Located along Jamaica Bay 12 miles from midtown Manhattan, the waterfront area of Mill Basin feels more like an elegant neighborhood in the Hamptons than hip Brooklyn. Sprawling mansions with fairytale turrets and two-story porticos sit beside the post-war bungalows and Italian grocers that once defined the area. The small peninsula attracts boating enthusiasts from the metro area, and most homes along the water have private docks. However, renters can find surprisingly good deals, particularly if they look north toward Flatlands.

Life in Mill Basin offers simple pleasures. The peninsula itself is almost entirely residential, creating a sheltered alcove where kids ride bikes and fishermen cast off for bass and bluefish. Lindower Park plays host to pickup games of baseball and basketball. For daily errands, residents head inland to Avenue U and Ralph Avenue. The Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen serves favorite local comfort food like hot dogs and knishes, making the diner-style booths and tables a great bet for weekend lunches.