UrbanBaby

06.17.08, 19:31 PM Newborn
14 replies

Will be moving to Brooklyn from New Orleans in several months, with my DH, 6 year old DD, and infant son. I'll be SAHM and DH will commute to Manhattan. (My DH lived in NYC for 7 years, pre-me & kids; I haven't lived there, but have visited many times.) Any input on family-friendly Brooklyn neighborhoods or areas? I particularly would like somewhere pedestrian-friendly, with some playgrounds, not dangerous as a general rule. I'm not against "up & coming" as long as it's safe and has at least a few cafes, stores, and/or playgrounds. Any other suggestions are appreciated, espec. public schools you particularly recommend or suggest avoiding -- my 6 year old will be entering 1st grade. Thanks very much for any info / input / suggestions. [ Reply | Watch | Flag ]
Newborn 06.17.08, 07:31 PM Flag

Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

What are you looking to pay? Rent or Buy. Clinton Hill/Ft. Greene is the best I love it but prob gonna have to move soon Rent is TOo high [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.08, 07:33 PM Flag

Hey there -- thanks for the reply. We'd be renting, trying to keep our rent no more than $2500 for a 2 or 3 BR. Kind of a challenge, I know. Thanks for the info. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:01 AM Flag

The hot nabes in Brooklyn are Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.08, 07:33 PM Flag

those neighborhoods are great if you're willing to sell your first born to get up the money to live there.............way too expensive. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.08, 07:35 PM Flag

I live in Kensington - It is walking distance to Prospect Park, but about a mile. There is everything you need nearby - nothing trendy, but only a short ride via car or F train to Park Slope and a short walk to nice restarants in Ditmas Park. Very multi-culti - lots of Banglashei, Hasidic, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian and Hispanic residents. Easy commute to city. Schools are OK, not great, not awful. We are pretty ok thru grade school, I am not sure about the middle schools or HS around here yet (my DB is only 8 months old.) As Winsor Terr and Park Slope get too pricey, Kensington is getting more popular and we are bound to get some better shops soon! Worth looking into. GL with your move! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.08, 07:48 PM Flag

Thanks for the info on Kensington -- I'll keep that one in mind. We like multi-culti... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:02 AM Flag

just moved to park slope and love it (1 kid). i commute to the city every day so i need to be close to the Atlantic/Pacific stop (work in midtown) to keep my commute to 35 minutes or so - otherwise i'd never see my child. very family friendly, lots of parks, lots of other kids, lots of kids boutiques and TARGET within walking distance! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.17.08, 08:05 PM Flag

We have this same problem - my husband wants to see his children, too, so we'd definitely be looking for something that would keep the commute reasonable. Thanks...and gotta love the Target! :) [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:02 AM Flag

PS 321 in Park Slope is probably the best public around. But they might be tightening their zoning boundaries soon, so if you want to live within the zone, you should talk to the school. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:03 AM Flag

Thanks for the school info -- I've added it to my GreatSchools.net list, which is helping me keep track of those recommended to me (three so far). Once we actually get the green light about the job, then I'll plan our living situation around which school my daughter would be able to attend. Just thinking about starting that process this close to the start of the school year sends me into anxiety... [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 12:14 PM Flag

I might be overstating this, but the school situation is really important. Do not take it lightly and plan accordingly. You should also bookmark the website Insideschools.org, and you can order a hard copy book called The Best Public Schools in NYC, although it's a little outdated (it will still give you a good overview though). [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 12:34 PM Flag

I would say Park Slope, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, Caroll Gardens are a good start. [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:07 AM Flag

Also Boerum Hill is nice and is very close to both shopping area and the shops/rests [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 11:30 AM Flag

Cool -- thanks! [ Reply | More

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General Topics 06.18.08, 12:15 PM Flag