***New York*** (5 Viewers)

[BobbyLayne]

Map Says Men Like LIC, Women Like Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is great - Best neighborhood by far... Under 30 minutes door - door to just about any location, great restaurants, nice neighborhoods... The piers there are completing amazing too. I'm married with a child so my likes and someone elses may not match up, but I love it there.

http://www.pierhouseny.com/ - They haven't even started building this yet, but I inquired about what the cost would be - $12 - $1500 a foot and it is already 70% sold. Unfortunately this neighborhood is priced higher than some areas in Manhattan.

It's leafy and quiet. Boring scene and mediocre restaurants It's been expensive on a psf for as long as I can remember, but it's cheaper than DUMBO or much of Manhattan. Very good schools.

I lived in FiDi and Chelsea when I first came to NYC in the late 90s, spent 8 fantastic years in Boerum Hill - 25 x 40 private garden - and the last 5 years in Hell's Kitchen.

I'm not into comparing neighborhoods. I love where I'm at, great amenities, über convenience in every respect except my kids go to school in the W Village, and I'm inextricably intertwined with HK.

There are a LOT of great neighborhoods in NYC.

 

[RUSF18]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

 

[Redwes25]

Map Says Men Like LIC, Women Like Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is great - Best neighborhood by far... Under 30 minutes door - door to just about any location, great restaurants, nice neighborhoods... The piers there are completing amazing too. I'm married with a child so my likes and someone elses may not match up, but I love it there.

http://www.pierhouseny.com/ - They haven't even started building this yet, but I inquired about what the cost would be - $12 - $1500 a foot and it is already 70% sold. Unfortunately this neighborhood is priced higher than some areas in Manhattan.

I am actually not a fan of the Heights other than the subway lines. Think it is very boring and has a real lack of restaurants. I think Cobble Hill, Boreoum Hill and Carroll Gardens are much more interesting neighborhoods.

ETA - It is also pretty pricey according to StreetEasy - http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rentals/brooklyn-heights-brooklyn

 

[fantasycurse42]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

If you search really well, you can score a ####ty 2 BR for 33-35ish...

A nice one will easily be in the low 4's and up

The Archstone building on Montague is in the low 5's

 

[BobbyLayne]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Map Says Men Like LIC, Women Like Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is great - Best neighborhood by far... Under 30 minutes door - door to just about any location, great restaurants, nice neighborhoods... The piers there are completing amazing too. I'm married with a child so my likes and someone elses may not match up, but I love it there.

http://www.pierhouseny.com/ - They haven't even started building this yet, but I inquired about what the cost would be - $12 - $1500 a foot and it is already 70% sold. Unfortunately this neighborhood is priced higher than some areas in Manhattan.

I am actually not a fan of the Heights other than the subway lines. Think it is very boring and has a real lack of restaurants. I think Cobble Hill, Boreoum Hill and Carroll Gardens are much more interesting neighborhoods.

ETA - It is also pretty pricey according to StreetEasy - http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rentals/brooklyn-heights-brooklyn

I'm a few blocks from the Trader Joes, so I am actually in the best of both worlds with locations right on the border. Having a wife and kid now, the quiet and boring that goes with the heights is actually great... Before we had the baby we used to wonder up smith st all the time. I also love the area west of court street and south of atlantic ave - all tree lined streets and brownstones. That area is also zoned to one of the best public schools in the city for anyone who has kids PS29 - I am right on the other side of that border so I need to figure how to get my boy in there, otherwise we might be moving - The ####### Montessori School over there is $30,000 a year!

More and more restaurants have opened up on Atlantic Ave recently too - Just went to this place Colonie last weekend that was fantastic... Some of the best pizza in the world throughout the entire area Heights/BoCoCa.

 

[fantasycurse42]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

 

[Redwes25]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

Hate that name as well.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Map Says Men Like LIC, Women Like Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is great - Best neighborhood by far... Under 30 minutes door - door to just about any location, great restaurants, nice neighborhoods... The piers there are completing amazing too. I'm married with a child so my likes and someone elses may not match up, but I love it there.

http://www.pierhouseny.com/ - They haven't even started building this yet, but I inquired about what the cost would be - $12 - $1500 a foot and it is already 70% sold. Unfortunately this neighborhood is priced higher than some areas in Manhattan.

