Possibly Moving to Carroll Gardens

I've posted a similar topic for a couple other locations. A friend of mine is trying to get me to move to Brooklyn with him at the end of August and I came across this forum and thought it might be a good resource to ask some general questions. I would be moving from Astoria and am quite comfortable there.

1. I work in Midtown and its about a 10 minute walk from Grand Central to my office. How is the commute?

2. Is a broker needed to find a good place? What should I expect to pay for a nice(not luxurious) 2BR?

3. Is parking a huge problem as it is in Park Slope?

4. I am planning on taking a trip to see the neighborhood - are there any parts I should avoid? I would like to be as close to subways and nightlife as possible.

Thanks ahead of time!

to get an estimate of the rent go to rentometer.com

It's a great neighborhood but the rents have gone up a lot in the last decade. Parking is a huge problem but you can always park on the other side of the BQE in the Columbia St. Waterfront District (or whatever the real estate agents are caling it these days). There is also a lot on Sackett and Columbia for something like $2400/year ($200/month). All of Carroll Gardens is safe - no need to avoid any of it. It is safer than the Slope and Brooklyn Heights according to the police in Carroll Gardens.

Be sure to stroll along Court St., Smith St. and maybe Clinton or Henry to get a feel for the different aspects of the neighborhood. Good luck!

Thanks for the info! I'm going to explore a bit tonight.

i totally agree with Danielle. i lived in red hook/caroll gardens west/columbia waterfront district (the name changes every week) and thought that it was nice but way too expensive. it is also sort of bland but i always felt safe. parking is a nightmare.

I don't know where you guys are, but we're on Hoyt & first, one block from the Carroll Stop & parking is a dream. We never have problems finding a spot, even on street cleaning days.