New York real estate: South Slope

By Miranda Siegel | Special to amNewYork

March 13, 2008

A row of clasical Brooklyn residential units along 7th Ave. between 15th Street and 16th Streets in South Slope Brooklyn. (RJ Mickelson, Newsday / March 12, 2008)

Most people don't differentiate between the two areas straddling Ninth Street; to them it's all Park Slope, with its trendy restaurants, abundant stoop sales, prominent gay community and proliferation of young families.

But North Slope and South Slope have distinct histories and populations, and though the differences are becoming less apparent, they do exist.

"For one, there are way less strollers and dogs," explained South Slope resident Jarrett Shamlian. "There's more of the remaining community present and it feels more authentic. There are more twentysomethings here, too."

South Slope's population is comprised of Puerto Rican, Latin American, Jamaican and Irish families who have called the neighborhood home since the last quarter of the 20th century, students taking advantage of the relatively lower rents and an increasing number of young professionals.

At the turn of the last century, a number of modest row houses were put up for those who worked in factories and at the Gowanus Canal. The structures stood in stark contrast to the sumptuous dwellings being built in North Slope, at the time referred to as Brooklyn's " Gold Coast."

But these days, South Slope is starting to look more like North Slope. Once-desolate Fifth Avenue is now populated with stores and restaurants, and even the area west of Fifth Avenue -- once a true no man's-land --is being revived, with plans for new constructions in the works.

"Many young professionals priced out of North Slope, are discovering South Slope and starting to move down here," said Debbie Fuka of Aguayo & Huebener Realty Group.

Adds Philip Meoli of Maximus Realty Group: "There are more coffee shops, pet food stores, clothing boutiques--particularly children's clothing boutiques--sprouting up in the area."

"This was always a family neighborhood, but it's different now," Meoli said. "When I opened my office here seven years ago, almost everything across the street was vacant and boarded up. There's not one vacant space there anymore."

Find it:

South Slope is defined by Ninth Street in the north, 17th Street in the south, Fourth Avenue in the west and Prospect Park West in the east.

TO EAT

South Slope's restaurant scene is defined by several good brunch outlets as well as ethnic eateries and pizza joints.

Applewood
Housed in a casual, airy and somewhat old-fashioned space, Applewood features changing menus that make the most of local organic ingredients (the farms' quirky titles are proudly listed on the menus). Savor succulent wild-caught fish, innovative vegetable creations, unique homemade drinks and the creamiest butter you ever dipped your spreading knife into. 501 11th St. 718-768-2044

12th Street Bar & Grill
One part mellow restaurant, one part loud bar with dartboard. Though it's the second choice for many brunch goers turned away from the crowded Dizzy's a few blocks north, devoted fans maintain it deserves a visit in its own right. Try the plump, tasty burgers. 1123 Eighth Ave. 718-965-9526

Java Indonesian Rijsttafel
This unpretentious, family-owned Indonesian joint is well liked for the low prices and friendly service. Try the rijsttafel ("rice table") sampler, a Dutch colonial version of the Indonesian dinner consisting of several small meat and veggie dishes. 455 Seventh Ave. 718-832-4583

Little D Eatery