Bedstuy’s filled with brownstones (and at all stages of upkeep!), some new lofts, a bit of grit, and a lot of character. While it’s in the midst of extreme gentrification (safety and residents have changed drastically in the past few years), Bed-Stuy still maintains a lingering sense of its depiction in Do the Right Thing back in the late 80s.
I’ve recently made the hop over the borderline from Clinton Hill to living in Bed-Stuy. The people on my block are incredibly friendly and neighborly (think block parties, communal leaf sweeping), and while there’s a local drunk, he’s really nice too and a lot more down to earth than the local crackhead stationed outside my last apartment.
While safety here has definitely improved, I think Bed-Stuy looks safer than it actually is. Some beautiful blocks can actually be quite dangerous still. When people are considering moving to this area, I usually advise them to keep close to the Clinton Hill borderline: the deeper you go into Bed-Stuy, the higher your risk factor.
beautiful brownstones, fewer yuppies/strollers/expensive organic things, cool restaurants/stores popping up, slightly cheaper rent, friendly folk
still quite dangerous in some parts and not a very safe place at night. aesthetics and safety levels often vary here from block to block here as well. It’s really important to visit an apartment before you make a decision here. I’d also really recommend speaking to locals to see what safety’s like on your block.
As a general rule of thumb stay to West of Malcom X Ave and South of Gates Ave. the neighborhoods close to the Nostrand and Franklin A and C trains are pretty well kept. Streets such as Hancock, Macon, Halsey, Verona Place, Arlington Place and Jefferson have strong block associations and generational home owners. Many of these blocks are just as beautiful as those in Park Slope and Fort Greene.
Thanks Johnny! Yeah I’ve noticed some really beautiful streets around the Franklin A/C (and I LOVE being relatively close to that line—I’ve been reliant on the G for years and it’s great being able to get into the city faster)