PARK SLOPE

Before Park Slope became synonymous with “cool”, its blocks of historic brick brownstones, tree-lined streets, artsy vibe and open-minded community have long been the neighborhood’s signature card.

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Olmsted & Vaux, the architects of Manhattan’s Central Park,

also designed nearby Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Similar to how Central Park ignited the real estate boom in New York City, the Victorian mansions in the late 1880’s also popped up around Prospect Park West known as Brooklyn’s “Gold Coast”, distinguished for its park views. Prospect Park without a doubt put the park in Park Slope’s name and certainly highlighted this neighborhood on the map.

Park Slope like much of nearby Brooklyn neighborhoods

went into a boom & bust cycle in the mid-20^th century as automation and the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge drove most of its wealthy residents to the suburbs. The stately mansions gave way to rooming apartments. Lack of interest and disinvestment further eroded its fortunes until young professionals with their families began moving to the area in the 1950’s and 60’s attracted by its livability, open green space and accessibility to the city.

Park Slope is surrounded by landmarks:

on the northern edge of Prospect Park is the Beaux-Arts inspired Brooklyn Museum, New York’s second largest museum. Around the corner is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that is open year-round. On the eastern side of the park is the 12-acre Prospect Park Zoo. With an intersecting abundance of nature, arts & culture, Park Slope has long attracted creatives, teachers and working professionals. They have given the community its identity and organically nurtured their zeal for civic activism. The Park Slope Civic Council, established in 1896 has through the decades helped shape what Park Slope is today. The council established the Park Slope historic district in the early 70’s resulting in the preservation of blocks of architectural buildings. This historic designation also helped control overdevelopment in the area. The council has re-tooled itself over the years and continues to advocate for sustainability, sensible development, livable streets and vibrant neighborhoods. The citizenry’s efforts continue to pay off as Park Slope remains one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Types of Homes/Inventory

Park Slope has a good inventory of homes in the market ranging from one-bedroom apartments, duplex or triplex condo conversions, multi-story townhomes or luxury penthouses. Occasionally an entire building with rental cash flow is offered on the market – a real estate investor’s dream!

Some 1-bedroom apartments or condos offer an array of amenities like full-time concierge, fully equipped gym, game rooms and outdoor courtyards; while boutique condo conversions (duplex or triplex) offer inventive layouts maximizing functionality and design. These brownstone conversions seamlessly integrate pre-war elegance with luxurious amenities like smart lighting & electric shades for privacy, gourmet kitchens and ensuite bathrooms offering a spa-like experience.

There are garden-level residences that raise the stakes in form & function, not only for the sophistication of its interior design but integrating outdoor spaces creating a private sanctuary for its owners.

A prized listing could come in the form of a multi-story townhouse with a grand foyer, living room with inviting fireplaces and soaring ceilings, leading to a library with walls of floor-to-ceiling glass partitions allowing unobstructed views of spectacular private gardens at the back. Just naming a few of its features, no detail has been spared to make this a masterpiece residence.

Handling a dynamic market like Park Slope can be a challenging task but with Arlene Waye’s expansive knowledge of the industry as well as having a local understanding of the Brooklyn real estate landscape, guiding you towards the home that’s meant for you is her expertise. Arlene’s capable team is ready to go the extra mile to deliver the best results for you!

Area & Neighborhood

Park Slope sits on the western side of Brooklyn, bordered by Flatbush Avenue to the north, Prospect Expressway to the south, Prospect Park West on the eastern side and Fourth Avenue to the west. Its neighbors are Gowanus and Boerum Hill to the west, Prospect Heights to the northeast and the 585-acre Prospect Park to the east. The best way to explore this neighborhood’s rich history, green spaces and architectural treasures is to just go for a leisurely stroll or take a tour.

At the entrance of Prospect Park is the elliptical Grand Army Plaza anchored by its classical archway and has been designated as an official city landmark since 1973. On weekends the Plaza transforms as the one of the borough’s biggest greenmarkets. A stone’s throw away from the Plaza is the Brooklyn Public Library – a treasure trove of books, multimedia materials, exhibits & events – but worth visiting alone for its grand architecture!

