What to Know About Living in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Fort Greene is at once serene and vibrant, historic and relevant, lush and urban. It's got perfectly preserved 19th-century rowhouses; trendy, hyper-local boutiques; and central green space spanning 30 acres. Plus it’s easily accessible from almost every corner of New York City. Idyllic! But what kinds of homes are available in Fort Greene? And how much are they going to set you back? If you find yourself asking these questions, keep reading. We've got everything you need to know about making this terrific Brooklyn nabe your new home.
Where is Fort Greene?
Fort Greene is found in northwest Brooklyn, bordered by the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the north, Clinton Hill to the east, Prospect Heights to the south, and Downtown Brooklyn to the west. The neighborhood is served by nearly every NYC subway line in existence, thanks to its proximity to transportation hubs at Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center and DeKalb Avenue serving the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, and W trains. The A and C trains are available at the Lafayette Avenue station, while the G train is served by the Fulton Street stop. What's more, transportation to Long Island is made easy via the LIRR Atlantic Avenue stop, while the NYC Ferry’s Astoria route stops at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Wow!
What makes Fort Greene such a great place to live?
To understand why Fort Greene is such a desirable place to put down roots, we spoke to Josie Hubschman, a licensed real estate salesperson at Casa Blanca and a StreetEasy Expert. She's helped countless clients secure their dream homes in this beautiful, bustling locale that has immense staying power. “My clients who settle in Fort Greene rarely leave-it really has everything,” says Hubschman. "With easy subway access, a beautiful park, and a fantastic range of restaurants, it's an amazing place to live no matter what stage of life you're in."
Celebs love it, too
Fort Greene has long been a celebrity favorite, especially for those working in the arts. Writers such as Walt Whitman, Marianne Moore, and Jhumpa Lahiri have all called the dynamic neighborhood home, as have actresses like Holly Hunter and Christina Ricci. In the words of famous Fort Greene resident the Notorious B.I.G. (whose former apartment was up for sale back in 2021!): "Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way."
Architectural highlights
Fort Green is characterized by historic brownstones and rowhouses mostly built in the 19th century. As Hubschman points out, the neighborhood "is known for its abundance of beautiful older townhomes that offer plenty of charm and character." There's even a designated Fort Greene Historic District comprised of a mix of brownstones and brick rowhouses designed in Italianate, Queen Anne, and Neo-Greco styles. This translates to an abundance of parlor floors, soaring ceilings, and flexible, open floor plans.
Of course, living in a historic home often comes with its own quirks and limitations. For example, Hubschman explains that "doorman amenity buildings are relatively rare in the area." The bottom line? If you're looking for a newer building with modern conveniences, Fort Greene may not be the optimal area for you. But, Hubschman promises, "if you’re drawn to unique architectural details and historic homes, Fort Greene has a lot to offer."
Fort Greene Homes Under $1.5M on StreetEasy Article continues below
So how much will renting or owning a piece of this gorgeous Brooklyn history cost you?
Buying and renting in Fort Greene
The StreetEasy Data Dashboard reports that the median asking sales price in Fort Greene in May 2025 was $1.9 million. This is higher than it was at this time last year in May 2024, when the median asking price was $1.5 million.
Also according to the Data Dashboard, the median asking rent in Fort Greene in May 2025 was $4,641. In May 2024, the neighborhood’s median asking rent was $3,995.
Parks and green spaces
The neighborhood’s titular green space, Fort Greene Park, is the undeniable crown jewel of the nabe. The oldest planned urban park in the country, it was the site of the Battle of Long Island, a crucial battle in the Revolutionary War. Major General Nathaniel Greene — after whom the park was eventually named — directed the construction of Fort Putnam on high ground, which played an integral role in the battle. Today, a playground sits where Fort Putnam once was. In 1845, the City of Brooklyn designated it a public park, and in 1867 it was redesigned by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
Nowadays, Fort Greene Park has continued to stay relevant. As Hubschman says, "Hands down, Fort Greene Park is the heart of the neighborhood-it’s such a gem. On weekends there is a farmer’s market where you can get fresh produce!" There are also built-in barbecuing areas for summertime fun.
Fort Greene Rentals Under $3,500 on StreetEasy Article continues below
What to eat, drink, and do in Fort Greene
Located in the Southwest corner of the neighborhood, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is the city's oldest continually operating performing arts center. BAM offers several membership levels with advance ticket access and invitations to exclusive parties year-round. You can also drop in for individual film screenings, theater performances, literary talks, and dance numbers that catch your eye.
If you're looking to get your sweat on, Fort Greene Park has public basketball and tennis courts. And with a plethora of Citi Bike stations and bike lanes galore, Fort Greene is an excellent neighborhood for cyclists.
Local restaurant Theodora was awarded its first Michelin star in the 2025 guide.
Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention Fort Greene's renowned food and nightlife scene. Multiple local restaurants have been acknowledged by the Michelin Guide, including four eateries with one or more Michelin stars, and it seems as though there's a warm and inviting bar on every corner. A few of Hubschman's go-to spots are "Theodora, Miss Ada, and Sailor-each one offers something special and truly reflects the neighborhood's charm.” And if you're lucky enough to spend a summer in Fort Greene, you could experience the magic of a neighborhood block party, often sponsored by local businesses. In our opinion, there's no better way to familiarize yourself with the enthralling charm of Fort Greene than by dancing along its historic, brownstone-lined streets with your friends, family, and neighbors.
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StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property. The information in this article is informational only and should not be relied on in any underlying real estate transaction. All data for uncited sources in this presentation has been sourced from Zillow data. Copyright © 2025 by Zillow, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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