Originally named for Declaration of Independence signer Charles Carroll, Carroll Garden’s cultural history spans most of western Europe from Irish and Norwegian-Americans, who settled here throughout the first half of the 19th century, to a mid-century Italian-American influx, and finally, a late 1990s wave of French immigrants. Its history may sound typical, but in a sea of “trendy Brooklyn ‘hoods”, Carroll Gardens remains an anomaly for one vital reason: newcomers remain notoriously committed to preserving -- and supporting the communities that first called it home.

 

Carroll Gardens’ charm is an even split between the best of old and new. A healthy mix of butchers, bakers, and designer clothing makers adds up to a neighborhood scene that feels equally hip and historic.

 

 

Scenic strolls, restaurant patios, and gathering spots are among the top reasons to love life in Carroll Gardens. Bocce ball, tennis, and dozens of playgrounds throughout Carroll Park and the streets surrounding spots such as Brooklyn Public Library’s Clinton Street branch are among the public places that add to the tight-knit vibe that newcomers love about life here.

 

 

Parallel thoroughfares Court and Smith streets are often credited as cultural parallels, too: the former is a hub for generations-old Italian butcher shops and European bakeries, while the latter is a hotbed of sleek indie clothing boutiques and showrooms, and critically acclaimed restaurants and cocktail bars including The Grocery and Brooklyn Social that are commonly referred to as “Brooklyn’s Restaurant Row.”

 

 

Long-term residents from the 1960s through the 1990s invested in Carroll Gardens’ beautifully street-scaped brownstones from the start, but the housing market continues to grow, due in large part to new rental and condominium buildings along Union, President, Court, and Rapelye streets.

 

 

Carroll Gardens is uniformly charming, but no two blocks are the same. Stylish local flavor abounds, from cobblers and sidewalk cafes to hip vintage outposts selling everything from dusty books to designer label clothing.