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Hi everyone,
Im moving to NY and looking for an opinion on an apartment near the intersection of Putnam & Nostrand avenues in Bed-Stuy. I know the area in general has a bad rep, but am wondering if anyone knows this particular block? If so how safe is it, what's the atmosphere like etc. Any help would be great! Google streetview can only show you so much..
Its not that bad, many transplants live in the area and locals don't really mess with people. There are some nice brownstone blocks nearby as well. My only concern is that the subway stops are a bit of a walk away. Either the A train on Fulton and Nostrand (which is the better one) or the G train on Lafayette. Unless you're hanging out in Williamsburg I'd stick with the A train as the G train has poor service (which I deal with on a daily basis.) But you'll be fine, the area is not too hectic. However if you're coming home real late at night, do not keep your headphones on, if there are knife-weilding stick up kids, they tend to prey on people who seem to be distracted but not people who are vigilant. But 99% of the time you'll be ok. Good luck!
Where are you moving from and do you have any experience living in bad areas?
This particular intersection and area is better than most in Bed Stuy. A lot of blocks in this area have tons of nice brownstones and signs of gentrification. But when you walk around, you'll still be in the ghetto.
Don't believe the nay sayers Bedford Stuyvesant is quickly becoming the next hip neighborhood in Brooklyn. Many new comers have moved to Bed Stuy in the last few years. You'll find many students, artists, musicians, chefs, young creative professionals, and young entrepreneurs. I have witnessed a culinary explosion in the this area over the last 3 years, with over 50 new trendy cafes, restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, bars, lounges, setting up shop.
As far as travel times and Subway Access goes, you want to live in the south of the neighborhood near the A train and Nosrtand Ave or Utica stop. The Nostrand Stop is the quickest subway that services Bed Stuy to Downtown Manhattan in 15 minutes and Midtown in 30 minutes. These are the best areas of Bed stuy with beautiful historic brownstone townhomes, just north on Fulton Street and on better blocks you'll find more cohesive middle class families intermixed with new comers. The northern part of the neighborhood north of Gates is a rougher area.
Rents will run $725 - 850 for a single room and $1100-1400 for a one bedroom. Most of the housing stock is brownstone townhouses, but you can find condo's and a few studio warehouse conversion in the Northwest around Pratt Institute.
Check out these cool places on your next vist: They are soooo good and in Bed Stuy! Dough - The best doughnuts in NYC period. This place has exploded with fans and you can see lines forming when they open first thing in the morning. Why? Because this isn't your average doughnut they are the lightest fluffiest creations you will ever eat. And they have a local cult following. Only in Bed Stuy Saraghina - One of the newly Zagat rated restaurants, this place is a little bit of Italy in Bed Stuy. The rustic decor is so well thought out and the food is amazing. Wood fired pizza that cooks in 3 minutes and some fantastic old world italian dishes mixed in. Expect Italians speaking Italian all over this place. Peaches and Peaches Hot House (two separate restaurants) - Both Zagat rated both new within the last three years. Fantastic southern mix of creole, cajun, soule food and BBQ you get it all here, from shirmp and grits to the hot house special Tennesse Chicken. Which I love. Just don't try the hot unless you up to it! Oh WOW! Umi Nom - This is probably one of the best secretes in NYC. It's on a very gritty block across from the Projects in a former laundry mat. It's BYOB, and within its doors you will find some of the best Phillipino food in NYC. Yes that is a bold statement but you'll just have to go and taste it to believe me. I can't keep my girlfriend away from this place it's soo good. Zagat list's it as Clinton Hill although technically BED STUY baby!
This place just opened up: DO or DINE I think a group of four artists opened this place.
These guy are really out there but just shows you the strong artist community forming in Bed Stuy, some very creative interiors and mural work. I haven't tried their food yet but reviews look good. The just opened this past Friday!
If you are looking for more of the bar / lounge scene, Bed stuy a growing number of bars and lounges, like Black Swan, Sweet Revenge, Sputnik, Voudou Bar, The langston, etc. See Yelp to more details...
Putnam and Nostrand is not a bad block. It's relatively near the new food coop opening up at Putnam and Grand. Your only about 5 blocks to the subway which isn't bad. Your also near Voudoo Bar and Miss Dahilia (cafe) which just opened at Nostrand and Halsey. There are more options on Franklin ave for dining as well.
There's alot of Latinos in the area that have been there just as long as the black people. And a growing number of white people. What part of the Bronx do you live again?
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