Greenwood - Brooklyn, NY

Greenwood's name comes from the large Green-Wood Cemetery that takes up most of its area. The neighborhood was part of the famous Battle of Brooklyn in 1776 during the Revolutionary War. Since then the area has remained mostly residential with restaurants and small shops scattered throughout.

There are no museums in this tiny waterfront neighborhood so residents go outside its boundaries a few blocks. The neighborhood does house the Opera Gallery right on the water on 36th Street. The gallery features art from around the world and remains part of a worldwide network of galleries. Patrons wishing to view the artwork should call and schedule a private showing.

There are no annual events in Greenwood, but events such as classical music concerts do pop up throughout the year at the cemetery in the large historic gothic-style cathedral there.

Greenwood has a wide variety of restaurants within its small quarters. For those who love Mexican food Don Pepe Tortas and Jugos on 5th Avenue shouldn't be missed. Local residents swear this place has the best tortas in all of New York City. The menu also features 14 different kinds of gigantic burritos. Customers can also order real homemade juice which seems to be a favorite with the vegan residents in Greenwood. Prices at Don Pepe are very reasonable, especially for the large amount of food.

J'eatjet? Gastropub, also on 5th Avenue, serves organic and locally farmed foods. Ricotta gnocchis and grilled squid can be found on the menu along with pulled pork sliders and a lamb burger. Enjoy unique and fresh dishes with special craft brews made locally as well. The gastropub makes for a great night spot or a chill place to hang out and grab a bite and a beer.

Another favorite 5th Avenue bar and restaurant that also doubles as a great night spot is the Sea Witch. The bar features 27 different beers on tap and in bottles or cans. The menu features unique eats like pork schnitzel and fried whole-belly clam rolls. A decent wine and cocktail menu can be found as well with drinks like the Sea Witch Singapore Sling. A great outside sitting area with wooden benches and a beautiful rock garden make the dining and drinking experience feel less urban and more serene. Menu prices are about average for this type of establishment and for the area.

Bar 718, also on 5th Avenue, acts as a main night spot after dinner. Customers will find pool tables and dart boards that are typical of a bar. Drink specials during happy hour are common, and customers can find an array of specialty and craft brews on tap along with domestic cans and bottles.

Travelling in and out of Greenwood proves to be quite easy as several major roadways run through and around the neighborhood. Interstate 278 runs directly through the waterfront side of the neighborhood and intersects with Prospect Parkway to the north and Gowanus Parkway to the south.

Several train stations serviced by the N-train and R-train can be found throughout the neighborhood. The train provides the quickest and most cost-effective mode of transportation for residents here, especially those commuting to Manhattan for work. Train fare starts at $2.75 for a one-way ticket.

Walking and bike riding are very easy and popular methods of transportation for many residents. Bike lanes are made available on some streets, making it safe to ride. Crosswalks can also be found throughout the neighborhood, making it safe for pedestrians.

Cabs can be hailed moderately easily. Scheduling a cab pickup would be the quickest way to get a cab ride, and fares start with a $5 base price on average and go up depending on the destination. Uber car services can also be used here, and rates start at around $6 or $7 and can up to around $60 for a ride into Manhattan or to the airport.

Public parking can be found on the streets with meters on most. Meters cost $1 per one hour of parking.

Slope Park on the east side of the neighborhood on 6th Avenue provides a cozy place to spend a few hours with the kids. The park features a fenced-in and clean playground for children of all ages. The park also has public restrooms and spray showers. The park costs nothing, and leashed dogs are allowed.

D'Emic Playground on 34th Street is the only other play area for children inside Greenwood. No greenery exists in D'Emic, as it proves to be only a playground. The play area remains fenced-in and safe for children of all ages. Handball courts and spray showers can be found inside the playground area.

There are no annual events that happen here. Green-Wood Cemetery does hold annual trolley trips through the historic area as well as guided and walking tours throughout the year. Group tours cost $5 per person, and the trolley tour costs $15 per person.

The cost of living in Greenwood runs a little higher than some of the surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn. A one-bedroom apartment averages about $2,300 per month.

Transportation remains inexpensive for those who utilize the metro, with tickets for less than $3 one way.

Gas prices in Greenwood average a little less than the New York City average and are around 15 percent higher than the national average.

Beer at a local pub or bar will cost around $2 or $3 for a domestic can or bottle during happy hour. Specialty craft or imported brews and locally made brews can cost $8 or $9 for one pint depending on the beer and the establishment.

Only a handful of boutiques can be found in and around Greenwood. Lankka on 36th Avenue provides a chic and elegant atmosphere for shoppers. Stunning casual and formal women's wear at reasonable prices can be purchased here. The shop carries a mixture of semi-funky and fashion-forward clothing and accessories for women of every shape and size.

Just outside the neighborhood, Homebody Boutique carries an array of unique and creative items such as beeswax figurines and candles. Bath and body products also line the shelves at the boutique, and unique glassware pieces and one-of-a-kind jewelry keep customers coming back. The friendly, helpful staff make each shopping experience here the best it can be.

Greenwood has no shortage of delis and grocery stores. C-Town Supermarket, which acts as the main grocery story for residents, has several locations in the Greenwood area, including one on 4th Avenue. Union Market on 6th Avenue and Rossman Farms on 3rd Avenue also serve residents seeking specialty items.

No farmers markets exist in the Greenwood neighborhood, so residents venture a few blocks north to the Park Slope's Down to Earth Farmers Market. The market opens on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. May through October and on Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 p.m. from May through December.