This three-bedroom duplex in Carroll Gardens has a roof deck, but is it worth the rent?
The roof deck is a big selling point for this unit.
Dwell Residential
Carroll Gardens is among the most coveted neighborhoods in Brooklyn and yet, we're on the fence about this three-bedroom duplex rental with a private roof deck.
The deck is nice, but the actual apartment lacks character and seems to have an odd layout. On the other hand, there are two bathrooms.
As always when questioning the value and charm of New York City apartment listings, we turn to our Take It Or Leave It experts—myself (new to the gig!), Constantine Valhouli, founder of real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX, and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald—to weigh in.
So, is this apartment worth renting? First, the basics:
Size: Three bedrooms, two baths
Location: 395 Smith St., between Third and Fourth streets, Carroll Gardens
Price: $4,995
Days on the market: 47
Flexible layout: No
Subway: F and G at Carroll Street
Pros and cons
"For me, the charming staircase and deck with views make all other issues seem like minutia. Duplex living and outdoor space makes this a win-win. Oh, and the neighborhood, with all the dining options in Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, and Red Hook, can't be beat. Cons include an awkward kitchen and horrible baseboard heating."—Georgia
"I wanted to love this quirky three-bedroom because of the outdoor space alone, but then I got annoyed: There's a ladder-like staircase to the upper floor where the bedrooms are, and one's set up for a baby. I can't imagine climbing those steps with a little one. And the kitchen is so thrown together that it's truly outrageous for nearly $5,000 per month (plus broker fee)."—Lambeth
"This unit is at the very edge of Gowanus and Carroll Gardens—you literally could toss a frisbee back and forth across neighborhood boundaries from your roof deck. And both of these neighborhoods are wonderful, especially during the summer. It is also not in one of the major flood zones—it's in Hurricane Evacuation Zone 4, on a scale of 1 to 6, with 1 being the most vulnerable.
"Here are some cons: the apartment is spacious but kind of meh. It is a duplex, which offers a bit more privacy, but the photos don't suggest any real point of view in the design or renovation."—Constantine
Who this apartment would be perfect for
"Friends who love to dine out and invite friends over for wine under the setting sun. Yes, I'm daydreaming now."—Georgia
"Friends itching to experience the greater Gowanus area."—Lambeth
"Three roommates (two bathrooms, yay!) who are ready to move on from their own studio apartments into a larger space for entertaining friends."—Constantine
The verdict
TAKE IT: "The price is high but not for where it is. The amenities are top notch."—Georgia
LEAVE IT: "Did you see where the fridge is located?"—Lambeth
TAKE IT: "Take it!"—Constantine
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