How Healthy Is Your Neighborhood?
Carroll Gardens/Gowanus
Score: 38/50
Available Green Space: 6
There isn’t much in the way of big parks in either of these neighborhoods, though we suppose that the water of the Gowanus Canal is green enough that it qualifies as green space? These neighborhoods are dotted with smaller parks and community gardens galore, but we wish there were more unfettered access to green space that didn’t double as a Superfund site.
Fresh Air: 5
Right, so, Superfund site. Gowanus is obviously a somewhat compromised “fresh air” neighborhood because of that, even though, we must admit, we think the tranquility of the canal is a beautiful thing to behold, and we like walking in the neighborhood very much. Neighboring Carroll Gardens fares better, but is still troubled by the proximity of the BQE and car traffic for the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Sorry! Hugh Carey Tunnel. That will take a while to get used to.
Bicycling Infrastructure: 9
Bike lanes galore and flat terrain make it a real pleasure to get around these neighborhoods on two wheels. Once Citi Bike introduces docking stations to the area? It’ll score a perfect 10.
Gyms: 8
Many of our favorite yoga classes (cheap and, um, otherwise) are right here in Carroll Gardens/Gowanus. But even better than yoga? Gowanus is also home to Brooklyn Boulders, which is easily our favorite place in the borough to get harnessed up and burn some calories.
Healthy Food Availability: 10
With the recent addition of the Whole Foods on Third Avenue, this area has become a Mecca for health conscious foodies with money to burn. Beyond that, both ‘hoods are home to myriad farmer’s markets and smaller shops that cater to the thoughtful eater.