Fort Greene - Brooklyn, NY Area Guide

Fort Greene received its name after a 1776 American Revolutionary War fort that was built under General Nathanael Greene. The Navy Yard, one of the community's prized attractions, employed more than 71,000 people during World War II. Many homes were built after this influx of newly employed residents. However, the neighborhood didn't reach distinction until much later when the Fort Greene Landmarks Preservation Committee successfully received a historic-district status in the early 1980s. This status and renovated housing brought businesses to the area and a flourish of prosperity.

Enjoy the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts on Hanson Place, where exhibitions and programming speak on pressing social and political issues facing the African Diaspora to cultivate an artistic place for the creation and evolution of the culture.

Dotted with an eclectic array of local eateries, Fort Greene offers residents the chance to slow down and enjoy the moment amidst the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. Just a stroll down Dekalb Avenue or Myrtle Avenue presents dozens of options for your dining pleasure, whether you're looking for a fast meal to go or a pleasant sit-down experience.

Enjoy a cup of home-brewed coffee from Red Lantern Bicycles on Myrtle Avenue, a local hot spot to get your bike repaired or for a fine cup of Joe. Just down the street, Humo Smokehouse focuses on finger-lickin' barbecue and ribs. Customers go crazy for the traditional and extremely affordable menu, featuring the pastured pork ribs and juicy brisket. Take your taste buds to sensory heaven at this neighborhood hot spot.

Walter's on Dekalb Avenue offers homemade dishes of comfort foods, including BLAT – bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato – sandwich, pork fritters and fried chicken. The efficient staff and cool vibe only add to the enjoyable dining experience. Come for brunch to enjoy its signature omelettes and spicy bloody marys.

Notorious for its hopping nightlife, residents always find something exciting to do in Fort Greene, especially on Lafayette Avenue and Deklab Street. BAMcafé features free live music Friday and Saturday evenings in its beautiful venue on Lafayette. Enjoy a flavorful cigar at Diamante’s Brooklyn Cigar Lounge on Oxford Street. Share a pitcher of beer with friends at The Great Georgiana on Dekalb Street or for a fun night of dancing and a great DJ, visit Frank's Cocktail Lounge on Fulton Street. Bring a friend for some good adult fun.

Though Fort Greene is a self-sufficient community, residents travel throughout the city with ease. Whether you want to walk, bike or take advantage of the many public transportation options, Fort Greene offers something for everyone. The neighborhood has access to the New York City Subway at DeKalb Avenue, Atlantic Avenue, Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street. Residents also appreciate the LIRR Atlantic Terminal station and the numerous available bus routes. Parking can be difficult to find, and the majority of residents choose to walk or bike in the many accessible bike lanes. If you need a taxi, call or use Uber to schedule your next trip.

The neighborhood is laden with picturesque green spaces, including the historic and very popular Fort Greene Park. The majestic foliage, wide-open spaces and sloping hills provide the perfect backdrop for a fun afternoon with family and pets; it even offers unleashed dog hours in the morning. The stairs make a great spot for a picnic or a killer workout. Offering enriching events for the community, visit this park for literature and film summer fests, live music in the grove for children, flea market weekends and an annual Halloween festival. Explore the park and learn more of its significant historical meaning with a history tour.

Unfortunately, the convenience of living in such a gorgeous, self-contained community costs you. About 70 percent of the community consists of renters, and median rental rates average around $1,300 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. A $2.50 fare will get you a single ride to the heart of the city. The cost of an imported beer averages at $7, while gas prices are around 13 percent higher than the nation's average. Groceries and health care expenditures are comparable to the whole of Long Island, but housing expenditures skyrocket past the average for the entire state. Because of the expensive housing prices, the cost of living in Fort Greene is 13.2 percent higher than the whole of Long Island.

Renowned for its unique boutiques and specialty shops that further characterize the charm of the area, Fort Greene offers something for every taste and interest. Down Flatbush Avenue, you'll find familiar store names, such as Men's Wearhouse, Akini & Gillani, MAC Cosmetics, and Victoria's Secret. Residents also appreciate the more one-of-a-kind shopping experience in specialty stops scattered throughout the community, particularly on Fulton Street.

Also on Fulton Street, Moshood Creations is a chic store has drool-worthy clothing and elegant designs, all the work of renowned fashion designer Moshood. The friendly staff have impeccable taste and offer assistance with a smile.

Coup De Coeur, also on Fulton Street, is your one-stop shop for trendy women's fashions. Find the perfect date-night dress and earrings to match at this affordable, resident-favorite establishment.

For groceries and household items, locals frequent a nearby Target on Flatbush Avenue, Red Apple Supermarket on Myrtle Avenue, or Fresh Garden and Green Community Pharmacy, both conveniently located on Fulton Street. Fort Greene Park Greenmarket transcends the average grocery shopping experience by providing live music from local artists, cooking demonstrations and many more family-friendly activities. This renowned farmers' market serves the diverse community anything from organic vegetables to quality cheeses, fresh seafood and farm-raised meats. Come enjoy this beloved event every Saturday throughout the year.