Ditmas Park

Grand Victorian homes, leafy streets, eclectic restaurants, and a close-knit feel create a peaceful Brooklyn retreat in the form of Ditmas Park. At the turn of the 20th century, Ditmas Park was no more than a tract of farmland owned by the Ditmarsen family. But its proximity to Church Avenue’s commercial stretch and Prospect Park made it a smart bet for early real estate developers, who envisioned the area as city suburb. Today, the neighborhood’s spacious old homes, inviting front porches, and manicured lawns are in high demand among those looking for a slower pace and great value within New York City limits. Ditmas Park is conveniently served by the Q express train, which will get commuters to Midtown in 40 minutes or less. Though the area is best known for the old mansions of its historic district, prewar co-ops and apartment buildings abound east of Ocean Avenue. Over on Cortelyou Road, Tibetan cafes share space with train stations, and flower shops turn into hip bars after dark.

The Mood

Ditmas Park is full of renters and homeowners who stick around, hang out on their porches, and get to know their neighbors.

Heart of the Neighborhood

The Flatbush Food Co-op is both a conscientious local grocery and the neighborhood's de facto community center.

Neighborhood Quirk

The neighborhood's hallmark colonial homes may look distinctive, but they were actually all built by the same developer in the early 1900s.

Best Perk

Ditmas Park is like a breath of fresh air in the big city, with peaceful streets and carefully tended lawns.

Biggest Downside

Although Prospect Park is nearby, there is little here in the way of parks, playgrounds or gyms.