Park Slope Neighborhood Review - Brooklyn Moving Guide
Park Slope is a quintessential family-friendly hip Brooklyn neighborhood, bordered by Prospect Heights, Boerum Hill, Gowanus, and South Slope.
It's undergone a unique gentrification process that didn't involve the usual migration of artists but rather Manhattanites who saw the historic townhouses as deals in the 80s.
This movement toward the Slope began to skyrocket in the '90s and into the early 2000s.
This Park Slope neighborhood review will look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.
Why do people move here?
How about the close proximity to Prospect Park, the great schools, the beautiful tree-lined streets, the multitude of restaurants and shops lining the avenues, and the general hustle and bustle of an urban environment.
Shop at the huge farmers market on Saturdays at Grand Army Plaza, go running in the park, or enjoy any of the numerous street fairs taking place when the weather is great.
Fun Fact: In the early 1980s, former president Barack Obama lived in a top-floor brownstone on second street in Park Slope with his girlfriend at the time, Genevieve Cook.
What Celebrities Live in Park Slope
Many celebrities have long known that Park Slope is a Brooklyn gem, just like its residents.
| Celebrity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Maggie Gyllenhaal | Actress, Director |
| Peter Saarsgaard | Actor |
| John Turturro | Actor, Producer, Director, Writer |
| Steve Buscemi | Actor, Director |
| Patrick Stewart | Actor |
| Zoe Kravitz | Actress, Singer, Model |
| Emily Blunt | Actress, Producer |
| John Krasinski | Actor, Director, Producer |
Apartments Available for Rent & Sale in Park Slope
The Park Slope neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, is an idyllic spot for those looking to live in the city without sacrificing a small-town feel.
This family-friendly area boasts tree-lined streets, elegant brownstones, and ten beautiful parks – including Prospect Park, one of the largest and most beautiful public parks in the United States.
Local attractions like the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Barclay’s Center are all within easy reach.
Apartments available for rent or sale in Park Slope offer something for everyone. From modern condos to iconic brownstone homes dating back to the late 19th century, there is no shortage of options for those looking for a place to call home here.
The historic district is an excellent place to find buildings from this period that have since been renovated with modern amenities like updated kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and private outdoor space.
Those wishing for a more low-key vibe can explore the blocks of leafy residential neighborhoods and find cozy apartments tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Ideally located between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue south of Prospect Park, renters will find plenty of sunny one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom abodes that offer plenty of living space with all the comforts you need at home.
Many buildings also feature amenities like laundry facilities, fitness centers, and even rooftop terraces with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Renting in Park Slope
The northern areas of Park Slope and by Prospect Park West (kind of like the Brooklyn version of Central Park West) can command fairly high rents.
You might be able to find better deals in South Slope (particularly below 10th Street) and closer to Fourth Avenue, where you are bordered by Gowanus, although prices in these areas have also gone up.
It's very difficult to find good no-fee apartments in Park Slope due to the high demand. The vast majority of units are going to entail a brokers fee.
Average Rental Prices in Park Slope | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,995 |
| 1 Bed | $2,677 |
| 2 Beds | $3,250 |
| 3 Beds | $4,500 |
| 4 Beds | $4,950 |
Average Rent Price History by Neighborhood
When it comes to finding Apartments available for rent or sale in Park Slope – there's no better way than relying on experienced professionals who will help make your search smoother and faster so that you can settle into your dream home sooner!
Whether it's a classic brownstone apartment building or an ultra-modern condo – working with real estate agents who know this area inside out will ensure that you can easily find just what you need without any hassle.
Buying Real Estate in Park Slope
Like renting, buying in Park Slope is also not cheap. However, compared to areas like Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, or even Cobble Hill, Park Slope prices might be considered more reasonable.
Park Slope does have the advantage of being a very large neighborhood, so at the end of the day, there will be more options than, say, Prospect Heights.
That being said, there is plenty of competition as Park Slope is seen as a highly desirable area for families of its high-performing public schools.
Buying in Park Slope will be predominantly choices of townhouses, townhouse condos, and co-op apartments in both large and small apartments.
Average Sales Price History by Neighborhood
Public Transportation in Park Slope
Around the neighborhood, you'll find access to multiple trains and buses, with convenient commutes into the city and other parts of Brooklyn.
Citi-bike stations are scattered all throughout the area as well.
Although not quite as bike-friendly as some other neighborhoods, it is Brooklyn, so there is a fair amount of cyclists.
While getting around by car might be convenient, traffic and parking can be major issues in the Slope.
| Subway | F, G, D, R, F, G, 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q, |
|---|---|
| Buses | B41, B61, B63, B65, B69, B67, B103 |
Subway lines in neighborhood
- B D F
IND Sixth Avenue Line
- G
IND Crosstown Line
- N Q R
BMT Broadway Line
Public & Charter Schools in Park Slope
Park Slope is located within Brooklyn school district 15, with the exception of a small area of North Park Slope that belongs to district 13.
