We’re all for exploring a new neighborhood and discovering all our favorite things to do there, like Astoria, Queens or SoHo, but if you haven’t fully explored your way through Brooklyn yet this new study will make you want to do so right away–one of its neighborhoods was just named one of the nicest places in America!
Reader’s Digest recently asked their readers to send them nominations for the nicest places they know around the country. Their editorial team then assessed each place carefully, whittling down the list along with a panel of judges to determine which would make it onto their list of the Nicest Places in America, which seeks to “uncover places where stories of kindness, respect, and community shine bright.”
And Brooklyn found its way onto the 8th iteration of the list, more specifically Fort Greene! Anchored by its 30-acre namesake park, Northwest Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood is a lovely tree-lined neighborhood filled with stunning brownstones, casual eateries, hip bars, and eclectic shops.
Some of our neighborhood favorites include Theodora, serving delicious wood-fired Mediterranean fare, the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket, open year-round and a great place to head to for local produce, and Imani Caribbean Kitchen & Bar, serving delicious Jamaican cuisine (though they’re sadly temporarily closed).
Reader’s Digest editor Caroline Fanning stated:
This diverse, fast-growing New York City neighborhood is changing. Locals strive to ensure it’s for the better.
Apparently Fort Greene apparently isn’t the nicest place in America, however–that title went to Provo, Utah (which, of course, we have to disagree with), replacing the 2023 winner of Buffalo, New York. Other finalists include Silver Spring, Maryland (Stevie Nicks would be so proud!), Cashiers, North Carolina, Butte, Montana, and Horseshoe Beach, Florida.
Chief Content Officer at Reader’s Digest stated:
Nicest Places highlights the kindness in our communities, celebrating humanity and encouragement during times of need.
The full ranking, as well as the opportunity to nominate a place yourself for the 2025 ranking, can be found here.