Buy a home in Ridgewood

Sitting on the border of Queens and Brooklyn, Ridgewood is packed with the old and new; it is chock full of history and is a popular and affordable spot for young people to move today. Between 35 minutes and an hour from 14th St. in Manhattan, this neighborhood combines the diversity of Greenpoint with the pin-drop-quiet leafy streets of Queens. The convenient transportation to Manhattan and the strong neighborhood character have made Ridgewood a major draw for artsy types and second-generation Polish and Romanian families priced out of Brooklyn.

The most common phrase overheard on the streets: “Nobody bothers anybody around here.” People do seem to get along. Everyone smiles at each other when they walk by! So if you are currently searching for homes for sale in Ridgewood NY (11385), you’d better keep on reading.

Ridgewood – Restaurants and Bars

Eleven Madison Park alum Jimmy Tu and his partner Roy Zapanta did cause a stir when they passed over Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick and brought their no-frills Bunker to Ridgewood, Queens, early last year. Bunker’s Vietnamese street food isn’t wooing effete restaurant diners and critics to southwestern Queens. But the restaurant’s arrival and local popularity has helped create a buzz that Ridgewood will finally assume its place as the “next big thing”. Hanoi street vendor-style spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches and vermicelli noodles are gently priced between $8 and $17.50. Houdini Restaurant is one of Ridgewood’s top nighttime hotspots named after one of its most notorious residents. Houdini is just a short walk from the L train and serves up dishes like various signature pizzas, burrata appetizers, desserts and even wine. Ask neighborhood natives what they think of Houdini and you’ll hear words like “underground” and “hidden gem.” Joe’s Restaurant dishes are just what any Italian food lover would expect from a neighborhood favorite. Residents used words like “old school,” “mom-and-pop” and “exceptional” to describe this family-style eatery.

Anyone looking to throw a party in Ridgewood has one of the city’s hottest spots at their fingertips in Ridgewood. Gottscheer Hall has some of the neighborhood’s favorite drinks and dishes like potato pancakes — all at an affordable price. Its ballroom also allows for a place to let loose and dance. But if loud pubs aren’t your thing, then Spolem Café could be your new favorite place in Ridgewood. This coffee shop has been described as cozy and friendly with an interesting food menu with items like Belgian waffles to accompany its tasty drink options. Don’t forget to try the dessert menu.

Ridgewood – Landmarks and Green Spaces

Grover Cleveland Park was named in honor of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland and was described by residents as a small, intimate place for neighbors to unwind. The park may be small, but it has all the features anyone looks for in a park, including some shade, open space, a playground, jogging path, soccer fields and even handball courts. It also offers an impressive view of the Manhattan skyline. People in Ridgewood have referred to their local Ridgewood YMCA as the best place to bulk up and get in shape without breaking the bank. The Ridgewood YMCA offers different classes, including yoga and weight training, to help anyone in the neighborhood develop a fit lifestyle without having to subscribe to long-term contracts at any other chain store. And if you have kids, Kids Fun House is a place you’d like to know. Here, parents have a place to celebrate birthdays or to otherwise get their kids tired for the night!

Ridgewood – Transportation

On the New York City Subway, the BMT Myrtle Avenue Line (M trains) runs through the heart of Ridgewood, and its connection to the BMT Canarsie Line (L trains) at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues at the south end of Ridgewood is a transportation hub, with a 60-million-dollar renovation completed in 2007. At the end of the Myrtle Avenue Line is the Fresh Pond Yard, a storage yard for the M trains. Halsey Street (L trains) has entrances in both Ridgewood and Bushwick. The Ridgewood Terminal at that station serves New York City Bus’ B13, B26, B52, B54, Q55, Q58 lines. The B20, B38, Q39, Q54 bus lines also serve Ridgewood. In addition, the neighborhood is home to the large Fresh Pond Bus Depot, which services many of the buses that run throughout Brooklyn and Queens. So if you are comfortable with relying to public transportation, Ridgewood is the place to go!