Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, NY
About the Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
Tucked between Prospect Park and the Greenwood Cemetery, Windsor Terrace is a quiet, leafy oasis that’s perfect for anyone looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Families love Windsor Terrace for its good schools, cozy three-story buildings, and proximity to Prospect Park. The F train can get you to Lower Manhattan in about 20 minutes.
There isn’t much nightlife in this small neighborhood, but you’ll find a grouping of restaurants and bars along Prospect Park West and Fort Hamilton Parkway. You’re also only steps away from world class restaurants and nightlife in neighboring Park Slope.
The History of Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
The area now known as Windsor Terrace was once home to the Lenape Canarsee, who farmed the hills of South Brooklyn for centuries until the Dutch arrived in the mid 1600s and formed the nearby village of Flatbush. This area remained largely rural until the late 1800s, when prosperous Manhattan families began to settle in Windsor Terrace in order to be near the newly minted Prospect Park. Today, Windsor Terrace serves as a transition between stately Park Slope to the north and bustling, multi-cultural Kensington to the South.
Windsor Terrace Demographics
In 2018 there were just under 23,000 people living in Windsor Terrace. Most people here are of European origin, however there are also sizable Chinese, Bengali, and Mexican populations. There are more families with young children here than in other neighborhoods, and the median household income is about 50% higher than the NYC average at $99,000 a year.
Transportation in Windsor Terrace
Windsor Terrace residents can hop on the F Train at 15th St. or Fort Hamilton Pkwy. for easy rides to Lower Manhattan (20 min), Midtown Manhattan (30 mins), Downtown Brooklyn (15 min) and even Coney Island (18 min). The G train also stops here for easy rides to Williamsburg (25 min) and Long Island City (35 min).
Housing in Windsor Terrace
Housing in Windsor Terrace is exemplified but the brick-clad duplex with small front porch, and about a fifth of the households here live in a two-family home. There are also more single-family townhomes here than in other neighborhoods, although most housing units are still located within large apartment buildings.
Neighborhood Life in Windsor Terrace
Windsor Terrace is primarily a residential neighborhood, and you’ll often find neighbors congregated on their front porches in this tight-knit community. It’s also unlikely that new developments will alter the neighborhood’s peaceful charm, thanks to strict building regulations. The neighborhood has a commercial along Prospect Park West with pharmacies, grocery stores, and banks, but not as many choices as nearby Park Slope. The area is very popular with families thanks to its good schools and proximity to Prospect Park, so expect to see lots of strollers and young children around.
Similar Neighborhoods to Windsor Terrace
Windsor Terrace Real Estate Trends
Windsor Terrace has seen average home prices increase by 4.4 percent over the past five years, slightly below city averages. The lack of new development means there isn’t much inventory around here. The market has recently favored buyers for two-bedroom homes, where a typical home for sale stays on the market for 101 days. The average home in Windsor Terrace currently fetches $1.4 million.
The Truth You Should Know About Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
How safe is Windsor Terrace?
Crime in Windsor Terrace is well below average. The streets are generally safe but pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing Fort Hamilton Pkwy, which can be home to speeding cars and trucks.
Are the Schools in Windsor Terrace Good?
Schools in Windsor Terrace are rated very well. P.S. 154 ranks high on citywide school quality measures, and English and Math test scores are in the top 10% among schools across the city.
Popular Eateries in Windsor Terrace?
Although this area is largely residential, there are still some great restaurants around here, concentrated mostly along the northern and southern ends of the neighborhood. @grid
American
199 Windsor Pl, Brooklyn NY 11215French/Cocktails
1235 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn NY 11218Middle Eastern
266 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn NY 11215Brewpub
1241 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn NY 11218Sandwiches
326 Greenwood Ave, Brooklyn NY 11218Mexican
601 Greenwood Ave, Brooklyn NY 11218
What to Do in Windsor Terrace?
Visit Greenwood Cemetery, designed by legendary Frederick Law Olmstead and home to the highest point in Brooklyn.
Bring your family to the Prospect Park Zoo, home to the only Siberican Pallas cat in North America.
Visit Kensington Stables for horseback riding lessons, a rare find in New York City.
Take the kids to Barking Cat Studio on Greenwood Ave for weekly art classes.
Stroll along the Prospect Park Lake and then bring your family to the Vanderbilt Playground for inventive jungle gyms and slides.
Is Windsor Terrace Dog Friendly?
Yes! Windsor Terrace is a heaven for owners, who are just steps away from the Greenwood Dog Run and the brand new Dog Park at the Brooklyn Parade Ground. You can also bring your furry friend over to the Peninsula Meadow along Prospect Park Lake, where dog owners congregate on weekends to let their dogs roam and play off-leash. With dozens of pet stores and veterinarians in the area, you can rest assured that your dog will be well taken care of in Windsor Terrace.
Is Windsor Terrace Good for Cycling?
Windsor Terrace is an excellent choice for cyclists thanks to its proximity to Prospect Park, which boast of miles of well-paved bike paths. There are also separated bike lanes on 10th Ave, 11th Ave, and Fort Hamilton Pkwy. for safe, easy trips to Park Slope. Unfortunately there aren’t any bike shops within Windsor Terrace itself, but cyclists can easily venture to nearby Kensington or Park Slope for quick repairs.
5 Things to Know Before Moving to the Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
The Prospect Expressway is a trenched highway that bisects the neighborhood. Although it’s quieter than an elevated highway, nearby homes may nonetheless experience noise and vibration. It can also be a pain to walk up and down the pedestrian overpasses to get to the other side.
There is a spate of new development happening along Caton Pl on the southern edge of the neighborhood, which will bring hundreds of new residents in the coming years.
That said, most of the neighborhood is protected by strict building regulations, so it’s unlikely you’ll see any other high rise developments in the neighborhood core.
The Fort Hamilton Parkway F/G stop is prone to flooding during storms of any size, leading to standing water and delayed trains.
Nearby Kengston is on the move, as recent developments has brought new high end restaurants and trendy watering holes.