Fort Greene has long played an important role in Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural movement. In centuries past the neighborhood was home to writers Walt Whitman and John Steinbeck, and today serves as the stomping grounds for notable artists like filmmaker Spike Lee and musician Erykah Badu. The mellow environment and picturesque construction produce an energy that fuels creativity and inspiration for those who call the neighborhood home.
One of Fort Greene’s main staple is Fort Greene Park, a sprawling 30-acre public space in the center of the neighborhood. The park draws visitors from around Brooklyn to get active playing basketball or tennis, or to enjoy the perks of relaxation by reclining in a hammock or a grassy knoll. Another main draw is the Fort Greene outpost of Brooklyn Flea, a popular outdoor market on Lafayette and Vanderbilt. On weekends, the lot transforms into an day-long commercial hub, selling food, furniture, clothing and trinkets and knick-knacks of all kinds. Fort Greene is also known for its low-key restaurant scene, with predominantly casual options for dining. In the summer especially, the sidewalks are dotted with patrons enjoying their meal out in the sun. Habana Post is a popular local hotspot, where delicious Cuban food is complemented by a festive, communal atmosphere.
Most residents in Fort Greene find homes in the neighborhood’s beautifully constructed and well-groomed brownstones. You can also find space in row houses, many of which are either converted for a single family or apartments for use by couples or roommates. There are also a handful of doorman and walk-up buildings, although these are more difficult to find and often have very low vacancy rates.
Fort Greene feels like a neighborhood that’s been lovingly worn-in, with rich history and character. Here, it’s common to see neighbors congregating on stoops and catching up as the day winds down. Kids run after the neighborhood ice cream truck, neighbors plan block parties, and there’s an all-around spirit of inclusiveness and warmth throughout the neighborhood. As a famous Brooklyn poet once wrote (and rapped), “Spread love, it’s the Brooklyn way.” Here in Fort Greene, it's the only way.
The Pucker | Heinlein Team consults and services individual buyers, sellers, real estate investors and developers across the city and offers partnerships throughout the country to service clients’ real estate needs.