I am actually not a fan of the Heights other than the subway lines. Think it is very boring and has a real lack of restaurants. I think Cobble Hill, Boreoum Hill and Carroll Gardens are much more interesting neighborhoods.

ETA - It is also pretty pricey according to StreetEasy - http://streeteasy.com/nyc/rentals/brooklyn-heights-brooklyn

I'm a few blocks from the Trader Joes, so I am actually in the best of both worlds with locations right on the border. Having a wife and kid now, the quiet and boring that goes with the heights is actually great... Before we had the baby we used to wonder up smith st all the time. I also love the area west of court street and south of atlantic ave - all tree lined streets and brownstones. That area is also zoned to one of the best public schools in the city for anyone who has kids PS29 - I am right on the other side of that border so I need to figure how to get my boy in there, otherwise we might be moving - The ####### Montessori School over there is $30,000 a year!

More and more restaurants have opened up on Atlantic Ave recently too - Just went to this place Colonie last weekend that was fantastic... Some of the best pizza in the world throughout the entire area Heights/BoCoCa.

Are you zoned for PS261? When you're going through the K enrollment process, don't enroll in your zoned school.

You're in the district. 8, 29 and 58 HAVE to accept your application. You'll get in one or more.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

 

[Northern Voice]

Popping in to thank everyone for the help planning our trip, got back last night. We had a great time. I loved the day we spent in Williamsburg/DUMBO, wife's favourite part was Central Park/Upper West Side. Hammerstein Ballroom is a much better concert venue than just about anywhere in Toronto. Times Square was a bit meh, but now we can say we've been there. We saw Avenue Q (cheap), it was funny. Ate at a place called Phebe's that was pretty good. Great lunch one day at Made Fresh Daily in the Seaport. Lots of good food, way too much all weekend.

Wyndham Garden Chinatown is really nice, one block from B/D subway and got us everywhere really quickly. We took the East River Ferry as well, all the transportation was so smooth.

 

[BobbyLayne]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

Hate that name as well.

I had an old-timer on my block who ran a stoop sale every warm weekend. Pretty sure she was close to 80, feisty Brooklynite. She even scoffed at Boerum Hill. "Oh, cripes, it was all south Brooklyn when I grew up."



ETA: thumbs!

 

[BobbyLayne]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

 

[Redwes25]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

PS 261 has the Gowanus houses in them which has traditionally brought down the school though I have heard it has greatly improved. Also, preschool in the good public schools are very tough.

I can understand the desire for the quieter atmosphere and I am in Park Slope right now which is a little quieter as well. Moved to Park Slope when I learned my wife was pregnant with twins and our two bedroom we owned couldn't fit us all. In a three bedroom in park slope and in my experience park slope is cheaper then all these other neighborhoods.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

We have a neighbor I served on the preschool board with who is just flat out defying the rules and keeping her 5-1/2 year old in PK another year. It's a private PK - we both sent our kids there four years, her daughter is now doing a 5th year - and I don't know the ramifications are next year when she applies to K. They can't force the kid into 1st grade, right? Will be interesting to see what happens.

Our daughter just had her 5th birthday, which makes her one of but not the youngest in class. I questioned if she was ready, and I still don't like the idea of her going off to college in 2026 at the age of 17, but kids are resilient.

Choosing a school was a two year process and we toured 22 schools (6 private, 16 public). We got our #1 choice and several other good schools also extended a seat. All I'll say is it's one of the nuttiest things I have been through in the last 15 years.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Speaking of PK in public schools, here is a fairly common scenario...

There are seven Kindergarten classes of 25 kids at PS3 (pretty much every year). Some are straight K, some are blended K/1, we happen to be in a class that is straight K and will have the same teacher for two years. When we visited two years ago, they asked us to raise our hand if we were there to apply for PK. 30 people raised their hand. The principal said, "OK, we have one (1) PK class. There are 18 seats. Preference is given to 1) zoned siblings, and 2) zoned 4 year olds. Right now, we have 17 zoned siblings who have applied. That means there is one spot left. Good luck!"

 

[Redwes25]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

My son is 12/26 so I can feel your pain on this topic. Have not heard about moving the cut-off to 12/1 but hear is an interesting article on the issue from NYTimes - http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/kindergarten-redshirting-gets-tougher-in-n-y-c-with-repercussions/

 

[BobbyLayne]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

My son is 12/26 so I can feel your pain on this topic. Have not heard about moving the cut-off to 12/1 but hear is an interesting article on the issue from NYTimes - http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/kindergarten-redshirting-gets-tougher-in-n-y-c-with-repercussions/

Interesting.

