PROS
The first thing I noticed about Bed Stuy is that it’s über friendly. If you don’t like to make eye contact and smile and chat every time you leave your house, this neighborhood may not be for you.
If you crave what NYC was like prior to Guiliani, this is the place to be! Gentrification hasn’t destroyed this area yet. There’s a community feeling, neighbors look out for one another, kids play on the sidewalk, plenty of eccentric characters lurk about and people of all classes and ethnic backgrounds live here.
Gorgeous brownstone stock at semi affordable prices.
The brownstone details have been kept intact for the most part as homeowners couldn’t afford big renovations.
The A train express gets you into the city in less than 20 minutes. J and G lines take a bit longer.
Great location for drivers. Parking isn’t terrible, nor is getting out of the city via BQE or Jackie Robinson or getting into the city via Williamsburg Bridge.
Bed Stuy has a strong black community, both African American and West Indian. It’s getting more diverse every day, but there will hopefully remain an appreciation of black culture and history.
Rental prices are rising along with sales prices. The rental income can make a significant dent in your monthly mortgage payment on multi family homes.
Renters can still find bargains. The old timers don’t post on Craigs. Just walk around the neighborhood and look for signs.
CONS
Not the best schools in the city.
Although crime is down significantly in the area, pockets of sketchy areas still remain. As with any neighborhood, one should stay alert.
The brownstones have details intact, but quick fixes (or no fixes) have taken it’s toll over the years. Most of these homes need lotsa love!
Restaurants and shops are popping up slowly, but more are needed!
OVERALL
It’s been reported that prices are increasing while sales volume is declining. Still the best Brooklyn brownstone bargain in my book.
Probably a better bet for child free folks as the schools aren’t up to snuff.
Not the area for you if you want fine dining and gourmet groceries at your fingertips. Brooklyn as it should be. Park Slope it ain’t!
6 Comments
“Gentrification hasn’t destroyed this area yet.”
So I stopped reading at this point because I realize that the writer is biased.
It’s a blog, not the news.
Bed-Stuy really is friendly and community-oriented. When my friends from other parts of Brooklyn visit Bed-Stuy, they’re always surprised that people say hello on the street. And I have two kids here and think it’s a great place to raise kids — there are great community Halloween and Christmas celebrations and an active parents’ association. But it’s true that you have to find a solution to the school problem.
After living in Bed Stuy for a year, I get pissed off when I go to other neighborhoods and people don’t say good morning.
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