Clinton Hill/Fort Greene
An elevated way of life with a charming college town feel.
Founded by the oil baron Charles Pratt in the late 19th century, this neighborhood takes its name from the area’s stately elevation (95 feet), which was once believed to have health benefits. Formerly a working-class enclave, it became home to stunning buildings and mansions in the 1920s, many constructed by famous architect Montrose Morris. The result today is a picturesque urban destination that summons the grandiosity of the past.
What to Expect:
Front-row seats to Brooklyn’s biggest park and an easy commute.
Once a stranger to development, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens today is a neighborhood on the make, with restaurants and shops opening every month on busy retail corridors and new buildings filling out the low-rise skyline. The affordably-priced homes and selection of train lines has made Lefferts a favorite of ex-Manhattanites, who prize the proximity to the city and a verdant, vibrant neighborhood to call home.
The Lifestyle:
Young and lively, with an exciting, diverse dining scene.
Prospect Park is the neighborhood’s gravitational center, with trails crisscrossing the 526-acre expanse that are ideal for running, biking, and walking. Spacious green lawns beckon residents out for picnics, a pick-up soccer game, or reading on a quilt. Enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine at De Hot Pot or splurge on four-star cuisine at Camillo. The area feels youthful and fresh but without the nightlife and noise of busier parts of Brooklyn.
Unexpected Appeal:
A smorgasbord of food-shopping options.
Prospect-Lefferts Gardens boasts an enviable range of grocery stores, from big-box to specialty. Here you can find affordable prices at chain supermarkets like Key Food, organic fare at Wholesome Gourmet Market, or staples of Jamaican cooking imported directly from the Caribbean islands at Labay Market.
The Market:
A secluded stock of classic, affordably-priced Brooklyn homes.
Styles abound, but the pride of the neighborhood is the stock of well-preserved historic homes from the 19th and 20th century. Walk down Sterling Street, Maple Street, Rutland Road or one of the other prime residential avenues and you’ll find single-family Tudors, Romanesque Revivals, shingled Victorians, limestone mansions, and old-school brownstones. Prices are cheaper than on the other side of the park.
You'll Fall in Love With:
A lush, elegant retreat from the tumult of city life.
People often compare Prospect-Lefferts Gardens with the Upper West Side. There’s a massive, picturesque park just a short walk away from home; stately, magnificent houses lining tree-shaded streets; and a tight-knit sense of neighborhood that persists in spite of the recent flux. If you’re looking for Brooklyn’s under-the-radar gem, you’ve found it here.
Fort Greene:
A historically and culturally rich neighborhood.
Fort Greene has long played an important role in Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural movement. In centuries past the neighborhood was home to writers Walt Whitman and John Steinbeck, and today serves as the stomping grounds for notable artists like filmmaker Spike Lee and musician Erykah Badu. The mellow environment and picturesque construction produce an energy that fuels creativity and inspiration for those who call the neighborhood home.
What to Expect:
A neighborhood that’s both community-driven and culturally relevant.
Living in Fort Greene feels like being part of a bona fide community, one where neighborhood kids grow up playing friendly basketball games against each other...
...or residents enjoy quiet moments out on their stoops, greeting neighbors as they pass by throughout the day.
But don’t let the homey feel of Fort Greene fool you; the neighborhood is anything but suburban, as evidenced by its popular and influential cultural institutions. The Brooklyn Academy of Music, MoCADA and Greenlight Bookstores draw thought leaders from across the disciplines perform and contribute to the neighborhood’s artistic body of work.
The Lifestyle
Well-balanced. Relaxing days spent in Fort Greene Park, shopping at Brooklyn Flea, and exploring local bars and restaurants at night.
One of Fort Greene’s main staple is Fort Greene Park, a sprawling 30-acre public space in the center of the neighborhood.
The park draws visitors from around Brooklyn to get active playing basketball or tennis, or to enjoy the perks of relaxation by reclining in a hammock or a grassy knoll.
Another main draw is the Fort Greene outpost of Brooklyn Flea, a popular outdoor market on Lafayette and Vanderbilt.
On weekends, the lot transforms into an day-long commercial hub, selling food, furniture, clothing and trinkets and knick-knacks of all kinds.
Fort Greene is also known for its low-key restaurant scene, with predominantly casual options for dining. In the summer especially, the sidewalks are dotted with patrons enjoying their meal out in the sun.
Habana Post is a popular local hotspot, where delicious Cuban food is complemented by a festive, communal atmosphere.
Not So Great for:
Those looking for non-stop nightlife outside of their doorstep.
Fort Greene isn’t well suited for anyone looking for an all-night party scene. Entertainment here is relatively relaxed and rarely ever gets rowdy or boisterous.
Instead, you’ll find easygoing bars, lounges and restaurants like Chez Oskar or Red Lantern Bicycle where you can often enjoy a drink along with live music.
The Market:
Predominantly brownstones and row houses, and a few doorman and walk-up buildings.
Most residents in Fort Greene find homes in the neighborhood’s beautifully constructed and well-groomed brownstones.
You can also find space in row houses, many of which are either converted for a single family or apartments for use by couples or roommates.
There are also a handful of doorman and walk-up buildings, although these are more difficult to find and often have very low vacancy rates.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH:
Fort Greene’s strong sense of character, defined by new and old community bonds.
Fort Greene feels like a neighborhood that’s been lovingly worn-in, with rich history and character. Here, it’s common to see neighbors congregating on stoops and catching up as the day winds down.
Kids run after the neighborhood ice cream truck, neighbors plan block parties, and there’s an all-around spirit of inclusiveness and warmth throughout the neighborhood.
As a famous Brooklyn poet once wrote (and rapped), “Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.” Here in Fort Greene, it's the only way.
