Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn, NY

The area now known as north-central Brooklyn remained outlying farmland for centuries after the arrival of Dutch colonists in the 1600s. When the Brooklyn and Jamaica Railroad opened in the 1830s, city planners began laying out a street grid, and urban development took hold. In the later years of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, middle- and working-class New Yorkers began to settle the neighborhood in greater numbers, building the brownstones associated with the area today. Though the 1980s saw the area fall into decline, the 1990s and early years of the 2000s brought significant changes to the neighborhood, including a sharp reduction in crime, an explosion in small-business development, and a return to the friendly neighborhood feel beloved by residents.

Bed Stuy may not make the list of hot spots for Brooklyn dining, but residents who know where to look find a diverse set of restaurants. Bedford Avenue on the western edge of the neighborhood acts as the major thoroughfare, featuring many of the best dining options and much of the nightlife. Although the area maintains a residential feel, several laid-back bars and lounges are present along Myrtle Avenue to the north, so night owls don't necessarily have to leave the neighborhood.

Beloved by area residents, the HotHouse on Tompkins Avenue at Hancock Street serves up Southern specialties and some of the best fried chicken in the borough. Diners rave about the burgers, which come topped with everything from fried green tomatoes to bologna and whole grain mustard.

A little later on in the evening, grab a few friends and head to Project Parlor on Myrtle Avenue. This place has all the makings of a go-to neighborhood bar, including an expansive backyard, quality drink specials, and an eclectic clientele. Pull up a seat at the bar to chat it up with one of the friendly bartenders, and watch the parade of neighborhood regulars and young Brooklynites all night long.

Bed Stuy receives high ratings for walkability, and you can run all your daily errands without leaving the neighborhood. At the same time, extensive and reliable mass transit systems make for easy access to the rest of the city. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates a 24-hour subway system, and the A and C trains run along the south end of the neighborhood, providing easy access to Manhattan as well as JFK Airport via the AirTrain. The G train runs along the area's northern edge, with service to western Brooklyn and southern Queens. Commuters also have access to bus routes running in all directions. Given these options, commuters to midtown Manhattan can often make the journey in as little as 25 minutes.

Some residents bike, particularly in the warmer months, and they tend to compete with less traffic than in Manhattan neighborhoods. Several major streets have bike lanes, including Bedford Avenue. Car owners find street parking relatively easily, especially closer to the eastern edge of the neighborhood. A few parking garages also exist for those willing to pay. Commuters who work farther away can head north to I-278 of follow Atlantic Avenue to Jackie Robinson Parkway. A Long Island Railroad Station at Nostrand Avenue and Atlantic Avenue provides a mass transit option. For a quick trip, hail a green city taxi along a major avenue or use the app to book an Uber driver.

Although no single park dominates outdoor life in Bed Stuy, small green spaces dot the neighborhood, including Jackie Robinson Park and Raymond Bush Playground. Many of these spaces feature basketball and handball courts in addition to park benches and mature trees that provide plenty of shade.

Many residents also choose to make the neighborhood itself their green space, and the tree-lined cross streets often fill with joggers and dog walkers. For a more expansive park experience, head to Prospect Park via the Franklin Avenue Shuttle at Franklin Avenue and Fulton Street. A true urban oasis, Prospect Park covers nearly 600 acres and hosts a popular free summertime concert series.

The cost of living in Bed Stuy remains lower than New York City at large. Renters can find one-bedroom apartments in Bed Stuy for as low as $1,200, generally with greater square footage than in other neighborhoods. The location, near Manhattan but not immediately across the river, keeps prices for groceries and other everyday items on par with the New York City average. A beer at the local bar sets you back around $7, and a car service to midtown Manhattan can cost as little as $25. Gas prices hover below the New York City average, but are still eight percent higher than the national average.

Though not a shopping destination for those outside the area, the Bed Stuy community nurtures small-business growth. The majority of the newest stores lie in the western part of the neighborhood, but quality destinations exist throughout.

For help keeping their wine supplies stocked with interesting bottles, Bed Stuy residents turn to Breukelen Cellars on Nostrand Avenue near Halsey Street. Small in size but large in character, Breukelen Cellars has the ideal selection for those interested in trying new wines but uninterested in spending more than $20 a bottle. The knowledgeable staff knows just the right flavor profile to satisfy each customer's tastes, and regular tastings provide ample opportunity to sample the stock.

Over on Bedford Avenue, Pipsqueak Children's Shoppe features baby clothes, supplies, and toys focused on design and practicality. With items from both name brands and smaller labels filling the shelves, this store helps parents find the right gift at the right price. The store holds regular events as well, including sing-alongs and parent-toddler dance classes.

Residents seeking groceries and everyday items find various options in Bed Stuy, including chains such as Associated Supermarket and specialty groceries such as ST&M Carolina Country Store, where shoppers find Southern-style products and prepared foods. Food lovers in search of farm-fresh fare should head to the Malcolm X Boulevard Farmers' Market, held Saturdays between July and November at Malcolm X Boulevard and the entrance of Jackie Robinson Park.