Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NY
About Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
Ditmas Park is a historic district within the neighborhood of Flatbush. The district is bounded by Ocean Ave to the east, Dorchester Road to the North, Coney Island Avenue to the West and Avenue H to the South. The neighborhoods that surround the area include greater Flatbush to the East, Prospect Park South to the north, Coney Island Ave to the West and Midwood to the South.
Ditmas Park features gorgeous colonial revival and neo Tutor homes that have been expertly preserved. It’s a suburban oasis in the middle of an urban sprawl, which makes it a highly desirable neighborhood. The Ditmas Historic District consists of 172 buildings built between 1902 and 1924. The residents of Ditmas Park love the area for its calm, pastoral ambiance and central location within the borough of Brooklyn.
History of Ditmas Park
Initially, the area that is now Ditmas Park was once farmland. One of the owners of the land in the area was the Ditmas family, a group of Dutch settlers who gave the neighborhood its name. In the 1890’s, the development of subways and above ground rail lines led developers to look at Brooklyn as a promising location for new real estate. A real estate developer named Lewis H. Pounds constructed a variety of detached Victorian Homes in the area in the early 20th Century, many of which are still around today. It was originally designed as a suburban escape for the middle class of Brooklyn and to this day it’s one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the borough.
Demographics of Ditmas Park
There are approximately 24,000 people who live in Ditmas Park. It tends to be a neighborhood of older professionals and families. The median age in the neighborhood is 34. It’s a middle class to upper middle-class neighborhood. The average household income is around $77,000 per year. The Flatbush area in general is predominately black, however there are considerable white and Hispanic communities as well.
Transportation in Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park is a small neighborhood in the middle of Brooklyn, so transportation options are somewhat scarce. The Q train makes stops along Beverly Road, Cortelyou Road, Newkirk Plaza and Avenue H. The B train also makes a stop at Newkirk Plaza. The BM1, BM2, BM3, BM4, B8, B68 and B103 buses also make stops in Ditmas Park. Caton Ave is also a major road that runs through Ditmas Park and connects to Ocean Parkway.
Housing in Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park is a historic district known for its gorgeous detached Victorian homes. Mansions are prevalent as well as townhouses, pre-war apartment complexes and modern condos. The rate of homeownership in the neighborhood is higher than the city as a whole because it’s a neighborhood for those looking to establish roots. It’s not a cheap neighborhood by any means, but it’s more affordable than many upscale Brooklyn neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights or Boerum Hill. Ditmas Park is a great neighborhood for those who want serene, tree-lined blocks and a home that you can raise a family in.
Neighborhood Life in Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park is a residential neighborhood with a few key perks. Cortelyou Road and Coney Island Ave are both commercial strips in the area that features plenty of shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. Prospect Park is not far away, giving residents a relaxing place to spend the day. Overall, Ditmas Park is a quiet, suburban neighborhood that caters to families. Residents are often found mowing the lawn or hanging out on the porch on a summer afternoon. Great local restaurants and pubs are abundant, but those looking for excitement and nightlife are better off somewhere else.
Similar Neighborhoods to Ditmas Park
Real Estate Trends in Ditmas Park
Ditmas Park is an affordable and consistent neighborhood for those looking to purchase a home. Prices have increased about 4% over the past 5 years. It’s not a neighborhood for commuters, it’s an area for those looking to raise a family within the city and retain a semblance of suburban living. It’s not a cheap neighborhood, but it isn’t brutal for New York City standards. One million dollars will afford you about 1700 square feet of space, compared to the Brooklyn average of about 1500.
The Truth About Ditmas Park
Is Ditmas Park Safe?
Yes, Ditmas Park is a safe neighborhood. The 70th Precinct of the NYPD patrols the area and has reported a significant drop off in crime since the 1990’s. Areas bordering greater Flatbush experiences a slightly higher rate of crime. Residents should be careful when walking around at night and it’s always wise to keep doors locked. But overall, Ditmas Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Are the Schools in Ditmas Park Good?
There are few schools in Ditmas Park itself, but the surrounding schools are decent. PS 249 The Caton, is a highly rated elementary school on Caton and Marlborough Rd and PS 217 Colonel David Marcus also serves K-5. Ditmas Junior High School is a middle school that caters to the area as well. There are also several highly regarded Charter and Montessori schools in Ditmas Park like Elemental Arts Montessori and Success Academy Ditmas Park. For high school, students may apply for any school in the NYC public school system.
Popular Eateries in Ditmas Park
Things to Do in Ditmas Park
Check out Kings Theatre, the historic live performance venue is just a few blocks away on Flatbush Ave
Stop by the Cortelyou GreenMarket, a farmer’s market that occurs every weekend between Argyle and Rugby on Cortelyou Road
Walk to Parade Ground, an athletic park that features baseball, soccer, softball and football fields.
Have a drink at Bar Chord, a chill hideaway on Cortelyou that features live performances and craft beers on tap
Stop by Brooklyn Artery, an artsy gift shop on Cortelyou
Is Ditmas Park Dog Friendly?
Yes, Ditmas Park is dog friendly. The spacious Victorian homes that populate the neighborhood are perfect for dogs. The quiet tree lined blocks are great for walking canine companions on a mild day. The traffic is relatively calm, and owners shouldn’t have a problem dealing with intense congestion. It depends on what type of living situation you have, but overall it’s a quiet suburban neighborhood that dogs owners love.
Is Ditmas Park Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Ditmas Park is good for cyclists. It’s a calm neighborhood with limited transportation options, which is very appealing to cyclists. The gorgeous, tree lined blocks are perfect for biking on a calm day and many residents will find the secluded, back roads easy to navigate. As with many suburban areas, many residents choose to drive, but that doesn’t mean avid cyclists will have issues in Ditmas Park
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
The neighborhood is primarily detached single family homes, but apartment complexes and condo buildings can be found
Ditmas Park is a quiet, family friendly neighborhood that is somewhat secluded from the trendier parts of Brooklyn. Those looking for hip boutiques and nightlife should look elsewhere.