I'm planning on relocating to Brooklyn in 2012 for graduate school. My oldest will be 4. I'm looking for a great family neighborhood, rent around 2000 for a 2 bedroom, good PUBLIC elementary schools and close to subways. Good shops/restaurants within walking distance. Also a diverse neighborhood would be great. Am I wishing or does this place exist? Thanks
SUNY Downstate is the graduate school.
Try Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Dyker Heights, Gravesend, Bay Ridge, Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights.
Bendsonhurst, Park Slope, Gravesend and Bay Ridge may be closer to your price range.
You might look into Greenpoint or Ft. Greene. Both still reasonable & great schools. Less pretense than park slope.
Good luck!
Hi Vanessa,
May I ask where will you be going for graduate school?
I like Park Slope. Great food, nice book stores, and several good public elementary schools like 321(where I student taught). Overall the people too are more of the artsy type. I know apartment rentals are pretty high, but it's well worth it. It's also nearer to the city, and to the subway. There are two or three subway lines. Bay Ridge is nice too, but I don't know if you'll like it much. There is only one subway line, and it takes a good 50 minutes to get into Manhattan. Apartments are between $1000 and $1500. I don't really recommend the public elementary schools there since my friend does teach in one. The only one really good one is P.S. 185, but you have to live in the zoning area. If not, your child will get stuck in a public school where it might not meet with your expectations. Bay Ridge has Century 21 which is a huge department store with brand names (irregular items) at discount prices. I wouldn't recommend Bensonhurst, since you need a car to get around. I think that one of the other writers also mentioned Ft. Greene, I believe it's also close to Park Slope, but you should definitely consider Park Slope. I always loved going there and strolling in the neighborhoods to see the brown stones and overall to shop. Besides you can just take the train to Bay Ridge and get your necessary items at Century 21. DUMBO has build up a pretty good reputation, but with transportation I'm not sure. If you need anything else just send me a note I'll be happy to help you. Good luck.