Fort Greene is an upscale, tree-lined residential neighborhood in Brooklyn. Anchored by its namesake park, Fort Greene is a favorite among families and seasoned professionals for its lush green spaces, elegant architecture, and thriving literary and creative scene. It’s no wonder Fort Greene was ranked one of the coolest neighborhoods—not just in NYC, but globally. According to TimeOut, “Fort Greene, in particular, has cultivated New Yorkers’ deep fondness for culture. It’s chock full of great brunch spots and wine bars, eco-friendly shops and bustling bookstores … and some very interesting history.”
History of Fort Greene
Fort Greene is named after a Revolutionary War-era fort. The fort was eventually turned into a city park, thanks to the editorial campaigning of a young Walt Whitman.
In 1845, the city of Brooklyn designated the area as its first official park and brought in Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the same duo behind Central Park and Prospect Park, to design it.
The neighborhood’s historical significance doesn’t stop there. By the mid-1800s, Fort Greene had become the epicenter of Black life in Brooklyn, with the first school for Black children opening in 1847.
As a historically African-American neighborhood, Fort Greene’s cultural revival in the 1980s and ’90s is often compared to the Harlem Renaissance.
The Setting
Fort Greene is centrally located in western Brooklyn. The northern border of the neighborhood is along Flushing Ave, where the neighborhood borders Brooklyn Navy Yard. The western end of Fort Greene borders two neighborhoods: Downtown Brooklyn to the northwest, and Boerum Hill to the southwest. Directly south, you’ll find Atlantic Ave defining the border between Fort Greene and Prospect Heights. Finally, Clinton Hill defines the neighborhood’s eastern border along Clermont Ave.
Food
- Strange Delight (63 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): This recently opened New Orleans-inspired spot is a contemporary twist on the classic oyster bar. It’s the go-to for crunchy fried shrimp, crawfish, and red cocktails.
- Sailor (228 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn): With its nautical ambiance and inventive, seasonal menu, eating in this upscale neighborhood bistro is a tough reservation to snag—but worth the effort.
- Colonia Verde (219 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn): Sharing is caring at this Latin American eatery by the Cómodo team. The airy, rustic space, complete with a greenhouse-like back room, makes it the perfect spot for communal dining.
Attractions
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): A multi-arts center hosting provocative and avant-garde performances. According to the New York Times, just like Brooklyn, BAM is eclectic, bold, and unafraid to push boundaries.
- Center for Fiction (15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): The home for readers and writers, this non-profit organization offers everything from a tech-free reading room to curated events like speed dating and book awards.
- Fort Greene Park: A rolling, tree-filled oasis with playgrounds, tennis courts, and one of Brooklyn’s best farmers markets – plus free activities all summer long.
Nightlife
- The Rockwell Place (31 Rockwell Pl, Brooklyn): Tucked away from the main drag, this spot has an unpretentious feel but delivers on creative cocktails crafted by bartenders who are truly passionate about what they do.
- Moes Bar and Lounge (80 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): A beloved neighborhood hangout with stiff drinks and good music. They also host local comedians and open mic nights.
- Fritz (737 Fulton St, Brooklyn): Step into 1920s Berlin at this chic cocktail bar, where martinis are crisp, cold, and served with a sidecar. It’s the place to channel your inner Gatsby.
Neighborhood Festivals
- Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival: The soulful sounds at the park come from a dream realized by Eric Frazier, who long envisioned a Jazz Festival in his neighborhood. Each year in July, this event brings live jazz entertainment to all New Yorkers.
- The Soul Summit Music Festival: A Sunday summer staple, this DJ collective brings soulful house music to Fort Greene Park. This celebration of music and community is free and open to all.
- The Lay Out Series: A series of summer gatherings in Fort Greene Park to “center Black joy” and celebrate Juneteenth. Expect tennis workshops, mini-basketball games, and nearby after-parties.
Living in Fort Greene
Fort Greene is home to about 136,000 residents, with a diverse community that includes 10.2% Asian, 15.8% Black, 12.1% Hispanic, and 55.5% White.
The median household income is $136,230. Living in Fort Greene doesn’t come cheap: home prices average $1.8 million and rent in the area hovers around $4,174 per month.
Local schools include Compass Charter School, The Clinton Hill School, and Fort Greene Prep.
Moving to Fort Greene
If you’re after a safe, centrally-located Brooklyn neighborhood (that’s quieter than Williamsburg or Bushwick), you’ll feel right at home moving to Fort Greene.
Whether you’re moving into a walk-up brownstone or a low-rise, trust Metropolis Moving to handle the logistics. We’ll make sure your transition to this desirable neighborhood is as smooth as possible, so you can focus on settling in and exploring.
