Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hi everyone! My hubby and I and our two young daughters, 2 and 5, are considering a move to Brooklyn this summer before my oldest starts kindergarten. We are not wealthy but not poor. I've done quite a bit of research on schools and neighborhoods in Brooklyn and I would love any input from the exports who know and have experienced bk in its current state
These are the areas we are strongly considering. Any details as to streets/blocks or a more narrowed vision within these areas would be great as far as safety, good schools and relatively quiet as well as certain areas to avoid in these areas.
Bay Ridge: this is a large area! I am specifically looking at district 20 and 15 for schools which zip codes are in the 11204, 11209, and 11220 areas. Any ideas about these? Am I on target?
South Slope/Park South (although don't know if we can afford parts of this area): but would love specific blocks that are more affordable. District 15 falls here too (overcrowded, I hear) with zip codes of 11215 and 11201...any more specifics?
Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill: Are any of these areas affordable ??
Midwood: zip 11230, district 21- I hear this is on the mediocre side for education...any tips?
We are a white family. I love the idea of diversity and raising our children in a diverse are but at the same time, I obviously want to be safe and smart about the location. Any ideas, thoughts, input and experience would be much appreciated Thanks!!
Dyker Heights zip 11228 (next to Bay Ridge) is considered one of the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn and it has some of the best public schools in the city. the area is 80% white and 10% asian
What is your budget? Are you looking to rent or buy? Where will you be working; do you mind a long commute or do you have a preference?
We can spend between 2,000-2,500/m on rent. Not buying right now. I would prefer a shorter commute...but I would not DIE if it was 45 min. Nothing longer though is preferable- the shorter the better
Quote:
Originally Posted by brianc0220
Dyker Heights zip 11228 (next to Bay Ridge) is considered one of the safest neighborhood in Brooklyn and it has some of the best public schools in the city. the area is 80% white and 10% asian
Where would you commute to? I live in 11209 and my commute to the Wall St area is about 55 mins. I love Bay Ridge... it seems like a place where schools are good, there is a fair amount to do with the kids and yet it isnt as 'hot' an area as Park Slope in terms of areas to raise a family (a good thing, IMHO)
My daughter isnt of school age yet, but I definitely put in a vote for Bay Ridge (your budget should go pretty far here as well!)--IF you can handle the commute
Where would you commute to? I live in 11209 and my commute to the Wall St area is about 55 mins. I love Bay Ridge... it seems like a place where schools are good, there is a fair amount to do with the kids and yet it isnt as 'hot' an area as Park Slope in terms of areas to raise a family (a good thing, IMHO)
My daughter isnt of school age yet, but I definitely put in a vote for Bay Ridge (your budget should go pretty far here as well!)--IF you can handle the commute
55 min is tolerable. Its worth it for the price of living and the high rated school systems. From my research, the school districts of 15 & 20 are far better than some in the Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights area (counter-intuitive to the idea that those are the hot family areas). Since you live in 11209, is there a nicer section in that zip code that you know of? I know its so cliche but where are the brownstone blocks?
Thanks. May I ask is this from your personal experience? And what criteria is it based on (i.e safety, cost of living, general "niceness")?
I have cross referenced some of the zips that I thought were good areas with the ratings in school districts and this has been my concluding group of "good zips" :
11204
11209
11220 (not on your list?)
11215 (not on your list?)
11201 (not on your list?)
11218/19
11230
As you can see, more than half are also on your list. Any info as to the ones that aren't?
Thanks. May I ask is this from your personal experience? And what criteria is it based on (i.e safety, cost of living, general "niceness")?
I have cross referenced some of the zips that I thought were good areas with the ratings in school districts and this has been my concluding group of "good zips" :
11204
11209
11220 (not on your list?)
11215 (not on your list?)
11201 (not on your list?)
11218/19
11230
As you can see, more than half are also on your list. Any info as to the ones that aren't?
Yes, it is from personal experience. The criteria is mainly based on COL and safety, and the public schools. I did not include zips 11215 or 11201 because I am afraid they may be outside your budget. 11220 I did not include due to lack of knowledge regarding the schools, however I'm sure you may be able to afford prices in this area. All of the areas I listed have decent to great options from kindergarten up to 8th grade, HS is where you have to watch out in some of the zips (that's if you'll be in Brooklyn that long).
PS: Omit 11239 from my list.
__________________
"The man who sleeps on the floor, can never fall out of bed." -Martin Lawrence
I highly recommend Midwood, Bay Ridge, and Dyker Heights. Sheepshead Bay is also a solid choice, but I heard the schools are not too great around there. Park Slope is excellent but might be too expensive.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
