection- bedford and lafayette is a pretty big traffic spot and, like I said, I'd be nervous having young kids because of all of the cars, not the neighborhood itself. If you had a backyard or something you'd be fine.
The Bedford/Nostrand G train stop is 4 stops from Hoyt and the A/C line and 4 stops from Lormier/Metropolitan and the L train, so you have either option for getting to work. The L train is faster, but is generally hell to get on in the morning, so if I leave the house earlier I can take the A/C. If I catch the L on a good day, it takes me 25 minutes to get from my house to 26thst in chelsea via the L and F trains. On a bad day with the L, it takes 45-50 minutes. On a "regular" day on the A/C its about 35-40, and thats pretty consistent.

Getting to work can really be a crapshoot.

I havn't been to the Y, but I've been on Hart st around there and its...ok? I mean, the whole neighborhood is SO block by block, you'll really have to check it out for yourself to get a feel for the area. Being close to Myrtle is nice, its kind of a main drag with some shops and stuff.

The Y does have a pool, but it's not really super big. it does allow for laps, however, and there's a schedule for pool usage. the Y is also incredibly CHEAP for what you're getting, and provides child care certain times too. my old gym membership was more than twice as much for basically the same quality.

Hey Tennisfan,

Weighing in here since I have both a child and a dog (and I'm a tennis fan, too!). Like New Guy, I recently moved to Tompkins & Jefferson, and we are digging it for the most part. I second Common Grounds recommendation, and there is a new coffee shop that just opened on Putnam I think? Cafe TwoFiftyEight, which I hear good things about. If you go out to Lewis Ave, there's Bread Stuy, which is awesome, too. Lifestyle Kids (children's clothing) is coming to Tompkins by the end of the month. There are playgrounds on every other block it seems (some better than others). No dog runs (not a lot of friendly or neutered dogs either, so it's probably just as well). Von King park can be a bit loud, but it's cool. The Y is very cool (I wish I was a bit closer to it). Now this is just my opinion, but I prefer being a slave to the A/C line than the G part of Bed-Stuy (esp. if you're commuting into Manhattan). If I were you, I'd also research school districts at insideschools.org -- there are some good schools around here, but there are also some crap schools. (My girl is still a toddler, so I'm just starting to research this maddening labyrinth.) That also might influence your choice of blocks. Only you can gauge what your comfort level is and what your lifestyle is. So I'd suggest actually coming out and checking out these pockets of BS in person instead of going by craigslistings and Google maps. You've gotten some good info here as far as which pockets to start with. GL!

Oh guru!

Some of the small parks that you've been noticing might be community gardens. If so, they often have their hours posted. If not, just call the parks department and they can give you a contact name/number/email or website for the person who heads up that particular community park/garden.

And yes, Le Toukouleur is great. I just had the vegetarian mafe there last night. Yum!

If I may add my 2 cents. I gather that you are not of African American descent and thus the reason for your friends concern for you suffering prejudices by moving into what is still predominantly an African American community in transition.Correct me if I am wrong.Although the area has seen an increase in diversity due to the many students, artists and families relocating from Williamsburg, Manhattan,Park Slope or from another state altogether, there is room for improvement.Services are slowly improving with additions like TinyCup, Letoukeleur and various other establishments. In time, other services will be established as the demand for them is recognized.People have stereotyped certain neighborhoods for so long. BedStuy is no different than any other community in NYC,a community of hard working, law abiding residents.Like even the toniest neighborhoods, there are some bad apples in the bunch.I can only suggest that you visit the area you are thinking of moving to at different times of the day.Speak to the residents,ask about transportation, schools, etc. Visit the pct as well.The feedback and responses you get will let you know whether you will be comfortable in this environment.Of the 2 areas you mentioned, Nostrand is a busy street as it is a bus route as well.You will find more traffic, vehicular and foot in that area.Hart and Marcy is a little quieter but blah.Good luck and wherever you relocate to, embrace your community and it in turn will embrace you.

I recently moved into the area you are referring to, Tennisfan (Nostrand near Quincy). I was familiar with he area before I decided on my apartment but I also knew that it, like an earlier poster mentioned, really varies block by block and you need to check it out for yourself. Nostrand is a heavily-traveled street which can be a good and a bad thing. I feel safe but there is a noise issue between the bus, cars, and the foot traffic from the train. The side streets are certainly quieter.

I would spend time in the area if I were you and get a feel for what it will be like to walk to and from the train and grocery stores at night. I have found people to be friendly, welcoming, and a great source of information on the area so definitely speak with your potential new neighbors.