Fort Greene

Fort-Greene-300x200Fort Greene is the quintessential NYC neighborhood. It is where neighbors congregate on well-kept, and in many cases landmarked stoops, walk over to the park for a game of hoops, or maybe hit up a sidewalk café for a bite afterward, and then reconvene back on the stoop to review the day’s events. On these stoops can be found a broad spectrum of socioeconomic and ethnic diversity, making Fort Greene one of the most well-rounded neighborhoods in the city. From young families looking for more space, to professionals seeking a nice neighborhood and a short commute, to successful and not so successful artists, to long-time residents who contribute a sense of history, people in this slice of the city are engaged with each other and their community.

 

Where the Livin’ is Easy

There’s always something happening in Fort Greene, yet the vibe is relaxed and friendly. Restaurants and bars are casual and it’s not uncommon for people at a partially filled table to invite others still waiting to join them. The popular Habana Outpost is touted as both an eatery and community gathering space. Another popular gathering spot is Greenlight Bookstore, an independent bookshop, which hosts a steady stream of events. The summer is busy with block parties. Designed by the same landscape architect as Central Park, Fort Greene Park’s beautiful 30 acres include tennis and basketball courts and lots of greenery. The Brooklyn Academy of Music offers world-renowned performances in all of the arts as well as classes, talks, and neighborhood outreach. MoCADA, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts, is another cultural gem in Fort Greene.

 

A Residential Potpourri

Most of Fort Greene consists of intimately scaled, tree-lined blocks of historic brownstones and carriage houses as well as some brick row houses and wood frame houses. On the western edge of the neighborhood, by BAM, new mixed-use towers provide performance, rehearsal, and studio space as well as many apartments. Fort Greene is more affordable than many nearby areas such as Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Boerum Hill, and Park Slope. Prices here are similar to neighboring Prospect Heights.

 

Nearly every subway line passes through Fort Greene, making it easy to get almost anywhere in the city. Fort Greene is also home to Atlantic Terminal.