Fort Greene

Fort Greene is an incredibly hip, up and coming area in Brooklyn that attracts hipsters, artists, and foodies. At the same time, Fort Green maintains its sense of history with well maintained brownstones and the oldest park in Brooklyn. The population is a pretty good mix of Caucasian and African American, with a smaller percentage of Asian residents. While this area offers relative affordability, it certainly isn't cheap, with some of the higher end properties starting in the millions. In fact, as the area gains popularity, prices are continuing to rise. Still, many feel that it's worth it because of the area's incredible array of restaurants (especially along DeKalb Avenue and Fulton Street). There is also the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) theater and Fort Greene Park, where many of the locals take their kids when the weather is nice. The school district in Fort Greene is pretty good; many parents speak highly of the Ronald Edmonds Learning Center. However, the area is best known as the home of Brooklyn Technical High School, one of the few schools in New York City that bases admissions decisions on the results of the Specialized High School Admissions Test. Public transportation is very convenient; residents have access to the Long Island Rail Road, 9 subway lines, and a couple of buses.

The Fort Greene neighborhood lies at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge in northwestern Brooklyn. The area is bounded by East River, Vanderbilt Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, and Flatbush Avenue. The area is home to Fort Greene Park which includes the Prison Ship Martyr’s Monument and crypt honoring some 11,500 patriots who died aboard British ships during the American War of Independence.

Rich in history, the neighborhood contains many examples of mid-19th century well preserved Italian and Eastlake architecture. Fort Greene is also home to the Williamsburgh Savings Bank which is the tallest building in all of Brooklyn.

Fort Greene is geographically desirable and very close to the Atlantic Avenue train station. There is also access to most major subway lines. Bus lines also service the Fort Greene well.

Several important cultural centers exist in the local neighborhood, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Brooklyn Music School, The Paul Robeson Theater, and Urban Glass Works (well worth a visit). Also in the area is the 651 Arts Performing Center for African-American presenters.

Schools in the neighborhood are well-renowned, including Brooklyn Technical High School - one of New York City’s most competitive public schools. The world renowned Pratt Institute is located in neighboring Clinton Hill, and is one of the leading art schools in the United States.

Fort Greene area is a great neighborhood, due to its beautiful architecture and proximity to transportation. With great proximity to Manhattan and other boroughs of the city, Fort Greeene is a prime place for people of all walks of life and virtually all income brackets.

Real Estate in Fort Greene is amongst the most beautiful as its opulent brownstones line the streets with a distinctive flare. Many of the brownstones have been refurbished and are a coveted nesting spot for flighting Manhattanites as well as those new to the city. The spacious provide privacy while still offerring a uniquely NYC feel. Houses in the Clinton Hill neighborhood generally sell for $350,000 at the least, with some large and extensively renovated homes selling for well over $2 million. Renting and subletting in this neighborhood is extremely possibly, and can be done for as inexpensively as $1,000.

Public transportation is expansive and with subway lines (2, 3, 4, 5, A, B, C, D, F, G, M, N, Q, and R), about 20 bus lines, and the LIRR, Fort Greene is fantastically convenient.

Fort Greene features several attractions. Firstly, dining and entertainment are a must in this neighborhood (mainly on as Lafayette, Fulton, Myrtle, and DeKalb Avenues), as the proximity to Manhattan keeps this section Brooklyn extremely chic and hip. Several eateries as well as cool shops and stores are speckled throughout the neighborhood making this a wonderful place to live or to visit on a night out in Brooklyn.

Other sights include the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge. Walking on the Bridge is a must do when visiting New York, as the views from the Bridge of the Manhattan skyline are one of the most popular photographs taken on a visit to the city. Another great place to visit is the Brooklyn Academy of Music and renown director Spike Lee’s Film Studio, 40 Acres and a Mule.

Despite its somewhat touristy nature, Fort Greene is still wonderful place for families, with great schools, both private and public offered throughout the neighborhood, not to mention institutions of higher learning including the prestigious Brooklyn Law School. Fort Greene is a wonderful parallel of the city and a wonderful place to raise a family in a cultured area, while still able to maintain some of the comforts of living in a smaller community. Fort Greene is a comfortable home to many and for good reason.