Greenpoint

Greenpoint is a somewhat isolated town in Brooklyn, mainly because of its poor transportation links. As a result, developers have largely stayed out of Greenpoint, allowing residents to preserve the qualities that have made it such a charming place to live. As other reviewers have already stated, this is a unique town with a strong sense of unity and community pride. There are families who have been around for generations. There are diverse immigrant communities, but the majority has always been the Polish. In recent years, a lot of young people have moved here in search of the next up and coming neighborhood and affordable housing costs. During the past few years, a lot of hip restaurants, quirky bars, and trendy shops have formed here in response to the growing hipster population. At the same time, as most of the other reviewers have said, there is an incomparable selection of Polish restaurants here. This town definitely has the hip and mellow vibe that Williamsburg has, but it's cheaper, cleaner, and more family-friendly with great schools. Still, you should note that I said "cheaper," NOT "cheap." Prices here have dropped during the past few years and it's certainly cheaper than the city, but prices are still steep. If you're looking to save money, try looking on the eastern end.

Greenpoint is a haven of authentic Polish food, and though it may not look like the trendiest shopping district, there are some pretty cool shops scattered around thanks to the influx of trendy residents who can't afford to live in Williamsburg anymore.

As far as Polish food is concerned, Lomzynianka comes to mind - as well as Krolewskie Jadlo. If you have a thing for stuffed cabbage, pierogies or kielbasa you can hardly skip a visit to Greenpoint, Brooklyn. There's also cool kid neighborhood staples like Enids, and though I've only been there to drink (they have a healthy bar atmosphere there), I hear the food is pretty good - and they serve a brunch that seems to be pretty popular. Generally the bars on Manhattan Ave stay flush with skinny hipster kid types, much like the neighboring Williamsburg bars.

Greenpoint can sort of be divided between the super-residential east side and the somewhat commercial west side (there are still plenty of residencies on this side, they just happen to be accompanied by restaurants and shopping options). Those that live on the east side have a pretty good walk to the L or the G trains, as well as to any of the action taking place on the other side of the neighborhood. If I had my pick of Greenpoint apartments, I think one one the more commercialized side of the neighborhood would make for a better living experience.

My girlfriend and I checked out the neighborhood last week and couldn't be more impressed. Not only are there great schools and single family homes on every corner, but its got that same laid back, community vibe of Williamsburg.

We have been keeping a blog about our search for a home, so if you want to read our full report on Greenpoint, you can check it out here:
http://iwantawalkup.tumblr.com/post/997894515/brooklyn-greenpoint-review

If the Upper East Side feels like a terrifying dinner party at your parents' house, then Greenpoint is a college campus - chock full of hip, politically savvy, culturally aware twenty-somethings and aspiring musicians, indie-groupies, poets, installation artists, and more. The vanguard of the artistic elite might turn up their noses at this jejune bunch - but overall the future of New York City lies in Greenpoint and its sister neighborhood, Greenpoint. It's close enough to Manhattan to feel connected, and yet the particular character of Greenpoint is its own: lofts, railroad apartments, a developing waterfront, and a mix of hip bars and restaurants and lower-key holdovers from the area's traditionally Polish residents. All things considered, the neighborhood isn't great for older buyers or families, who might find the dorm-room feel of the local diner a bit undignified. But for just-starting-out twenty-somethings, preferably those with parents covering the rent money, Greenpoint is a great place to be.

I really enjoy going up to Greenpoint - the neighborhood is really pretty and there are plenty of things to do there. Bookworms should check out Word, the local independent bookstore, and there are also a lot of good places to eat in the area.

The neighborhood is really quaint and clean (by Brooklyn standards) and I would recommend it for anyone - even tourists. There is definitely a mix of locals in Greenpoint, but the community remains predominantly Polish. You can't help but hear a lot of Polish being spoken in places like McCarren Park or the Greenpoint YMCA.

I moved to Greenpoint from Union Square about a year ago and have found it to be a breath of fresh air. Although it is close enough to Manhattan that it does not take long to get to school or work, it is much quieter and family oriented. Greenpoint Avenue offers a fun nightlife area (if you don't mind hipsters) and the area is sprinkled with gems of bars throughout. The Polish community is heavily present and adds a unique vibe, especially in restaurants and food stores in the neighborhood. Although crime is reportedly on the rise here, I have never felt unsafe, even at night. The G train can be a pain late at night, but if you are close enough to the L train to walk, commuting into Manhattan is really easy and quick. The neighborhood is also close to McCarren Park and several other smaller parks and the architecture of many of the apartment buildings make it a quaint area to wonder around on nice days. Overall, I would recommend this area for people looking for a hip place to live that is not as bustling as Manhattan, but still with the conveniences of everyday living (and yummy food!).

