Yorkville resident moves to Ridgewood and loves it

Beautiful Ridgewood, Queens

Brick Underground published a little piece on writer Stephanie L. Davis’s own “escape from New York” – Manhattan’s Yorkville, that is – and her eventual arrival in Ridgewood… though she proclaims her part of the 11385 area code (GMAP) is really Bushwick, and has nicknamed her part of the neighborhood “Queenswick” – as it’s on the border between Queens and Brooklyn.

So why did she move? She got sick of such things as the increasing cost of living during a stagnant economy; lack of cultural diversity; over-crowded 6 train (yep, we’ve been there); too many chains (e.g. Starbucks, Dominos, 7 Eleven); the landlord; and her tiny $1515/month studio. So, she contacted a realtor and they suggested Ridgewood, explaining that it is an “up and coming” neighborhood. Davis moved into a two bedroom apartment – it has outdoor space, is on a floor in a townhouse, and is closing her $1,500/month. Not much less than what she was paying in Yorkville but she has scads and scads more space.

Things she likes about the neighborhood? It feels more like a neighborhood and she gets along with her neighbors; a 25 minute commute on the L from Myrtle Avenue/Wyckoff Ave; there’s less gentrification; and plenty of local spots to frequent, like the following:

There is no Starbucks or Dominos on every corner. Instead there are places like the Cozy Corner Tavern (I love a good dive bar with friendly staff and patrons), Gottscheer Hall (delicious German food and beers), Silent Barn (“a communal stew.” DIY art and music venue), Mesa Azteca (tasty margaritas and Mexican chow. Try the “Bloody Maria”) and La Azteca Taqueria and Bakery (food and service is great and open late!).

She also doesn’t miss the fact that Ridgewood isn’t in an evacuation/flood zone (Yorkville is Zone B), good news for the time the next Hurricane Sandy decides to visit.

Yorkville to Ridgewood: Some conveniences are gone, but mom-and-pops (and space!) make up for it [Brick Underground]
Ridgewood’s Gottscheer Hall gets some love from Serious Eats [QNYC]
Mama Joy’s brings soul food to the Bushwick/Ridgewood border [QNYC]
Do you know where the border between Queens and Brooklyn lies? [QNYC]