I know people love to hate Park Slope for its strollers, but I’ve rarely had a problem with it. If anything, I find the family-oriented atmosphere of Park Slope less pretentious than that of some other neighborhoods in the city, even though I’m single.

I don’t think anyone has mentioned these places yet, but Carroll Gardens is also very popular. There are tons of bars, trendy restaurants, and boutiques up and down Smith St.

Boerum Hill and Gowanus kind of fall in-between the more well-known neighborhoods. From what I’ve seen, walking through those neighborhoods, they’re quieter, a little more rough around the edges but possibly cheaper.

I’d also recommend taking a look at what’s been dubbed “South Slope,” the neighborhood just south of Park Slope, around Greenwood Cemetary. I used to live there, and I found it to be more space for the money, though the neighborhood is more residential and there are fewer public transportation options.

Oh, and I know someone who lives in Kensington, right off the F train, south of Windsor Terrace. Again, it’s more space for the money, but more residential. As my friend puts it, he feels like he has to “commute” to where the action is (coffee shops, etc.)

But if you have a car though, the more residential, out-of-the-way neighborhoods might be better in terms of finding a parking space.

Good luck!