Imagine a neighborhood with bright colorful streets, lots of old world shops, and restaurants. If it is possible to have an old-world-marry-young-professionals type of existence, then Carroll Gardens has all of it in abundance. Neighbors proclaim this one of the best walking neighborhood. The food here is great and there are small grocery stores to stop in for a drink as well as an abundance of pet stores, dog groomers, and vets.
Even with Carroll Gardens' near fairy tale existence, you will still have to deal with New York weather which can keep you indoors during the winter when storms hit. Very cold temperatures and snow are not uncommon, however, you will have a few days in the winter that are suitable for walking. Spring through fall are generally nice for walking with exception of hot, humid temperatures at the height of summer which you can easily avoid by walking early.
Carroll Gardens is flat with no elevation changes throughout the neighborhood anywhere. All you will find is pleasant walking throughout the residential and commercial areas. You won’t find any grass at all for your pup to use as what little there is is on private property behind large fences.
What you will find is that most of the streets here are lined with trees which means that summer walks should be much more comfortable for your dog’s feet. It still pays to be careful on the hottest days because even the shortest patch of concrete in the hot sun is enough to cause damage to the pads on your dog’s paws. Freezing concrete with ice can be equally as damaging, so if you should choose to let your dog walk in the winter, make sure to get them used to wearing shoes to protect them from frostbite.
There are other parks you can take your dog to where they can enjoy some grass, but you will need a car to reach them. Prospect Park is one of the closest and largest and it does allow your pup! Special off-leash hours allow access to large green meadows and even a beach for your dog to go swimming on. You can take your fluff ball to the park during regular hours as well, but you must keep them leashed and out of the water during these hours.