Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens is a charming Brooklyn neighborhood known for its historic brownstones, Italian heritage, and tree-lined streets. Perfect for families, food lovers, and professionals.

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Carroll Gardens is one of Brooklyn’s most picturesque and family-friendly neighborhoods, offering a perfect mix of historic charm and contemporary conveniences. With its iconic brownstone-lined streets, welcoming community, and thriving food scene, Carroll Gardens blends a small-town feel with big-city perks. 

Whether you’re enjoying an espresso at an Italian café, browsing stylish boutiques, or relaxing in a scenic park, this Brooklyn gem offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

A Glimpse Into Carroll Gardens’ History

Originally settled by Irish and Italian immigrants in the 19th century, Carroll Gardens has maintained its strong European influence, particularly in its food culture and local businesses. The neighborhood takes its name from Charles Carroll, the only Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, and is known for its deep front gardens—an unusual feature for Brooklyn brownstones.

Today, Carroll Gardens is a sought-after neighborhood known for its blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy, making it one of the most desirable places to live in Brooklyn.

What to Do and See in Carroll Gardens

From historic landmarks to cozy green spaces, Carroll Gardens is full of places to explore.

Carroll Park

A beautiful neighborhood park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and shady seating areas, perfect for families and dog owners.

Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church

A stunning historic church with deep Italian roots, offering beautiful architecture and community events.

Court Street Shops and Boutiques

A lively stretch filled with stylish boutiques, vintage stores, and independent bookshops.

Smith Street Restaurant Row

A foodie’s paradise with some of Brooklyn’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés lined up along Smith Street.

Gowanus Canal Walkways (Nearby)

A developing stretch of scenic paths offering a unique view of Brooklyn’s industrial past and present.

Lifestyle and Vibe

Carroll Gardens is known for its relaxed, family-friendly vibe and strong sense of community. It offers a mix of traditional charm with a modern twist, making it a favorite among professionals, artists, and families alike.

Who Lives Here?

Carroll Gardens attracts families, young professionals, and long-time residents who appreciate its historic appeal, excellent schools, and walkable streets filled with local shops and cafes.

Local Hotspots: Eat, Drink, and Relax

Carroll Gardens’ food and drink scene is one of Brooklyn’s best, featuring cozy Italian eateries, artisanal bakeries, and trendy wine bars.

Restaurants and Cafes

  • Lucali: A legendary pizzeria with an intimate, no-frills atmosphere.

  • Frankies 457 Spuntino: A beloved Italian eatery serving handmade pastas and rustic dishes.

  • Buttermilk Channel: A popular American bistro known for its famous fried chicken and waffles.

  • Bien Cuit: A must-visit bakery offering some of the best croissants and sourdough in NYC.

Bars and Nightlife

  • Brooklyn Social: A speakeasy-style bar with classic cocktails and a vintage ambiance.

  • June Wine Bar: A stylish natural wine bar with an impressive selection of organic and biodynamic wines.

  • Bar Bruno: A relaxed Latin-American-inspired bar with great margaritas and tacos.

  • Abilene: A laid-back neighborhood bar with a cozy vibe and a great beer selection.

Shopping and Boutiques

  • Books Are Magic: A charming independent bookstore offering curated reads and frequent author events.

  • Court Street Grocers: A specialty grocery store known for its high-quality sandwiches and artisanal products.

  • Regular Visitors: A lifestyle boutique featuring clothing, home goods, and unique gifts.

  • Foyer: A home decor shop offering stylish, modern, and vintage-inspired pieces.

Parks and Green Spaces

  • Carroll Park: A centerpiece of the neighborhood, perfect for relaxation and play.

  • Columbia Waterfront Park (Nearby): A peaceful riverside park with scenic views of the harbor.

  • Prospect Park (Short Drive Away): One of NYC’s best green spaces, featuring miles of walking trails and picnic spots.

Real Estate Snapshot

Carroll Gardens is known for its classic brownstones, historic townhouses, and elegant pre-war buildings, making it one of Brooklyn’s most sought-after residential areas.

Types of Housing

Expect to find well-preserved brownstone townhouses, charming pre-war co-ops, and newly renovated condos offering modern amenities.

Who Buys and Rents Here?

Carroll Gardens attracts families, professionals, and creatives looking for a neighborhood with character, convenience, and a strong sense of community.

Events and Community Life

Carroll Gardens is a neighborhood where traditions and new events blend seamlessly, fostering a lively and welcoming community.

Notable Events

  • Bastille Day on Smith Street: A lively summer festival celebrating French culture with pétanque tournaments and delicious food.

  • Carroll Gardens Greenmarket: A weekly farmers’ market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies.

  • Italian Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows: A historic festival celebrating the neighborhood’s Italian heritage with parades and live music.

Ready to Explore Carroll Gardens?

Carroll Gardens is a neighborhood that offers the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern convenience. Whether you’re dining at an authentic Italian trattoria, enjoying a peaceful afternoon in the park, or browsing its unique boutiques, this Brooklyn gem feels like home. Check out more NYC neighborhood guides to uncover what makes Brooklyn’s neighborhoods so special!

 

Overview for Carroll Gardens, NY

20,891 people live in Carroll Gardens, where the median age is 37 and the average individual income is $91,288. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,891

Total Population

37 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$91,288

Average individual Income

Around Carroll Gardens, NY

There's plenty to do around Carroll Gardens, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

97
Walker's Paradise
Walking Score
95
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score
100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Sankyodai Natto, ACQ Bread, and Blue Dove Coffee.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.12 miles 8 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 0.31 miles 13 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 3.9 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.31 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.71 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 4.07 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Carroll Gardens, NY

Carroll Gardens has 8,593 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Carroll Gardens do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,891 people call Carroll Gardens home. The population density is 70,232.846 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

20,891

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

37

Median Age

50.28 / 49.73%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
8,593

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$91,288

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Carroll Gardens, NY

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Carroll Gardens. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating

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