Gowanus - Brooklyn, NY

The area now known as Gowanus remained a combination of saltwater marshes and tobacco farmland for centuries after the arrival of Dutch colonists in the 1600s. By the mid-19th century, the New York State legislature had recognized the need for a canal to make proper use of the land, which led to the completion of the Gowanus Canal in the 1860s. The neighborhood quickly became a magnet for industrial construction, along with an increasing number of residential settlements.

Storm and sewer runoff polluted the canal throughout the following decades and continued even after it fell into disuse in the mid-1900s. Ever since, the canal has been a symbol for urban environmentalists and like-minded politicians, who advocate for regulations and funding to clean up the canal. Despite these issues, Gowanus’ desirability rose steadily through the late 1900s and into the beginning of the 21st century.

Gowanus may not have the longest history of dining culture in the borough, but Brooklynites find plenty of memorable eateries in the neighborhood, many of which cluster around 3rd and 4th Avenues. The nightlife scene here ranges from low-key to party-focused, satisfying night owls of all types. Many of the area’s best bars and lounges lie near the Gowanus Canal itself.

A hit with residents and food critics alike, The Pines on 3rd Avenue near President Street serves rustic new American fare from a menu that changes daily. The restaurant excels at putting flavorful spins on old standbys. Consider starting your meal with the bread and butter, the latter spiced with caraway and accented by sea salt. Another must-order often appearing on the menu is the Borsa Vuota, a pasta dish with mushrooms, kale and preserved lemon.

For family-friendly cuisine in a casual atmosphere, check out Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza on 3rd Avenue near 10th Street. Regulars rave about the customization options, including house-made toppings like marinated peppers and roasted garlic jam. Crispy pies arrive to a retro-modern dining room outfitted with chandeliers and framed mirrors. Keep an eye on the event calendar for movie nights, when you can enjoy your pizza while watching a classic flick.

After dinner, grab your game-loving friends and head to The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club on Union Street near 3rd Avenue. One part recreation center and one part cocktail bar, The Royal Palms features full-size shuffleboard courts and board games such as Connect 4. Make sure to try their respectable beer selection and tropical-themed drinks. If you get hungry, check out the food trucks parked just inside the bar’s garage.

Residents can easily travel Gowanus on foot, running errands without leaving the boundaries of the neighborhood. However, easy-to-use mass transit options also exist, allowing quick access to the rest of the city. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) maintains a 24-hour subway system, with the F, G and R trains offering service to Manhattan, Queens and southern and northern Brooklyn. Numerous bus routes carry passengers 24 hours as well. Given these options, commuters can travel to midtown Manhattan in as little as 35 minutes.

Biking proves popular in Gowanus, especially during the summer, and several major streets have bike lanes, including 3rd Street, which leads to Prospect Park. Car owners can find street parking, but garages provide an easier solution for those willing to pay. Commuters driving long distances can hop on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, which runs right along the southern edge of the area. If all else fails, hail a Green City Taxi on a major street, or, better yet, use your smartphone to reserve an Uber.

As the largest park of note within the bounds of Gowanus, the Thomas Greene Playground attracts athletes and sun lovers of all ages. The park features handball courts, basketball courts and, in the summer, an outdoor pool. Every spring, Thomas Greene Playground hosts the Gowanus Grind, a day-long festival featuring skateboarding, face-painting, food and music.

Residents of Gowanus also enjoy access to Prospect Park, just a short walk south through Park Slope. A vast green space in the middle of New York’s largest borough, Prospect Park covers nearly 600 acres and features running paths, barbecue areas and rolling hills. The park also has designated areas for dogs and hosts a popular (and free) summertime concert series.

The cost of living in Gowanus sits slightly above the New York City average. Renters pay an average monthly rate of $3,200, with some newly constructed units going for much more.

Due to the neighborhood’s proximity to desirable Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and Prospect Park, groceries and other everyday items command prices on par with the New York City average. A beer at the local bar sets you back around $6, and a car service to midtown Manhattan can cost around $35. Gas prices hover below the New York City average but 8 percent greater than the national average.

Much like Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, Gowanus nurtures a thriving small-business community. Most stores lie near the neighborhood's northern edge, where discerning shoppers can find vintage clothing, state-of-the-art tattoo parlors and baby boutiques.

For the ultimate store in updated, chic clothing at thrift store prices, check out Kool Chez. Unique, well-edited clothing, locally handmade jewelry and near-new household items to pretty up your home exist in this space. Kool Chez is devoted to updating the mothball, nothing-worth-buying thrift store experience to a place that inspires creativity with a friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to help you meet your needs.

A few blocks north on Fourth Avenue, The Modern Chemist puts a contemporary spin on a retro idea: the neighborhood drugstore. Regulars here praise the personalized attention from pharmacists and cashiers alike, as well as the prices that compete with any of the large drugstore chains. With 20th-century service and 21st-century products, The Modern Chemist provides an antidote to the urban anonymity that can alienate even the most hardened city mice.

For groceries and other everyday items, Gowanus residents find chain options, such as the sprawling Whole Foods Market, as well as smaller independent stores, including Ivy Garden. People looking for farm-fresh fare should head to the Carroll Gardens Greenmarket, just a short walk away at Carroll Street and Smith Street. The market operates Sundays year-round.