jilluary

Most common are two-family houses and the neighbors are a mix of every social strata. The whole area is in flux - old meets new meets crap access to resources like grocery stores and pharmacies. You can end up paying like you're living in prime Park Slope. A lot of old timers, here for generations, and a lot of them can't believe the neighbors are selling and getting out $1 million richer. Development is a constant pain and chances are you are either living in or up against a 6-story new construction that somehow does not fit with the rest of the place.

Aesthetically, it depends on what avenues you live between. South of 7th closer to the cemetery for about half a block, it is greener, quieter and has some pretty row homes and tasteful gut renovations. The further south you go, the trees have been ripped out for new construction, sidewalk sheds are commonplace, and the sidewalks are all ripped up. The nicest thing is that neighborhood kids play in the street, which is amazing.

There is a bar/pizza place coming in on the corner of 6th, which will be welcome, we think. There are a couple of places to eat and drink only a block away. If you want to, 5th avenue is changing as well. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to 7th avenue where it gets busy. The smaller delis know they are the only game in town and charge like it. Nearby delis change historically high prices for a 6-pack of Bud.

I think couples or roommates have the best chance of enjoying it here because you need the built-in companionship, since it is not a humming, teeming social block unless you have lived there for years and know how to gossip. It can be hard to meet people. My recommendation is to get in good with the kids! They know everything and everyone.