Ridgewood

Ridgewood

Ridgewood borders Bushwick so it’s Queens with some Brooklyn attiude mixed in. Parts of Bushwick actually used to be in Ridgewood. And we like that! it’s glorious to wander the streets of Ridgewood with their mix of stately red, orange and yellow brick rowhomes, some with porches, some with barrel fronts. Above many of the doors there’s the ubiquitous green awning. At every turn there are plenty of old houses that make you stop and stare with their character and charm. Ridgewood is beautiful and while it was originally farmland, the area expanded as breweries popped up in Bushwick, including the infamous Rhinegold Company, following an influx of German immigrants into New York City. Over time, many left Ridgewood for neighboring Glendale and the suburbs, the neighborhood is known to be an old school Italian enclave with lots of specialty stores, pastry, shops, and cafés. But it’s also home to people from Puerto Rico Poland, the Balkans, South America, and more these days. And there’s plenty of hipsters too. There’s lots to eat, see and do, and an amble down the main drag of Myrtle Avenue will fill your day. One of the reasons it’s so charming: there are 10 designated national historic districts and four more New York City Landmark Preservation Commission historic districts. it’s a beautifully preserved neighborhood. Get to Manhattan anywhere between 20 and 35 minutes, depending on what train you’re taking!