Featuring well-dressed residents, art-lined streets, and adorable huskies, Carroll Gardens may be somewhat limited in terms of transportation, but it is considered a cultural enclave with a tight-knit community.
Bordered north to south by Degraw St. and Hamilton Ave., and east to west by Bond St., to Van Brunt St., Carroll Gardens houses 3 green parks.
Accessibility
Coming to and from Carroll Gardens won’t be a walk in the park (although if you wanted to walk through some parks to get here, that is possible). As it stands, the only subway trains that enter Carroll Gardens are the (F & G) trains at the Bergen St. or Carroll St. stop. However, while the subway lines may be limited, Carroll Gardens is one of the few neighborhoods in Brooklyn that can be directly accessible from Queens and by Manhattan (which is sort of a plus if you think about it).
Unfortunately, in terms of bus transportation, Carroll Gardens lacks adequate coverage as well. In terms of vertical travel, the (B57) is the only bus that operates within Carroll Gardens. Horizontal travel will depend on the (B61), which will take you to either Gowanus or Red Hook.
For those lucky (very lucky) enough with a car, driving will be the best bet to get around Carroll Gardens. However, simply walking around this beautiful neighborhood is just as simple (and free).
Lifestyle
Carroll Gardens mixes authentic Brooklyn with a modern twist. With unique bars, vintage shops, and 3 foot high children playing with their umbrellas, Carroll Gardens is trendy yet cozy. You’ll find residents enjoying the outdoors and pursuing their favorite hobbies of riding their scooters. Others residents will be spotted riding bikes together, walking their 4-month old husky, or rummaging through one of the many small business shops. Carroll Gardens is old school and that’s the appeal; it has a charm that cannot be replicated that draws unique individuals and unique experiences to all.
Restaurant & Bars
There are a plethora of restaurant options that range from artisanal food shops to decadent bakeries. Our personal favorite is Buttermilk Channel; with mouth watering chicken and waffles or the delicious duck meatloaf, come here once and be ruined of all fried chicken forever. Want pizza? Lucali serves some of the best pies in the area; sink your teeth in some of the freshest toppings. For Italian cuisine, Cafe Luluc is the place to go; our personal favorite dish has to be the crispy fried calamari.
To fulfill your drinking needs, Carroll Gardens has a variety of options. Frankies 457 provides authentic Italian food with a perfectly matched wine. La Cigogne serves the best cocktails with a great atmosphere. Order the Mood Indigo for a perfect mixture of sweet and bitter.
Cost
While Carroll Gardens may have been a perfect and affordable place to live in the past, the rental/sales market has drastically changed since then. An influx of new residents and shops has made Carroll Gardens a new hot spot within Brooklyn. While nowhere near as expensive as Manhattan Carroll Garden’s average rent is $2,900 while its average sales price is $925,00.
Final Verdict
Carroll Gardens is a quiet, Brooklyn authentic neighborhood that deserves the accolade of perfection. The transportation aspect might be difficult; however, once you’re here, you’ll find yourself wanting to stay. Come for the unique residents and delicious restaurants, and stay longer for the cute children on the swings and the beautiful atmosphere.