Greenpoint is located in northwestern Brooklyn and is nestled among waterways on three of its borders. This waterfront neighborhood is only a short distance from Manhattan and Queens making it a popular place to live. The area is on the National Register of Historic Places as Greenpoint’s Historic District. Much of the waterfront holds the maritime history of this nautical community. Most of the nearby buildings were used in the past to manufacture the ropes of the shipping industry. Also in the area is the launch site of the USS Monitor - the first ironclad fighting ship built during the American Civil War.

The neighborhood is highly multi-generational and it is not unlikely to find three generations of the same family living within walking distance of each other. Nearby Williamsburg has drawn an influx of young people in more recent years. Also, the gentrification project, known by locals as the “Williamsburg spillover” has brought in many New Yorkers due to the proximity of the area to Manhattan. Cheaper rent in Greenspoint is also quite a draw.

Subway and train access is located at the G stations at Greenspoint Avenue (Manhattan Avenue) and Nassau Avenue. Bus lines also service the area.

There is a great park that boasts a huge area of green space, known as McCarren Park. Many families go here to picnic and enjoy the outdoors. A smaller park, McGolrick Park, is also located nearby. McCarren can get quite busy, so the overflow enjoys McGolrick.

Greenpoint is located in wonderful Brooklyn, New York. A prominent neighborhood once steeped as a middle-class home of immigrants seeking the American dream, Greenpoint is a great neighborhood, changing daily and with a fingerprint all its own.

Perhaps most recently renown for an oil spill on New Town Creek in the 1980s, Greenpoint was originally mostly populated by Dutch settlers in the 1630's when Brooklyn was negotiated for settlement with a Native American tribe, the Lenape. As time progressed, the settlement morphed from a pastoral community to a highly industrialized section of Brooklyn including a surge of Polish immigrants during the 1800's, the prestige of the community also increased. Greenpoint is one of the most illustrious neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and with its wonderful offerings in dining, entertainment, and housing, it is an impressive place to live or to visit.

Greenpoint is not as diverse as other sections of Brooklyn, as it is home to many Polish and Irish middle and working class families. It is vibrant and pleasant, filled with people and a calm lifestyle. Entertainment, dining, sightseeing, and living are all prime in this historical section of Brooklyn.

Living in Greenpoint is expensive, as its real estate is amongst the most expensive in Brooklyn, as this up and coming section is a popular escape for the Manhattan working elite. The average price on a one bedroom one bathroom unit is as high as 500,000, with condominiums selling for as high as $1.3 million. Subletting in this borough is competitive, and when looking to enter into that sort of arrangement, it’s advisable to sign a contract and preview the unit prior to making any agreements. Subletting an apartment here could range from $3,000-7,000, though individual room rentals are significantly lower.

Dining and entertainment options in Greenpoint are plentiful, as with the gentrification of any neighborhood come the luxuries. With various high quality and unique options for dining, you and your palet will never be bored in this neighborhood. Nightlife in Greenpoint is just as vibrant with various upscale venues with live music and late-night dancing.

Greenpoint is just as entertaining during the day as it is at night. Among the many perks of living in Greenpoint is the history, namely in architecture. Various churches and schools constructed throughout the neighborhoods’ esteemed history are quite remarkable, and would be of interest to anyone with an eye and appreciation for meticulous detail. A wonderful day in Brooklyn is spent taking a walking tour through the many sections of this neighborhood which is filled with parks and outdoor leisure spaces.

Transportation to Greenpoint is convenient and efficient as several trains and buses run throughout the dynamic neighborhood.

Greenpoint in a Flash:

Transportation:
MTA trains G, L, 7, E, V service the entire neighborhood and make commuting to Manhattan quick and easy.
Sightseeing:
McCarren Park- Popular and large, this is a must-see in Greenpoint
Huron and Java Streets: Water Access Points- a wonderful place on the East River to get a panoramic view of the city.
Kent Street- More views of the city as well as a walking tour of the history of Greenpoint

Dining:
Christina's, 853 Manhattan Ave- down home American dining
Lomzynianka, 646 Manhattan Ave- traditional Polish cuisine
Thai Café, 925 Manhattan Ave.- Delicious Thai food in the heart of Old Poland

Nightlife:
Coco 66, 66 Greenpoint Ave.- Average Greenpoint fare: a sports bar with cheap beer
Twisted Bar and Lounge, 37 Driggs Avenue
Matchless, 557 Manhattan Ave. (at Driggs Ave.)- more upscale venue

Greenpoint is a really great area. Sure, the hipsters are moving in to be near (but also a bit distanced from the debauchery) Williamsburg, but the Polish community here still makes itself pretty known through little delis, bread shops, and restaurants. I really like this area, and recommend it to tourists who despise Times Square and other Disney World-like attractions. It’s also a great place to live – I know a lot of young people who live around here, especially girls who want to be close to Williamsburg but can’t afford to live there, and don’t want to live in a less safe place like Bushwick. This neighborhood is clean and safe and pretty bustling during the daylight hours.