For $2,300 a month, would you trek to this Carroll Gardens rental?

By Lucy Cohen Blatter | March 4, 2015 - 1:59PM

The recently renovated kitchen area is the highlight of this 1.5-bedroom Carroll Gardens walk-up, available for $2,300 a month. Its location in a neighborhood that encapsulates Brownstone Brooklyn (and is so full of great restaurants you might never use said kitchen) is another draw. However, pets aren't allowed, and the apartment is almost half a mile from the less-than-convenient F and G trains, and a full mile from the 2, 3, 4 and 5.

So is it worth considering? We asked our veteran renters, including RentHackr founder Zeb Dropkin, freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald, and myself, to weigh in for this week Take It or Leave It.

Size: 1.5-bed, 1-bath
Location: 144 Summit Street (between Henry and Hicks)
Cost: $2,300/mo
Flexible layout: Yes
Days on the market: 2
Subway: F, G to Carroll Street

Pros and Cons:

"This is a no-frills brownstone apartment that's got a full-sized bedroom and a small one that seems perfect for an office, though it could also be used as a small nursery since it has a window. The kitchen, which is really more of a kitchen wall, has been updated nicely, but the closets in the bedroom look old, and the ceiling fans, though a nice touch, aren't exactly the prettiest I've seen." - Lucy

"Here's a relatively affordable one-bedroom in a great Brooklyn neighborhood that's close to Manhattan. It's in a three-story building built in 1900, with no pets allowed. And third room seems too small to be a bedroom." - Zeb

"Looks like a lot of attention was paid to the kitchen reno in this heart-of-Carroll-Gardens one bed with den—I’d take it just for the backsplash and kitchen chandelier. On the downside, this looks to be a walk-up and that may be a non-negotiable for some." - Lambeth

Who would this apartment be perfect for?

"A fit person or couple, one of whom works from home, either full-time or on occasion." - Lucy

"This is a good spot for someone who can make use of that 'extra den' as a workspace or for frequent visitors, and for anyone who will thrive in this great neighborhood." - Zeb

"A maxed-out-on-Manhattan couple who wants to give this mellow neighborhood a try." - Lambeth

The Verdict(s):

LEAVE IT "The apartment isn't special enough. And the hikes—up the stairs and to the trains—are just a bit too much." - Lucy

TAKE IT "Only after looking at it, of course, but it could be a good place to call home." - Zeb

TAKE IT "Provided you don’t mind the fact that this place isn't quite a quick walk to public transportation—I’d deem it a hike, instead, especially if you want more subway options—plan on very long walks to Borough Hall." - Lambeth

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