Clinton Hill - Brooklyn, NY

Dutch settlers came to the area in the 1640s, and in 1776, British troops used Clinton Hill to outflank the American army and force a retreat. In the decades that followed, Clinton Hill became one of the more fashionable, affluent neighborhoods in Brooklyn. In 1887, Charles Pratt founded Pratt Institute, which became a highlight of the area.

The Simmons Collection African Arts Museum sits within Clinton Hill. The neighborhood has a historic district featuring the mansions on Clinton Avenue, and Pratt Institute also has its own historic district. The Art of Brooklyn Film Festival takes place every year with screening locations throughout Brooklyn, including Clinton Hill.

Clinton Hill features a variety of restaurants at every price point, with cuisine from every corner of the globe.

Those who want a taste of authentic Jamaican food should check out Jamaica Grill Jerk Center . The entire staff treat every guest like family, starting with the cheerful Chef Lance, who has been a chef since he was 17. The excellent use of spices gives the jerk chicken just the right flavor, and if you need something to wash it down, give the rum punch a try.

Dosa Royale stands out for its high-quality Indian food and reasonable prices. The inside has a casual, cool vibe to it, with a charming rustic style. The restaurant prepares all its dosas fresh, and you'd better come ready to eat, because these dosas are huge. You can also get all kinds of different curry, from fish to lamb.

Every neighborhood in New York has a great pizza place, and Clinton Hill is no exception thanks to Luigi's Pizzeria. This no-frills restaurant constantly cooks fresh pizzas, making it easy for anyone to come in and grab a slice.

You never have to go far to find an exciting bar, club, or lounge in Clinton Hill. For cheap drinks, live music, and plenty of room to dance, stop by C'mon Everybody . The bar packs its calendar with live music shows, especially on the weekends.

Save on gas in Clinton Hill, because in this neighborhood, walking, biking, and public transportation provide far superior transportation over driving.

If you want to drive, Interstate 278 sits on the north side of Clinton Hill, connecting you to the rest of New York. However, expect medium to heavy traffic most of the day and evening. Parking tends to be hard to find, and the cost adds up quickly.

Public transportation provides a very convenient way to get around, as nine New York City bus routes and three subways pass through the neighborhood. You can usually hail a cab fairly quickly, or you can call in advance. Uber also services the area.

If you enjoy walking or biking, you can do plenty of it in Clinton Hill. The neighborhood has everything you need within walking distance. Many streets offer bike lanes to help make sure you ride safely.

Two parks with plenty of room for kids to play sit within Clinton Hill.

Underwood Park, on Lafayette Avenue in the Clinton Hill Historic District, has separate playgrounds for younger and older children. It also includes a large area with a sprinkler, perfect to cool off on those hot summer days. You can even rent out sections of the park if you want to hold an event.

Greene Playground provides a laid-back place for kids to play. Conveniently situated on Greene Avenue, it includes a jungle gym and a large swing set.

If you want to see some cute dogs dressed up in costumes, head over to Fort Greene Park on Halloween for the park's Annual Great PUPkin contest.

Clinton Hill has a higher cost of living than the New York average, particularly when it comes to housing. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for about $2,220 on average.

A Metro ride to the city center costs $2.75, and gas prices come in around eight percent higher than the national average. A pint at the local pub usually costs about $7.

An eclectic mix of department stores, high-end boutiques, and discount shops scattered around Clinton Hill make up the neighborhood's shopping scene.

If you like being impressed when you shop, check out Leisure Life , one of the most well-designed stores in the area. Featuring a range of upscale men's clothing, this store wows shoppers with its aesthetics and the quality of its merchandise. The New York Times even did a story on this store in 2014.

Add a unique touch to any outfit when you stop in at Barking Brown. The shop specializes in stylish pieces that look truly one-of-a-kind, so you can stand out in a fashionable way. Make sure to check out the accessories, particularly the jewelry.

Grocery stores line both Myrtle Avenue and Fulton Street, with a mix of smaller bodegas and supermarkets, such as Associated Supermarket and Key Food. Take a short trip west down Dekalb Avenue on Sundays to visit the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket.