Carroll Gardens feels like a small town dropped into Brooklyn. The streets are wider than most of the borough, the front yards are deeper, and the Italian-American heritage shows in the delis, bakeries, and restaurants that have been here for generations. The neighborhood attracts those who want urban convenience with a slower pace.
What It's Like Living Here
Living in Carroll Gardens means accepting that you will have favorite spots. The local bakery, the corner deli, the restaurant where they know your order. Smith Street brought a wave of new restaurants and bars, but the neighborhood has absorbed them without losing its character. The F and G trains provide transit, though many residents walk or bike.
The housing stock is primarily brownstones and row houses, with apartments in converted buildings. The neighborhood is quieter than surrounding areas, with less nightlife and more strollers. Court Street has the everyday shops, while Smith Street has the dining scene.
Best For
- •Those seeking neighborhood community
- •People who appreciate Italian-American food culture
- •Those who want quiet residential living with city access
- •Professionals who work in lower Manhattan or Downtown Brooklyn
Things to Know
- •Quieter nightlife than neighboring areas
- •Premium pricing for the neighborhood character
- •F/G trains only, no express options
- •Can feel sleepy for those wanting more energy
Commute Times from Carroll Gardens
Local Tips
Lucali pizza requires hours of waiting but lives up to the hype
Caputo's Bakery has been here since 1904
Smith Street between Baltic and Sackett has the best restaurant density
Carroll Park is the neighborhood gathering spot
The Essentials
Grocery
- Trader Joe's
- Caputo's
Coffee
- Cafe Pedlar
- D'Amico Foods
Dining
- Lucali
- Buttermilk Channel
- Prime Meats
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