"A child whose parents delay kindergarten will be enrolled in first grade the next year."

Well, the rules are different for private schools. My friend and her husband are both lawyers, so I suspect they'll be leaning towards something like Calhoun.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

My son is 12/26 so I can feel your pain on this topic. Have not heard about moving the cut-off to 12/1 but hear is an interesting article on the issue from NYTimes - http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/kindergarten-redshirting-gets-tougher-in-n-y-c-with-repercussions/

My wife showed me this article - I'll see if she can send me the link later about the 12/1 cutoff - In NJ it is 10/1 in almost every district. A lot of states it is in September - We intend on having another and honestly all of the private schools near us are 20-30k a year... I just refuse to pay $50k a year to send my kids to school. The whole situation is bush league.

I need to find the Superintendent of our school district and make him a friend.

 

[fantasycurse42]

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

PS 261 has the Gowanus houses in them which has traditionally brought down the school though I have heard it has greatly improved. Also, preschool in the good public schools are very tough.

I can understand the desire for the quieter atmosphere and I am in Park Slope right now which is a little quieter as well. Moved to Park Slope when I learned my wife was pregnant with twins and our two bedroom we owned couldn't fit us all. In a three bedroom in park slope and in my experience park slope is cheaper then all these other neighborhoods.

Even if it has gotten better, there is no way I am sending him to 261 - I live 6 blocks from there and about the same distance from 29, no reason for him to attend the ####tier school. I'll move if it really comes down to it.

We looked at Park Slope and just didn't see a huge difference in prices - It feels almost the same in cost, that neighborhood is still really expensive...

 

[Redwes25]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

My son is 12/26 so I can feel your pain on this topic. Have not heard about moving the cut-off to 12/1 but hear is an interesting article on the issue from NYTimes - http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/kindergarten-redshirting-gets-tougher-in-n-y-c-with-repercussions/

Interesting.

"A child whose parents delay kindergarten will be enrolled in first grade the next year."

Well, the rules are different for private schools. My friend and her husband are both lawyers, so I suspect they'll be leaning towards something like Calhoun.

Private schools are a different ballgame if they plan to keep your child there. Thing people have been doing is keeping kids in pre-school and then enrolling them in Kindgarden a year late. Board of Ed is trying to crack down on that. If your friends are trying to do that they may have issues.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

What's the range for a decent, not high end, rental 2BR in Brooklyn Heights these days?

You can find one under $3.5 but IME it's tough to find a good layout in the $2.8-3.5 range.

Agree with the poster above; while I always hated the BoCoCa designation, those 3 have much better bars & restaurants than the Heights. PS29 (CH) and PS 58 (CG) are both top shelf if you have youngsters.

I am right on the border, but technically zoned for PS 261 - It is unreal how much ####tier that school is then 29 or 58!! 29 has pre-school while 261 does not, so my hope is to send him to 29 for pre and they will let him continue on in first grade.

They will tell you (and it's technically true) that a spot in PK doesn't guarantee a spot in K. Also, they'll tell you it's a DOE decision that they have no influence over (also true). But IME people in nice neighborhoods but crappy local K-5 get into good schools out of their zone (but still in district) ALL THE TIME. Apply to a bunch of schools you like, skip the zoned school, and it will sort itself out.

Our son is born on 11/26 - NYC is really difficult with redshirting from what I understand, & we don't want to send him to Kindergarten until he is 5 - We have a lot to figure out...

There is a lot of talk they are adjusting the redshirting to 12/1 cutoff which will officially make him the absolute youngest in any class he is in - If we can't get him in a year late, it might be null and void as we might head out of NYC - The NJ cutoff is 10/1... We looked at houses in Middletown and the fast ferry gets into the city in 35 minutes... Sure I love being door - door in under 30 minutes, but I can survive 1hr if it is better for the family.

My son is 12/26 so I can feel your pain on this topic. Have not heard about moving the cut-off to 12/1 but hear is an interesting article on the issue from NYTimes - http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/kindergarten-redshirting-gets-tougher-in-n-y-c-with-repercussions/

Interesting.

"A child whose parents delay kindergarten will be enrolled in first grade the next year."

