Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Review - Brooklyn Moving Guide

Carroll Gardens is sometimes referred to as "Little Paris" or "Little France" due to a large number of French ex-pats who have taken up residence in the area, which spans about 40 blocks.
This Carroll Gardens neighborhood review will look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.
Throughout the neighborhood, the brownstones feature large front gardens and tree-lined streets, especially in the Historic District.
It is surrounded by Boerum Hill, Gowanus, and Red Hook.
Although once considered part of Red Hook, the neighborhood began forming its own identity in the 1940s after the construction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Gowanus Expressway.
Today, Carroll Gardens is predominately upper-middle class consisting of business professionals and elderly residents who have lived in the neighborhood for a long time.
Fun Fact: Carroll Gardens was settled in the 19th century by Irish immigrants and named after Charles Carroll, an Irish immigrant who was the only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Real Estate in Carroll Gardens
Real estate in Carroll Gardens ranges from pre-war brownstones to newer luxury condos.
Apartments for rent or sale vary widely in size and price point.
High-end homes feature modern amenities such as rooftop terraces, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and designer finishes. Smaller spaces are available, too; these include cozy studios with hardwood floors and large one-bedrooms with spacious living rooms.
Many Carroll Gardens rentals come with access to community amenities such as fitness centers, pools, playgrounds, and courtyards.
The neighborhood also has plenty of parks filled with trees and greenery, providing a great place to relax or enjoy outdoor activities like baseball or soccer.
Buyers can also take advantage of various tax benefits exclusive to this neighborhood thanks to its designation as an Historic District by the city's Landmarks Preservation Commission back in 1973.
Average Rental Prices in Carroll Gardens | |
---|---|
Studio | $1,800 |
1 Bed | $2,800 |
2 Beds | $4,500 |
3 Beds | $5,195 |
4 Beds | $13,000 |
Average Sales Prices in Carroll Gardens | |
---|---|
1 Bed | $725,000 |
2 Beds | $1,450,000 |
3 Beds | $2,498,000 |
4 Beds | $3,200,000 |
Transportation

Carroll Gardens has access to both the F and G line at Carrol Street and Smith-Ninth Street stations.
The B61 is available on 9th street while the B57 is available on Court and Smith Streets.
Bus | B61, B57 |
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Subway lines in neighborhood
- F
IND Sixth Avenue Line
- G
IND Crosstown Line
Public & Charter Schools
The New York Department of Education operates many highly-rated public schools in the area and there are plenty of private, charter and day schools to choose from as well.
School | Info | Notes |
---|---|---|
International School of Brooklyn | Private - PK-8 - 333 students | Independent, language immersion school offering two bilingual tracks: Spanish-English and French-English, and follows the International Baccalaureate programs for Lower and Middle School |
P.S. 146 Brooklyn New School | Public - PK-5 - 666 students | Strong leadership, seasoned teachers, active parents, and an imaginative curriculum. Highly sought-after. |
Brooklyn Secondary School for Collaborative Studies | Public - 6-12 - 667 students | Offers relaxed atmosphere. Accepts students of all skill levels and prepares them for college. |
P.S. 58 The Carroll | Public - PK-5 - 995 students | Strong academics, focus on arts, dual language French program. Solid neighborhood school |
Restaurants & Dining in Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens can offer some of the coziest environments for enjoying a nice meal outdoors. The neighborhood is teeming with great options!
One place sure to make you forget you're even living in a city is Frankies 457 Spuntino, a popular neighborhood Italian spot with a simple menu.
Come here to enjoy consistently delicious food with friends in a large outdoor garden, weather permitting.
While Italian restaurants are everywhere in Carroll Gardens, Cuban food can only be found in one place - Cubana Cafe.
Carroll Gardens would not cater to its residents if it didn't have French restaurants.
Some great spots include the Alsatian eatery La Cigogne and the classic neighborhood French bistro Cafe Luluc, which specializes in weekend brunches and garden seating (Cash Only).
For some great all-American comfort, hop into Buttermilk Channel, known for their sparkling brunches and their buttermilk fried chicken!
When you're in the mood for something sweet, you'll be delighted by your choices--Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain to the north and Momofuku Milk Bar's Carroll Gardens location in the south.
For old-world Italian goodies like cannolis, gelatos, and cakes, don't forget about Pasticceria Monteleone BK.
How Safe is the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood?
Carroll Gardens is known to be one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. The crime rates in this area are significantly lower than in other parts of New York City. In fact, recent statistics show that Carroll Gardens has the lowest violent crime rate among all Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Carroll Gardens has its own police precinct as well as an auxiliary police unit that helps patrol the area.
Crime statistics
The neighborhood also benefits from security cameras installed at strategic points throughout the area, making it easier for law enforcement to track criminal activity. Additionally, there are numerous block watch programs and initiatives through which neighbors can alert each other about any suspicious activity in the area.
The local residents take great pride in keeping their neighborhood safe and make sure that there are no areas where criminals can feel comfortable loitering or engage in criminal activities.
There is a strong sense of community here, and everyone looks out for one another to ensure their neighborhood remains safe and secure for everyone who lives or visits there.
In addition to increased safety measures taken by law enforcement and residents, several non-profit organizations are also dedicated to helping keep Carroll Gardens a safe place to live and visit.
These organizations provide educational opportunities for children, services such as after-school programs focused on reducing violence, and counseling services for those suffering from addiction or mental health issues related to trauma or abuse.
Overall, Carroll Gardens is considered one of the safest communities in New York City due to its low crime rate, robust security measures, strong community involvement and dedication to creating a safe environment for its residents.