Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn, NY
About Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn
Prospect Lefferts Gardens (sometimes abbreviated PLG) is a residential neighborhood in central Brooklyn. Tucked at the base of Prospect Park, Prospect Lefferts Gardens offers residents easy access to attractions like the lakeside LeFrak Center and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. The area is home to a large Caribbean community, and the local restaurants and shops reflect that—especially on Flatbush and Nostrand Aves.
This is mostly a historic district and has a lot of large homes, row-houses, and older buildings with large apartments. There are also taller apartment buildings and new towers that line the park. Nearby B and Q trains offer speedy commutes to Manhattan.
The History of Prospect Lefferts Gardens
The neighborhood takes its name from three nearby landmarks: Prospect Park, Lefferts Manor, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The area was originally Lenape land. Dutch settlers established a farm here in 1660. In 1893 the Lefferts Family divided their estate into 600 building lots which were developed with sizable suburban homes, many of which still stand. In the early part of the 20th century much of the neighborhood was built up with two-family homes, row-houses, and larger apartment buildings.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens Demographics
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is home to about 34,000 residents. About 3 in 5 residents are black, one quarter are white, and 10 percent are Hispanic. The median income in this neighborhood is slightly below the city average. There is a higher proportion of low- and middle-income workers, and a smaller proportion of high-income earners, than the New York City average.
Transportation in Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Prospect Lefferts Gardens has good transportation options. The B/Q line makes for a speedy trip into Manhattan; the 2/5 line also traverses the eastern part of the neighborhood. Numerous bus lines further augment the neighborhood’s transit service. Drivers face lots of traffic on Flatbush Ave. and Empire Blvd. Bikers benefit from several bike lanes and nearby Prospect Park, but also contend with traffic on major roads.
Housing in Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Large apartments, row-houses, and stately houses in PLG attract families and people looking for extra space. Many of the neighborhood’s row-houses and old homes are preserved as part of a historic landmark district. Taller apartment buildings, including a few new towers, line Prospect Park.
Neighborhood Life in Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Prospect Lefferts Gardens has a lively, neighborhood feel and residents commonly meet up in front yards and on stoops. PLG residents have good access to the outdoors, with Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden nearby. A diverse array of restaurants and stores – including many serving the neighborhood’s large Caribbean population – line Flatbush and Nostrand Aves. Daily essentials and trendy bars and restaurants cluster around the Prospect Park subway stop.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens Real Estate Trends
Home prices in PLG have increased by 11 percent in the past five years, slightly ahead of the Brooklyn average. However, prices have dipped in the past year. Homes here sell faster than average. Prices for row-houses in the neighborhood doubled from 2012 to 2017. Many units for sale or rent in Prospect Lefferts Gardens are in pre-war houses and apartment buildings. There was little construction in the neighborhood for decades, until a recent boom of new condos and high-rises.
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The Truth You Should Know About Prospect Lefferts Gardens
How Safe is Prospect Lefferts Gardens?
Crime rates are slightly above average across most of PLG; some central areas have about average crime rates. There is generally lots of activity out on the neighborhood’s streets so few areas are ever deserted.
Are Schools Good in Prospect Lefferts Gardens?
Schools in PLG have mixed ratings. Ps 397/Foster Laurie ranks above average and shows particularly good student progress. PS 92/Adrian Hegeman scores below average in test scores and on measures of student progress. There are several charter school options in the neighborhood, but Explore Charter school also rates poorly.
Popular Eateries in Prospect Lefferts Gardens?
What to Do In Prospect Lefferts Gardens?
Go skating at the LeFrak Center in Prospect Park
Wander the rose gardens, Japanese pond, conservatories, or cherry walk at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Check out a mellow concert at the The Owl Parlor
Pick up a currant roll at neighborhood staple Allan’s Bakery
Is Prospect Lefferts Gardens Dog Friendly?
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a fine neighborhood for dogs. There are no dog parks in the neighborhood, but plenty of quiet streets for dog walking. Prospect Park has several designated dog-friendly areas and allows dogs off-leash before 9 AM or after 9 PM. The neighborhood has some pet-friendly buildings, and some row-houses and homes with backyards.
Is Prospect Lefferts Gardens Good for Cycling?
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a good neighborhood for cyclists. Nearby Prospect Park features a car-free loop road that is a popular route for serious riders and families alike. Bike lanes run through the neighborhood and connect with other areas. An under-construction bike lane on Flatbush Ave will make it easier to bike toward downtown Brooklyn. Be aware, though, that the neighborhood sits at the bottom of a long hill.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Much of PLG is designated as a historic district, which protects distinct architecture and may boost home values, but limits alterations and renovations.
The neighborhood is part of the Little Carribean section of Brooklyn with a large Carribean population and strong culture.
New restaurants and shops are opening alongside long-time local businesses and previously vacant storefronts on Flatbush Ave.