BH Parking/Garage question
OK. This may be the dumbest question ever posted here, but we’re the Coloradoans who are moving to BH this summer, and have a lot to learn. Here’s the question: What does one do there for parking? Stretside? Garages? How much does long-term parking cost? Is it safe to park outside? Do most people sell…
OK. This may be the dumbest question ever posted here, but we’re the Coloradoans who are moving to BH this summer, and have a lot to learn. Here’s the question: What does one do there for parking? Stretside? Garages? How much does long-term parking cost? Is it safe to park outside? Do most people sell their cars when they move to NYC? I can’t find any info, and parking isn’t even shown as a ‘topic’ here. Any help will be appreciated, please. Thanks much!
Any updates to this thread?
We are moving to BH end of Dec. Got a car to deal with. Looking for options in BH and/or within striking distance, e.g., maybe a short 2/3 subway trip away ? We know it’s a nightmare, expensive, etc. But want / need a monthly option. Outdoors a possibility. Your thoughts / knowledge appreciated…
perry
I am totally impressed with this site- and with the generosity of you members who’ve spent your time sharing this very helpful information. Thank you all! I get the message loud and clear. My VERY steal-able (Top 5 in most stolen vehicles! Gulp.) pearlized white, frou-frou Cadillac Escalade is going! Zip Cars and Enterprise, here we come!
Another thing I thought of in the consideration is the amount we’ll save by not having to carry high insurance on an SUV!
Thanks, everyone! I’m sure I’ll be back soon with another dumb newbie question. Maybe I can pay it forward and help out someday when I’ve earned my ‘BH local’ stripes. 🙂
As you can see, the general consensus is to get rid of the car. We actually have a car that we keep in a garage. It’s a completely, utterly frivolous luxury.
The only people in Brooklyn Heights I know that have cars actuallyuse them for commuting — e.g., they work at a hedge fund in Connecticut or are doctors working at a hospital that is not conveniently near a subway.
That being said, if you really want to have wheels of your own, get rid of the SUV (which I assume is less than five years old) and buy a used sedan or small wagon. I’d sell it there, pocket the money and then look around after you get here.
You want something that is manuevarable and reliable, but not too nice. We have a 12 year old camry (less than 60K miles), and it works great. (You can see from the mileage that it is not an overly used car.)
If you don’t need it, get rid of it. Parking on the streets is a hassle. And Brooklyn Heights had the highest rate of parking tickets issued city-wide last year. Zip Car really is a nice alternative. Their website has an interesting owner vs. rent comparison feature.
The largest parking lot in the Heights is at 75 Henry St. It will run you $350 per month to park an SUV in a non-dedicated spot, and $440 per month for a dedicated spot on the lowest level. It has 24 hour access. As mentioned, there is a waiting list, but the garage seems less full these days due to the meltdown, so that may have changed. The tel number is on the Central Parking site given above. Ask for the manager, Jean.
I lived in the Heights for about 3 years. I found it a much easier time to park it across Atlantic Ave. in Cobble Hill.
If you don’t use it too much the garage at Smith/Atlantic/Schermerhorn has good monthly rates but you pay $5 each time you exit. Decent deal if it’s for weekends only.
We had a car for a while. Now we use zipcar for short errands (mostly Fairway) and Avis or Enterprise (both have branches nearby) for getting out of town. Expect to pay through the nose for that. On summer weekends rates can go to $120 or $150 per day and you have to plan weeks in advance. All car rental coupons have fine print that says “not valid in NY metro area.” Even though it’s cheaper than owning in the long-term, it causes us to question the value of every expedition.
You’ll want to commit suicide after a few weeks of trying to park your SUV. And yep, it’ll cost extra to park it in a garage. Not to mention, if it’s at all fancy it’s not a great idea to park if on the street–eventually, someone will break in and steal parts, if not the whole car. And it’ll get scratched, dents, dings, etc. You should have a “beater” if you’re going to park in on the street in the city. Garaged cars can, obviously, be nicer.
I’d strongly recommend against selling it and buying another, smaller car. A lot of times, you’ll want a different kind of car depending on what you’re doing. For instance, you may want an SUV/Van to pick up a free dresser someone is giving away on the brownstoner boards. But if you’re going away for the weekend, or just doing a run for some things to stock your pantry you may want something smaller with better gas mileage, that’s easier to maneuver in the city. If you buy another car, you’ll be constantly like “dang it! If only we had the old SUV, we could get that awesome free dresser! Now we have to spend $300 and have it delivered…this is a loss!”
So, I’d recommend selling it and banking the cash in a car rental account–that way, you won’t feel like you “gave up” your car, you just traded it for MANY cars!
Just a word of warning, for long weekends, holidays, etc you have to book your care WAY in advance. The city cleans out.
You’ll want to commit suicide after a few weeks of trying to park your SUV. And yep, it’ll cost extra to park it in a garage. Not to mention, if it’s at all fancy it’s not a great idea to park if on the street–eventually, someone will break in and steal parts, if not the whole car. And it’ll get scratched, dents, dings, etc. You should have a “beater” if you’re going to park in on the street in the city. Garaged cars can, obviously, be nicer.
I’d strongly recommend against selling it and buying another, smaller car. A lot of times, you’ll want a different kind of car depending on what you’re doing. For instance, you may want an SUV/Van to pick up a free dresser someone is giving away on the brownstoner boards. But if you’re going away for the weekend, or just doing a run for some things to stock your pantry you may want something smaller with better gas mileage, that’s easier to maneuver in the city. If you buy another car, you’ll be constantly like “dang it! If only we had the old SUV, we could get that awesome free dresser! Now we have to spend $300 and have it delivered…this is a loss!”
So, I’d recommend selling it and banking the cash in a car rental account–that way, you won’t feel like you “gave up” your car, you just traded it for MANY cars!
Just a word of warning, for long weekends, holidays, etc you have to book your care WAY in advance. The city cleans out.
Had a car for about a year in BH and the day I got rid of it was one of the happiest of my life. I’d definitely ditch the SUV; I’d also price out what the cost of an occasional rental/Zipcar would be. Could easily be more economical to rent depending on how often you’ll need a car. (And your definition of “need” will likely change in NYC anyway.)
Good luck!