The biggest draw for families in this area is the excellent public schools, particularly the elementary and middle schools.
Because of the number of excelling public schools, this neighborhood hasn't demonstrated a huge need for charter schools, so you won't see any in this area, although there are charter choices around the rest of District 15.
If public or charter schools are not your thing, there are also several choices for private schools in the area, like the Berkeley Carroll School and Poly Prep.
| Schools | Notes |
|---|---|
| Millennium Brooklyn High School | Public - Grades 9-12 565 students - Unknown student/teacher |
| Ms 266 Park Place Community Middle School | Public - Grades 6-8 131 students - 16 student/teacher |
| Ms 51 William Alexander | Public - Grades 6-8 1124 students - 17 student/teacher |
| P.S.10 Magnet School for Math Science & Design Technology | Public - Grades PK-5 1071 students - 12 student/teacher |
| Ps 107 John W Kimball | Public - Grades K-5 569 students - Unknown student/teacher |
| Ps 124 Silas B Dutcher | Public - Grades PK-5 348 students - 13 student/teacher |
| Ps 133 William A Butler | Public - Grades PK-5 554 students - 9 student/teacher |
| Ps 282 Park Slope | Public - Grades PK-8 700 students - 19 student/teacher |
| Ps 321 William Penn | Public - Grades K-5 1471 students - 15 student/teacher |
| Ps 39 Henry Bristow | Public - Grades PK-5 408 students - Unknown student/teacher |
| Ps 77 | Public - Grades K-2, 4, 6-9, 12 293 students - 4 student/teacher |
| Secondary School for Journalism | Public - Grades 9-12 289 students - 13 student/teacher |
| Secondary School for Law | Public - Grades 9-12 358 students - 13 student/teacher |
Restaurants & Dining in Park Slope
Park Slope is a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and thriving dining scene.
It’s home to some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including Bar Toto and The Chocolate Room, which each offer unique takes on Italian cuisine.
Park Slope also has a great selection of ethnic eateries like Café Mogador, a Moroccan restaurant with an outdoor patio perfect for enjoying delicious tagines.
For breakfast or brunch, head to Baked in Brooklyn or Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza; both serve delicious eats all day. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to Park Slope dining.
Hungry for something sweet? Look no further than Blue Sky Bakery and Little Cupcake Bakeshop; these two spots will satisfy your cravings with treats like red velvet cupcakes, cookies, pies, and more.
If you want something healthy or vegan-friendly, there are plenty of great spots as well.
Champs Family Bakery offers vegan donuts, while Sun In Bloom serves gluten- and dairy-free dishes – plus delicious raw food.
Interested in something different? Head to The Painted Burro for modern Mexican plates or The Gate for classic British pub fare.
The sheer size of the neighborhood and foot traffic make this a very conducive environment for a thriving retail and restaurant scene.
While not every establishment you walk into will be five-star, you can find a fantastic array of excellent restaurants--anything from Italian to Indian or Korean to Israeli.
There is also no shortage of delectable bakery choices and hopping brunch spots. Some notables are Sushi Katsuei, Al Di La Trattoria, Stone Park Cafe, and Bricolage.
Attractions and Nightlife
There's never a dull moment in Park Slope, between the Prospect Park Zoo, the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, the Armory at the YMCA, and the Puppetworks Theater.
There's great nightlife as well, with dozens of bars to choose from, especially in South Slope, where the demographic tends to be younger with more singles.
For your comedy fix, be sure to stop by Union Hall and The Bell House, which features live music as well as live podcast broadcasts.
Barbes features a wide variety of musicians and musical styles.
How Safe is the Park Slope Neighborhood?
Park Slope has an impressive record. The neighborhood has low crime rates across the board.
There have been virtually no reports of violent crime in the past year, giving residents a sense of peace and security.
The local police precinct is one of the best-performing precincts in Brooklyn, with many officers walking their beats rather than patrolling from squad cars.
Crime statistics
This creates an added feeling of safety within the community as residents get to know their local police officers on a personal basis.
The Park Slope Neighborhood also boasts several initiatives aimed at further increasing safety.
These include community watches, Neighbors Helping Neighbors programs involving adults and children, regular street cleanups throughout Park Slope's parks and streetscapes, and engaging events such as Open Streets Days, which promote socializing while encouraging safe physical distancing practices during the pandemic times.
In conclusion, it's safe to say that Park Slope is one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City and around the country overall when it comes to crime statistics.
Residents feel secure knowing that their community takes proactive measures to increase safety, including community watch programs and increased police presence, which creates a feeling of familiarity with law enforcement personnel.
With all these factors combined together, it's clear why Park Slope has become one of New York City's most desirable places to live for families and young professionals alike.
