Bay Ridge

With waterfront views set against the Verrazzano Bridge, mom-and-pop shops, a laid-back lifestyle, and a strong community feel, Bay Ridge has old-school Brooklyn vibes and beauty in its bones. The neighborhood where Saturday Night Fever was set has resisted the waves of change sweeping through other parts of Brooklyn, and remains a haven for long-term residents and local businesses. The Verrazzano dominates the skyline, and single-family rowhouses make up the majority of the housing stock. Buyers and renters seeking an alternative to brownstone Brooklyn can find a similar tight-knit feel here, at a decidedly lower price. Over a mile of waterfront park space provides plenty of room for recreation, not to mention sweeping vistas. The commute to Manhattan may be 40+ minutes, but new and longtime residents alike don’t mind the tradeoff.

The Mood

There's a strong community feel, with lots of mom-and-pop shops catering to longtime neighborhood residents.

Heart of the Neighborhood

The stretch of Third Avenue around 86th Street is known as the local restaurant row, and offers a variety of cuisines from around the world.

Neighborhood Quirk

Made famous as the setting of "Saturday Night Fever," Bay Ridge was home to generations of Italian and Irish families. It's now seeing an influx of newcomers from all over the world.

Best Perk

Those views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge? Can't beat 'em.

Biggest Downside

Residents contend with long commutes into Manhattan. It takes about 45 minutes on the R train to get to Midtown.