Bay 20th St, Bath Beach

This is a great neighborhood that has lots of local amenities. Best of all, it is close to water, you can easily hop on the Shore Parkway to get almost anywhere, and there's plenty of opportunity for bike riding along the paths that cling to the water's edge. You are fairly close to the subway stop at 18th Avenue and New Utrecht, so public transportation is good (in case you don't have a vehicle) and you're not far away from Dyker Beach Park, which has lots of greenery and a golf course. Shopping and restaurants are abundant on the Avenues that cross Bay 20th Street, and there's a very warm "neighborhood" feel wherever you go. Depending on where on Bay 20th Street you happen to be, you'll find mid-rise apartment buildings and older, lovely brownstones (going away from the water) and "newer" attached single family homes as you get closer to the parkway. Rents in this part of Brooklyn are pricier than other neighborhoods, but the convenience and cleanliness are probably worth the extra money you are expected to pay. This is a very good are in which to raise kids because there are so many family services (I noticed a LOT of pediatricians in the area) and the "vibe" is just very positive. Although I'm partial to the Midwood section of Brooklyn because I've spent most of my time there, I really like the Bay Ridge/Bensonhurst areas, too. Actually, any of the neighborhoods along the water are highly recommended.