Well, the rules are different for private schools. My friend and her husband are both lawyers, so I suspect they'll be leaning towards something like Calhoun.

Private schools are a different ballgame if they plan to keep your child there. Thing people have been doing is keeping kids in pre-school and then enrolling them in Kindgarden a year late. Board of Ed is trying to crack down on that. If your friends are trying to do that they may have issues.

Sounds like she'll just get thrown into first if they do go the public route. Their daughter is about the same as ours developmentally & emotionally, I really didn't get the decision.

But I definitely think they can swing private school tuition. He's big law, she's corporate counsel, and they're paying through the nose for a brand new 3 bedroom on the 40th floor. They'll have options.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

We're in the process of finding a "twos" program for NEXT SEPTEMBER. What a pain in the #### since we don't know for sure where we will be living. The only place we have a guaranteed slot so far is a 3 program since he turns three 12/25/14. This is why people move to the burbs.

 

[BobbyLayne]

We're in the process of finding a "twos" program for NEXT SEPTEMBER. What a pain in the #### since we don't know for sure where we will be living. The only place we have a guaranteed slot so far is a 3 program since he turns three 12/25/14. This is why people move to the burbs.

Yeah, and you're horrible for not sending him to a first steps program. How is he going to get into a Tier 1 school with this kind of lackadaisical attitude?

 

[BobbyLayne]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atomische/6647262687/lightbox/

 

[Major]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/atomische/6647262687/lightbox/

Offdee shaking in his wingtip boots #style

 

[El Floppo]

Cross posting...anyway, don't sweat. That stuff will work out. Don't think just because a school is chock full of zoned sibs you have no shot.

Or you can be one of the many people who lie about where you live... like we were froced to do.

 

[BobbyLayne]

@ the old North Six space (Williamsburg Music Hall) to see Hurray the Riff Raff. Damn I forgot how much fun a night out can be (married w/ children).

 

[El Floppo]

@ the old North Six space (Williamsburg Music Hall) to see Hurray the Riff Raff. Damn I forgot how much fun a night out can be (married w/ children).

How'd it go?

I don't remember the last real night out we've had that wasn't school related.

 

[BobbyLayne]

@ the old North Six space (Williamsburg Music Hall) to see Hurray the Riff Raff. Damn I forgot how much fun a night out can be (married w/ children).

How'd it go?

I don't remember the last real night out we've had that wasn't school related.

This is like my third concert this year but first one in a club that served adult beverages

Took the L train, we hit a guy coming into the Bedford Ave station (for real). Apparently he was drunk and dancing to busker music, fell in ### backwards. Conductor slammed on the breaks, only two cars entered the station. The dumb #### lived.

Had an awesome time. North Six was pretty raw, Williamsburg Music Hall is a little more polished (added bars in the basement and 3rd level, added balconies on both sides. I got hammered and all three bands sounded great. Two bands from NOLA, Brooklyn based Spirit Family Reunion were the headliner.

Enjoyed it so much I might go go see them again tomorrow at Mercury Lounge.

 

[Redwes25]

So voted for Lhota this morning though I don't think he really has a chance. Think this City has been run very well by Rudy and Bloomberg and don't think we really need a radical change. Of course we shall see what happens as appears de Blasio is going to run away with it.

 

[jamny]

So voted for Lhota this morning though I don't think he really has a chance. Think this City has been run very well by Rudy and Bloomberg and don't think we really need a radical change. Of course we shall see what happens as appears de Blasio is going to run away with it.

Voted for Joe too but doesn't look like it'll happen. Can't believe how little press and publicity this has gotten.

 

[El Floppo]

My voting spot in the EVil was empty. Literally. I was the only person voting this morning in the pre-work 8:30 hour. It's usually out the door and takes forever.... i was equal parts psyched to get it done so quickly and freaked that I was literally the only person voting.

 

[Redwes25]

My voting spot in the EVil was empty. Literally. I was the only person voting this morning in the pre-work 8:30 hour. It's usually out the door and takes forever.... i was equal parts psyched to get it done so quickly and freaked that I was literally the only person voting.

Yeah, the contrast from the Presidential election was shocking as that election was an almost a two hour wait. Of course that was a presidential election and my polling place had been merged with another one since that location was being used as a shelter following Sandy.

Either way it is depressing to see such lack of turn-out as to be honest who is the mayor has a much bigger impact on peoples lives then most other elections so you would think people would show up for it.

