Gowanus

Long sustained by the industrial and shipping activity centered in its namesake canal, Gowanus has transformed into a residential and commercial hub. The arrival of Brooklyn's first Whole Foods in 2013 marked a turning point in its reinvention. Though it retains a gritty feel, Gowanus is the kind of place where hip restaurants, coffee joints, and Pilates studios cater to a growing professional population and a smattering of artists. Although it lacks green space, Gowanus's plentiful indoor activities include boulder climbing, archery, fencing, and even shuffleboard courts.