Park Slope has an excellent public school system that continues to draw young families into the neighborhood. For starters, there are the award-winning K-5 Schools rated by US News: Henry Bristow/The Landmark (PS 39), William Penn (PS 321) and Maurice Sendak (PS 118). It also boasts of Millennium Brooklyn High School, a US News award-winning & nationally ranked high school. Park Slope has a number of private schools like the Berkeley Carroll School and The Roberts Field School widening the options for parents.

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Local Hotspots & Dining

Prospect Park is a massive playground in the heart of Brooklyn for the young & old alike: Long Meadow is a mile-long open green space popular for picnics, parties, sports and even performances from the NY Philharmonic during the warmer months. The Carousel is sure to delight smaller kids, while the Audubon Center is a great resource for nature enthusiasts. The 55-acre Prospect Park Lake teems with bass and is a good spot for practicing catch-and-release fishing. The park is popular for jogging, walking, bicycling, birdwatching and boating. It also hosts diverse sports such as horseback-riding, soccer, skating, tennis, and volleyball.

Park Slope has an abundance of choice when it comes to restaurants & shops: just head for 5^th or 7^th Avenue, the two retail/commercial streets that run the length of the neighborhood.

If you start your day with a cup of coffee, be prepared to choose from several shops – even locals can’t decide: Principles GI Coffee House, Enso Café, Cuppa Hive Coffee, No Filter Coffee have each their own loyal following
If you can squeeze through this narrow bodega-like establishment, you’ll be rewarded with what locals claim as the best bagels ever from Bagel Hole
Winner absolutely has bragging rights to its name – this hit bakery is known to sell out most days by early afternoon. Baked goods in the morning turn to delightful sandwiches by lunch and by night it transforms to Runner Up, an intimate space offering drinks and inventive bar food
Simple Loaf Bakehouse is another outfit that has mastered its craft and also often sells out. Whatever you order, don’t leave the croissant out!
If you’re going on a picnic, gifting your hosts or simply stocking up for your own – stopping by BKLYN Larder Cheese & Provisions is a must
For a proper brunch, Stone Park Cafe wows with their inspired Classic American fare
Park Slope’s 5^th Avenue – unlike its Manhattan namesake – is filled with indie stores and mom-and-pop shops. Looking for novelty items, whimsical housewares or unique gifts? You’ll find it at Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store
Brooklyn Superhero Company is a haven for harnessing kids’ imagination & creativity
Community Bookstore has served Park Slope since 1971 and continues to reel in young & old readers alike
Bike enthusiasts – whether novice or experienced – will find in Bicycle Habitat a friendly & knowledgeable staff
If all that walking & shopping is making you look for a quick bite, head out to La Taq for their tasty tacos or make a beeline for Brooklyn DOP’s copper counter for some serious pizza (& not pizza) or pick up some amazing take-out sushi from Daigo
Keep your eyes peeled or you might miss the tiny storefront of Petite Dumpling , it may have a small footprint but it certainly delivers with big flavors
For small plates & drinks, you’ll be spoiled for choice with: 390 Social, Blueprint, Bar Louise
Get ready to make these outstanding dining spots your local faves:

Fausto if you’re looking for elevated Italian fare

Sawa simply transports your senses with its Lebanese cuisine

Al Di La’s Northern Italian trattoria makes you feel downright at home

Lore is your perfect guide to global flavors

Haenyeo is a delightful Korean bistro headed by a trailblazing James Beard semifinalist

For cocktails & late night hangouts: LoFi’s small inviting space offers craft cocktails and a retro atmosphere; Union Hall is a lively bar upstairs and downstairs is a venue for comedy, live music and parties; High Dive is where you can indulge in board games with your friends while enjoying their vast taproom selection

Park Slope continues to invent and move itself forward while keeping its roots firmly planted in its history. It’s a dynamic neighborhood where residents look after their community and that makes it appealing for people to be a part of. Make sure to bookmark this guide and map to keep track of what’s the latest in Park Slope.