 

[kutta]

Heading to Brooklyn today for a couple days. What's the best Italian restaurant on that side of the bridge?

 

[Sammy3469]

Heading to Brooklyn today for a couple days. What's the best Italian restaurant on that side of the bridge?

Roberta's if you can get in.

 

[Redwes25]

Heading to Brooklyn today for a couple days. What's the best Italian restaurant on that side of the bridge?

Where in Brooklyn you going to be? Lots of great Italian places. My favorite is Frankie's 457 but there are many different styles of Italian in Brooklyn from 50s old school to newer places like Frankie's and Roberta's, which was also mentioned.

 

[jamny]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

 

[Koya]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

As it's a touristy day, the store window displays should be in full effect. Have some good ones there, 5th avenue incl. Bergdoff just south of the Park. Even a jaded NYer has to appreciate, and the chicks generally love them.

 

[jamny]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

As it's a touristy day, the store window displays should be in full effect. Have some good ones there, 5th avenue incl. Bergdoff just south of the Park. Even a jaded NYer has to appreciate, and the chicks generally love them.

My wife hates shopping. She's not really into chick things.

 

[fantasycurse42]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

That sounds like a ton of activities. The city will be chaos on Friday with all of the touristy stuff, so I think you already have a full plate! I always like walking through the FAO Schwartz right over there around Christmas though, that place is awesome.I like Smith and Wolensky, but have you ever been to Strip House? I've been to the one on 12th st 10x, but not once to the one on 44th st. Might be worth checking out. I think it's the best steakhouse in the city, better than Del Frisco's for sure, even though tons of people credit it as the best.

 

[jamny]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

That sounds like a ton of activities. The city will be chaos on Friday with all of the touristy stuff, so I think you already have a full plate! I always like walking through the FAO Schwartz right over there around Christmas though, that place is awesome.I like Smith and Wolensky, but have you ever been to Strip House? I've been to the one on 12th st 10x, but not once to the one on 44th st. Might be worth checking out. I think it's the best steakhouse in the city, better than Del Frisco's for sure, even though tons of people credit it as the best.

It's really just MOMA, walking around the park and head to dinner. Just looking for something else to throw in there. Might just stick with a pub crawl.

We've been to most NY steakhouses and always go back to S&W as our favorite, especially the vibe on the grill side. Keens, Uncle Jack's and The Palm are up there but don't top it, imo.

eta: won't go near FAO, on that day especially.

 

[Major]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

That sounds like a ton of activities. The city will be chaos on Friday with all of the touristy stuff, so I think you already have a full plate! I always like walking through the FAO Schwartz right over there around Christmas though, that place is awesome.I like Smith and Wolensky, but have you ever been to Strip House? I've been to the one on 12th st 10x, but not once to the one on 44th st. Might be worth checking out. I think it's the best steakhouse in the city, better than Del Frisco's for sure, even though tons of people credit it as the best.

It's really just MOMA, walking around the park and head to dinner. Just looking for something else to throw in there. Might just stick with a pub crawl.

We've been to most NY steakhouses and always go back to S&W as our favorite, especially the vibe on the grill side. Keens, Uncle Jack's and The Palm are up there but don't top it, imo.

eta: won't go near FAO, on that day especially.

I'd hit Colombus Circle to that Bouchon Bakery. Really nice view and good food you can snack on. That restaurant in the MOMA is great but if you're doing steak later, no need. I think it's also Free on Fridays so the Moma can be a bit of a cluster f. For drink in the area, a spot called Rum House (http://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/rum-house is good. Also a number of cheaper bars along 9th avenue in Hells Kitchen.

 

[Christo]

I'm taking my Mom to Manhattan for her Christmas present. We tried for tickets to Kelly & Michael but it doesn't look like we made it. She's a gamer, but I can't just keep her drunk in bars the whole time. We are seeing the Rockettes. What's other good Mom stuff to do?

Other than pizza, of course. We'll be trying that stuff a lot. I hear it's the best.

 

[jamny]

We're heading into the city on Friday. Probably see the tree, go to MOMA (she's never been) walk around the park and end up at Smith and Wollensky's.(our favorite steakhouse) Obviously a very touristy day. Hitting some pubs/wine bars along the way. Anything else you can think of to spice it up around that area? Not into clubs/dancing. Maybe a little jazz. We were hoping the Planetarium still did a music laser show but it's all documentary type shows now. Doesn't have to involve music. Comedy? We'll be taking an express bus in and I'm trying to avoid the subway so as not to remind her why she's sick of the city. lol. It's not easy getting her back in on a day off.

