but really though..good idea to live b/w Franklin Bedf

anonymous · October 2006

So, I'm new to NY. I like the Brooklyn vibe. I'm from SF. Love Clinton Hill, been seeing ALOT of listings for floor-thrus of Brownstones on Monroe, Greene, Gates...all between Franklin & Bedford.

What's the real scoop? Folks from Carroll Gardens have me almost phobic about the G line, but I want to hear from some Fort Greeners, some Clinton Hillers, and some Bed-Stuyers:

Fact or Fiction: Is it cool to live as a single female on Monroe, Gates or Greene between Franklin or Bedford? G line at Classon? G line at Bedford/Nostrand = scaryville? Scaryville at night only? What's the real situation. Is it just regular cityness and be-smart alert type or what. Trying to figure it out and since I'm completely new, it's hard to tell the difference between fact and fiction.

Your help greatly appreciated!

SF

isla · October 2006

I hear the worst things about the G, but after riding it I am not really experiencing it. I commute 5-6 days a week. I never have to wait too long. In fact, never more than a few minutes. In fact, several times the conductor has waited for me in the morning as I run from the stairs to the train (it comes on the latter half of the platform, and I am on the other side). This would never happen on any other line I ride. I get from Bedford-Nostrand to my local UWS stop in less time than it took me from the Eastside of Manhattan at 14th St. Plus it is more consistent. The L would be all over the place, and I could never count on it. My commute has shortened, even though I live farther from work. I should add I live 7 blocks from the L, and transfering from the L to the C involves walking up one of two sets of narrow, clogged stairs and downstairs to another area. I am around the corner from the G and cross the platform to the C now.

I moved from Manhattan, and I really like it here. I find people to be super friendly and much more of a neighborhoody vibe. In my last neighborhood, this was not the case.

I am a single female, and I live on Bedford near there. I feel comfortable and fine. I love my neighbors and the people. I take the Bedford-Nostrand stop all hours, and I never have a problem. Not everyone would like it, but I think it is great. It is different, but it is great.

carmen · October 2006

I live on top of the bedford/nostrand G line stop (on lafayette) and I love it. The area is great, the rent is cheap, our neighbors are nice and, for being a main drag, the road is suprisingly peaceful. I'm on the back of the house and never hear a peep. I feel totally safe in the station...it is a pain in the ass though because its fucking huge haha.
The G is for ghetto and yes, it sucks sometimes (late nights you could easily wait 20 minutes) but I go into the city at least once a day, and if not into the city I stil commute somewhere (since bed/stuy doesnt have a whole lot going on) and its no more irritating than any other subway.

I say come join the hood!

anonymous · October 2006

Subject: thanks!

Thanks alot for posting! I realized that alot of my worries were because I hadn't actually spent much time travelling in that area. So yesterday I made the trek to my prospective apartment and I feel like it will be great. I have a deposit down on an apartment, so hey, I may be your neighbor very soon!

Cool to know all that about the G line too. If I get "approved"

I will be using the Bedford/Nostrand station and walking down Bedford to Greene, so cool cool cool - THANK YOU!

thanks,

michelle (apartment seeker from SF)

isla · October 2006

I felt the same way about it too. I found a place I loved so I went for it. I am sure you will love it.

There are some great restaurants, a few bars and it is close to a lot in the area. I think it just helps to have the right perspective and be friendly. I know that once I got friendly with people it was much easier to fit in. It can appear to be more rough than some areas, but you just have to be smart, like any other place really.

As for the train, there are usually a fair amount of people during the day. But you can always get a seat. I really like the G so far. Especially strange since I heard it really sucked. Also, a car service (and there are many in this area--Pratt, New Bell, Myrtle) is not that bad. I find it to not be that expensive if you ever feel like skipping the train. There are also a bunch of buses (one that ones down Bedford, up Nostrand, one that runs across on DeKalb and one on Lafayette)--grab a bus map from the subway station. There are plenty around here.

Welcome to the neighborhood! (hopefully)

michelle · November 2006

Subject: thanks again

hey isla,

just writing in to say thanks again! i did move into the neighborhood and love it. great landlord, great apartment, and great neighborhood vibe.

thanks for the car service tips too.

m

isla · November 2006

I am glad you like it! It is really a diverse and interesting area. I hope the transportation is working well for you, and the move went smoothly.

I should have added that. I adore my landlord. I feel incredibly lucky. I never had such luck in Manhattan.

Welcome.

jack krohn · November 2006

Just to put in a good word for the G train. I lived in Ft. Greene for six years and took the G to work every day, as well as to shop or go out to Williamsburg or Carroll Gardnes on weekends. I rarely waited longer than 10 minutes, even during later hours. Overall, I've found it just as reliable as any other train in the system.

but really though..good idea to live b/w Franklin Bedf

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