House of the Day: 711 East 18th Street
Ditmas Park’s star has certainly been on the rise in the last five years but have property prices doubled in that time period? We’re about to find out! This charming Victorian house at 711 East 18th Street sold for $705,000 in early 2006 (after making an early appearance as an Open House Pick in late…
Ditmas Park’s star has certainly been on the rise in the last five years but have property prices doubled in that time period? We’re about to find out! This charming Victorian house at 711 East 18th Street sold for $705,000 in early 2006 (after making an early appearance as an Open House Pick in late 2005). It’s now on the market for $1,425,000. To be fair, it’s not a totally apples-to-apples price comparison, as some significant improvements (most notable in the kitchen) have been made to the house, which had lots of historic charm to begin with. Predictions?
711 East 18th Street [Corcoran] GMAP P*Shark
In comparing notes with friends and sibs in the suburbs, I believe my kids have gotten as good an education and a great social experience at PS 217, Midwood and Murrow High schools at $5,000yr property taxes vs.15-20,000/yr property taxes, which keep going up while suburban schools are struggling with budgets. Expensive monthly train passes (with subway passes as well in many cases), infrequent service, more driving required, etc.etc.
At one point we actually looked in Montclair, a beautiful town. Glad we decided to stay in Brooklyn!
There is, but I think my point is I would never have admitted (or even known) than had I not been forced out of Brooklyn
If I were in northern Westchester, I’d be at the pool in FDR State Park. After a round or two on their frisbee golf course. Yes there’s definitely something to be said for that lifestyle.
True. So maybe the PATH train would serve you better 😉
Seriously, I used to live (quite happily) in DP until we became financial refugees and ended up (in all places) Northern Westchester. Wasn’t my choice, but I can definitely see the upside now that I’m here. Public schools are infinitely better in terms of funding, opportunities, facilities, transportation and class sizes (son’s K class has 16 kids!). Can’t beat the bucolic scenery.
Lyme disease is a downer, however, and restaurants, by and large stink.
My pool sure beats the pants off Red Hook, though.
“Trip time to Grand Central is the same as from Cortelyou.”
Which is great if you live within walking distance of your town’s train station and work within walking distance of Grand Central. If you need to drive to the station or subway from GCT to work, not so great.
And I’ve been out with too many people who had to leave a show or game early so as not to miss their train, since the next one isn’t for another hour. I’ve been tempted by some suburban towns, but that scenario always scares me off.
I prefer many things about Brooklyn than my current address in Westchester – however the subway and the school districts are not among them! Always get a seat on Metro North and can actually read the paper. Trip time to Grand Central is the same as from Cortelyou.
Stylistically speaking, this house is what’s known as “transitional” (between Victorian and A&Cs). In fact, many homes in the Flatbush area have interior and sometimes exterior details which combine exactly that – Victorian and A&C elements.
Just for the record, Westchester has great school districts (for the most part), and taxes are high. However, where I currently live, you couldn’t buy a house like this for less than 1.8.
I live nearby. This house is nice and on a lovely block. I have not seen it in person, but based on the photos of the interior they could have done a better reno job – more high end would be needed to get their asking price. And it appears they have not done any work on the landscaping/exterior. I agree with those that say 1.1 is more reasonable.
Re: Bklyn vs. NJ or Westchester – I don’t want to be slave to a train schedule or NY Penn Station, I prefer the subway – and I can get a cab home from manhattan for $30 if I need to. Bklyn is great!
Ditto on ps217. Great school.
We’re very happy with it.
I say this house goes for 1.25.