That sounds like a ton of activities. The city will be chaos on Friday with all of the touristy stuff, so I think you already have a full plate! I always like walking through the FAO Schwartz right over there around Christmas though, that place is awesome.I like Smith and Wolensky, but have you ever been to Strip House? I've been to the one on 12th st 10x, but not once to the one on 44th st. Might be worth checking out. I think it's the best steakhouse in the city, better than Del Frisco's for sure, even though tons of people credit it as the best.

It's really just MOMA, walking around the park and head to dinner. Just looking for something else to throw in there. Might just stick with a pub crawl.

We've been to most NY steakhouses and always go back to S&W as our favorite, especially the vibe on the grill side. Keens, Uncle Jack's and The Palm are up there but don't top it, imo.

eta: won't go near FAO, on that day especially.

I'd hit Colombus Circle to that Bouchon Bakery. Really nice view and good food you can snack on. That restaurant in the MOMA is great but if you're doing steak later, no need. I think it's also Free on Fridays so the Moma can be a bit of a cluster f. For drink in the area, a spot called Rum House (http://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/rum-house is good. Also a number of cheaper bars along 9th avenue in Hells Kitchen.

Yikes. Scared me with the free MOMA. Just checked and, as I thought, it's only free at night on Friday. Don't think we would have went if it was free all day. Rum House sounds like a stop!.Thx.

 

[jamny]

I'm taking my Mom to Manhattan for her Christmas present. We tried for tickets to Kelly & Michael but it doesn't look like we made it. She's a gamer, but I can't just keep her drunk in bars the whole time. We are seeing the Rockettes. What's other good Mom stuff to do?

Other than pizza, of course. We'll be trying that stuff a lot. I hear it's the best.

The restaurant The View at the Marriott Marquis is on a revolving rooftop so you can watch the skyline pass by as you eat. Or just for a couple of drinks. My Mom loved it.

 

[Christo]

I'm taking my Mom to Manhattan for her Christmas present. We tried for tickets to Kelly & Michael but it doesn't look like we made it. She's a gamer, but I can't just keep her drunk in bars the whole time. We are seeing the Rockettes. What's other good Mom stuff to do?

Other than pizza, of course. We'll be trying that stuff a lot. I hear it's the best.

The restaurant The View at the Marriott Marquis is on a revolving rooftop so you can watch the skyline pass by as you eat. Or just for a couple of drinks. My Mom loved it.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I'm taking my Mom to Manhattan for her Christmas present. We tried for tickets to Kelly & Michael but it doesn't look like we made it. She's a gamer, but I can't just keep her drunk in bars the whole time. We are seeing the Rockettes. What's other good Mom stuff to do?

Other than pizza, of course. We'll be trying that stuff a lot. I hear it's the best.

Patsy's on university near Union Square for pizza... If your unsatisfied I question your taste buds.

Take her to eat by the ice skating rink in Rockerfeller Center overlooking the tree. Half price broadway shows. Get out to Brooklyn Heights & walk along all of the newly built piers (1-6) - you can walk from dumbo to pier 6, probably a mile, mile and a half. Pretty amazing what the city has done with this area. Bryant Park ice skating rink, that area is perfect too & not quite the tourist trap as Rockerfeller Center.

 

[Christo]

I'm taking my Mom to Manhattan for her Christmas present. We tried for tickets to Kelly & Michael but it doesn't look like we made it. She's a gamer, but I can't just keep her drunk in bars the whole time. We are seeing the Rockettes. What's other good Mom stuff to do?

Other than pizza, of course. We'll be trying that stuff a lot. I hear it's the best.

Patsy's on university near Union Square for pizza... If your unsatisfied I question your taste buds.

Take her to eat by the ice skating rink in Rockerfeller Center overlooking the tree. Half price broadway shows. Get out to Brooklyn Heights & walk along all of the newly built piers (1-6) - you can walk from dumbo to pier 6, probably a mile, mile and a half. Pretty amazing what the city has done with this area. Bryant Park ice skating rink, that area is perfect too & not quite the tourist trap as Rockerfeller Center.

We're hitting Rockefeller & the tree for sure.