Carroll Gardens - Brooklyn, NY

Named for a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll, this neighborhood was originally intended as a private garden. These gardens, planted in the late 1800s, still hold significance in the area. The Italian-American community moved to the neighborhood in the 20th century, and though their influence can still be seen in the business culture, their population has significantly decreased due to the gentrification of the area and the influx of French immigrants.

Though home to no museums itself, a quick car ride from Carroll Gardens will take you to several, such as the Toy Museum of New York, New York Transit Museum and Brooklyn Historical Society.

Residents enjoy the annual Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival and its street performers, local food vendors and live music. Come out for this day-long street fair to see what this community is really about.

From high-end restaurants to local pubs, Carroll Gardens lures locals and visitors alike to gather for a wonderful dining experience in one of the many eateries. Court Street and Smith Street serve as particularly popular areas to find a unique place to eat or drink within the neighborhood.

Bergen Hill on Court Street transports you to another world with its inventive combinations of delectable seafood. Residents go crazy for the strong, flavorful cocktails as well as the food. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere perfect for a date night, or dine out on the spacious outdoor patio when the weather permits. Be sure to try the cauliflower toast, a signature favorite. Just down the road, Buttermilk Channel serves as a renowned hot spot for brunch, bringing in celebrities and residents from all over New York to indulge in its mouth-watering waffles and fried chicken, short rib hash and eggs Benedict. Be prepared for a long but worthwhile wait on the weekends for this popular establishment.

Frankies 457 features seasonally-inspired Italian fare from eggplant Parmesan to homemade meatballs. Jimmy Fallon, host of The Tonight Show, frequents this establishment and claims the peppers with anchovies are "so great. Phenomenal. You will not believe." Its candlelit tables, romantic ambiance and scrumptious entrees make for an indulgent, savory night you won't soon forget. Purchase the home-brewed olive oil to bring a little Frankies to your own kitchen.

The nightlife in Carroll Gardens, especially along Court Street, always keeps locals busy with plenty to do and drink. Enjoy a pitcher of beer at Travel Bar, conveniently located on Court Street. For a crisp glass of wine, venture to Union Street and visit the Flying Lobster. This wine bar has an extensive wine list and live jazz music every Saturday night. Union Grounds on Smith Street entices locals with its cheap beer, casual atmosphere and big screen televisions - the ideal hang-out spot to chat with friends or catch the game.

Though a self-sufficient community, residents travel throughout the city with ease due to its close proximity to Interstate 278 and 478. An extremely walkable or bikeable area, this neighborhood offers something for every one's travel preferences. Residents appreciate access to the New York City Subway, LIRR's Atlantic Terminal station and the numerous available bus routes. Parking can be very difficult to find, as the majority of residents choose to walk or bike in the many accessible bike lanes. Uber serves this area, so be sure to call ahead to schedule your next trip.

Carroll Gardens showcases the great outdoors admirably despite its undeniably urban feel. Take your pet to the DiMattina Dog Park to enjoy the long dog runs and social excitement of playing with other unleashed animals. Originally a private garden, Carroll Park now features decorative fencing and cast iron gates that captures the historic character of the community but still offers modern amenities, such as playgrounds and sporting fields. The Soldiers and Sailors World War I Monument, sculpted in 1920, stands in the in center of the park. Enriching events make this park a neighborhood highlight with its spring movie nights, Halloween parade and other exciting events.

The convenience of living in such a posh, self-contained community won't be cheap. Groceries and health care expenditures are comparable to the whole of Long Island, but housing expenditures skyrocket past the average for the entire state. About 70 percent of the community consists of renters, and median rental rates average around $1,700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.

An imported beer averages at $7, while gas prices are around 12 percent higher than the nation's average. A $2.50 fare will take you to the heart of the city. Because of these expensive housing prices, the cost of living in Carroll Gardens is 27 percent higher than the whole of New York.

Dotted with lovely boutiques and specialty shops, Carroll Gardens has retained many of its long-standing family businesses that further characterize the charm of the area and offer something for every budget and interest, particularly on Smith Street.

Mongo invites shoppers to treasure hunt through its handmade, one-of-a-kind gems. Find a unique dress, a vibrant rug made from recyclable materials or a vintage Japanese teapot in this quirky establishment. Just down the street, Swallow offers a resident a glimpse into the traditional beauty of glass and jewelry. Elegantly designed pieces, the work of the talented store owner, captivate locals who enjoy perusing these rare gifts. The friendly staff have impeccable taste and offer assistance with a smile. Yesterday’s News, also on Smith Street, sells antique furniture and home decor at reasonable prices. Chock full of many hidden gems, you can easily spend the afternoon perusing the shop for a new-to-you vintage find.

Swing by Brooklyn General on Union Street for quality threads, exclusive fabrics and an eclectic of yarn — a true handyman's heaven. For groceries and household items, residents frequent a nearby Court Street Grocers, G Esposito & Sons, K & Y Fruit and Vegetable and Park Natural Foods, all conveniently located on Court Street. Carroll Gardens Greenmarket transcends the average grocery shopping experience by providing cooking demonstrations, health screenings, nutrition information and many more family-friendly activities. This renowned farmers' market serves the diverse community everything, ranging from organic vegetables to award-winning cheeses, fresh flowers and farm-raised meats. Come enjoy this beloved event every Sunday throughout the year.