Someone asks for an updated opinion.

"I am originally from Marine Park which isn't that far fromFlatbush Gardens and to go to high school, I'd have to take the 41 tothe Junction to catch the 5 train as well as Holy Cross being thecemetery that family members are buried at. Growing up, that area wasless than desirable to say the least. I haven't read the full blog soI don't know if you're originally from Brooklyn/NYC or from outside ofthe area. If you've been a long time resident, have you seen anoticeable improvement to the area?"

>> I'm originally from Florida, and have been in NYC for 2 years now, after 3 years in DC. So, pretty new. I've lived 10 months in Brooklyn Heights, and 14 months in FBG.


"If you're new to the area, in thetime that you've lived at Flatbush Gardens, do you feel that thingshave improved even with the economy suffering?"
>> Things must have improved, because I think the neighborhood is pretty great. Safe and friendly. To hear the "old-timers" tell it, it was nothing but a giant crack den and gang hang out. Ok, at least once a week there is a pot odor coming from at least one apartment. I've never done pot, but I think it should be legal and have no problem with that. I've never seen any other drug use or symptoms of a drug using community. I'm sure there is plenty, but if I can't see it, then I really don't care about it. Is it Brooklyn heights, park slope, or even south-east williamsburg? no, but I think it's just fine. As for the economy, I suspect the concern there is (1) fewer cops, and (2) more people sitting around with nothing to do and needing money. Idk, hasn't seemed a problem. If anything, the economy is making FBG a more "reasonable" option for all those yuppies in Manhattan who have gotten pay cuts and the like.


"Do you own a car and if so, is it easy to park and do you feel comfortable having a car in theneighborhood?"

>> I do not, but I've rented a few and parked them on the street without incident. The complex has a couple paid garages. Before the second one opened up, there was an issue with no parking spaces available. However, I think that's been resolved, and a few months back they were actually offering incentives to get new parkers in there. They may be full now, but I can't imagine the wait list is that long. Remember, everyone out here is trying to save a buck. That's why so few people install AC units even though it's hot in the summer. With free street parking, a lot of folks are just going to take the extra time and extra risk to street park for free. I think the garage is $90 a month. I'd pay it for just convenience, let alone safety.


"If you had to do it all over again, would you chooseFlatbush Gardens or would to look to move to an area that may not beas convenient train-wise as where you are but for the same price you'dget a nicer apartment/living situation?"

>> Based on the way you ask the question, I'd certainly say yes. If I've disliked anything it's the commute. People who grow up in these super-urban areas seem to be ok with long commutes, like it's part of life. I hate them. So yes, my commute is only 35 minutes during rush hour, I live a half block from a 2/5 stop, and my destination is 100 feet from a 5 stop. By NYC standards my commute is a breeze, but I still hate it. In the BK Heights I was door to desk in under 14 minutes. So, I'm not a good person to ask about a quality to commute convenience trade off. I like it here. If you could get me to work in under 15 minutes, I'd probably never leave. Annoying at times, but still a great deal. Not everyone agrees here, but I still recommend it. I have friends who would rather die than live out here. For no other reason than they need to be within 5 minutes of a bar at all times. As long as you can handle a "family area" with no "hip young trendy" places, then I recommend this place.

Other's can weigh in with their own assessments.