35 2nd Place, 3

Quick Profile

Filled with charming churches, whose ringing bells punctuate the days, together with quirky boutiques, trendy bars, Italian bakeries, and restaurants featuring a wide variety of cuisines, with an emphasis on traditional Italian cuisine, Carroll Gardens maintains a sense of Old World charm. While most of the restaurants are small and family-owned, there are Michelin-rated restaurants for those special date nights. Abundant coffee shops and bakeries ensure you are never far from a tasty pastry and your next cup of joe.

Unlike many neighborhoods, Carroll Gardens has an impressive array of grocery stores, including the popular Court Street Grocers. While Carroll Park is the main green space, located in the heart of the neighborhood, there are other parks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cadman Plaza Park, and Van Voorhees Playground, all within easy walking distance.

Court and Smith Streets are the main commercial areas, packed with bakeries, intimate bars, unique boutiques, and small mom-and-pop Italian cafes, many with sidewalk or patio seating. Court Street has most of the older businesses that have operated for generations in the same location. Smith Street has more trendy establishments. 

If you are looking for a neighborhood that is quieter and less congested, Carroll Gardens might be a perfect fit. It is a great place to raise a family, with good schools and safe streets. It is the type of place where you will know the names of your neighbors and the owners of the shops and restaurants you frequent. It is a great walkable neighborhood for retirees, and an easy commute into the city for young professionals. The streets are shady and tree-lined, and many feature brownstones and townhouses that sport sizeable front gardens, adding to the natural charm of the neighborhood.