Marine Park

Despite its name, Marine Park's biggest asset might well be land: the neighborhood is bordered by its namesake public park, which is Brooklyn's largest. This birders' paradise covers nearly 800 acres and includes the popular Salt Marsh Nature Center. Detached and semidetached homes abound, most dating back to the 1920s and 1930s and offering space and privacy. It's easy to see why generations of residents stick around. Most of the commercial activity, from shops to restaurants, centers on Flatbush Avenue. There is not much by way of nightlife, and a car is pretty much indispensable.