Living in Gowanus

novanglus, I don’t think they do. I’ve looked at rents there – waay more expensive than what I pay. Unless you’re talking about the far eastern areas of those neighborhoods, in which case the answer is obvious – there’s better subway, access, more going on, closer to more conveniences, nightlife, food, everything living Gowanus than in eastern Fort Greene or Prospect Heights. Fewer shootings, too. What’s confusing about it?

I live btwn 3rd and 4th in Gowanus (a little ways north of the spot in question, but nonetheless), and like it just fine. If you’re a little removed from 4th, as opposed to right on it, noise is not really an issue at all, at least it hasn’t been for us. The canal is indeed filthy, but unless you plan on swimming in it or live close enough to smell it (like within a few yards), it really does not have any negative impact on quality of life for Gowanus residents – don’t listen to the uptight snobs in that respect. In fact, a lot of us have a certain wry affection for our ridiculously polluted old canal. Have not had any trouble with safety, crime, etc, either. The only chronic problem I know of is some prostitution taking place up by the projects, which is nowhere near 11th.

One plus is Gowanus is conveniently located right between Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, so you can basically pick which thriving restaurant/bar scene you want to hit up each night. And as some have pointed out, there’s more and more going on in Gowanus itself all the time – music venues, bars, climbing gym, that new club, etc.

The neighborhood doesn’t have the picture-perfect look of Park Slope, and it is a bit of a hike to the park. So if those things are dealbreakers, then don’t buy. But if you don’t mind a grittier vibe (I like it), and are looking for a well-located, more affordable alternative with it’s own neighborhood character, I’m a big fan of Gowanus.

Also – no, the flooding issue is really just on Carroll st. Bad drainage and a low spot there, I guess. And I’ve never seen a rat on my block, although I see them in the Slope all the time.

No kids in the picture so that not an issue. But floods and rates? Yikes…have to do more research!

Is this where that flooding happened last heavy rain? Check back a few weeks for a thread about major flooding and in the discussion where people pointed out a long history of floods there. If you have kids or plan to, you didn’t say, I do think proximity to the park is important. Especially when you are considering an area without much other green space or a nice leafy tree-lined sidewalk to play on with neighbor kids. A 30-minute walk each way to and from the park the first few years of a child’s life is a huge deal when you’re working around nap times and meals. I have been so thankful to be only 10 minutes from the park here, I can’t tell you.