Boasting a relaxed vibe with a strong community bond, Crown Heights may have a less than glamorous past, yet it is a highly anticipated neighborhood with endless options of trendy activities. With a thriving stoop life and a wide variety of restaurants, enjoy the beautiful sights and fall in love with the local eateries the neighborhood has to offer.
Bordered from east to west with Howard Avenue and Washington Avenue and north to south with Atlantic Avenue and Empire Boulevard, Crown Heights can be underwhelming yet it does pack a big punch in terms of entertainment.
Accessibility
Going in and out of Crown Heights is surprisingly very flexible and quick (since it is in Brooklyn). With access to the (2, 3, 4, & 5) express subway lines, this ensures a fairly quick commute (about 20-30 minutes) when traveling to Manhattan. However traveling within Crown Heights poses a few problems if you are not one of the lucky few traveling along Eastern Parkway or Nostrand Avenue.
Never fear, though, the bus provides effective transportation above ground. For vertical travel, the (B17, B43, & B44) bus will be your commute savior, taking you up and down all around Crown Heights. Going east to west, the (B45 & B12) buses will provide simple horizontal travel.
Other than these options, walking will be your best bet; which is not so bad since Crown Heights offers picture perfect Snapchat views without a filter. Walk along the beautiful long walkways as runners whiz by and dogs try to lick your shoes; Crown Heights is, honestly, best viewed with your 10 toes and 2 feet.
Lifestyle
With a multitude of up and coming restaurants and the beautiful Prospect Park right next door, Crown Heights is a foodie’s candy store and a photographer’s dream. You’ll find residents sitting on the stoop of their apartments while enjoying the best bakeries Brooklyn has to offer, and joggers running along the pathway at Prospect Park chugging their Gatorade water bottle. While many may mistake this neighborhood diamond to be a mere pebble, a huge influx of trendy restaurants and bars have popped up along Franklin Avenue, effectively making it the “hippest” street in all of Brooklyn.
Bars & Restaurants
What defines a neighborhood? People? Buildings? In my opinion, I think it’s food. While the lifestyle of Crown Heights may be relaxing, it’s eating scene is far from calm. One example is Mayfield; featuring food with a lot of soul and love, this iconic restaurant is a favorite among locals and claimed to be the best restaurant in Brooklyn. We would have to agree; I mean, with dollar oyster happy hour, they’ve already surpassed all expectation. Other favorites include Silver Rice (we always need to include sushi on this list) with the ingenious Silver Rice Cups providing sushi on the go, sushi is always a chopstick away.
When restaurants and eating can’t fill the party void inside your heart, bars will sure to suffice. Office favorites include Franklin Park, which is a great beer garden that offers more than just a great drink. Enjoy a live DJ, trivia games, a fireplace, and huge outdoor space for those just wanting to drink outside in the fresh air. Our second (but still pretty great) spot is The Crown Inn. Providing delectable cocktails and a fine variety of whiskey, this bar is perfect for any gathering (as long as they include drinking).
Cost
Coming in as New York’s more affordable neighborhoods, Crown Heights median rent comes out to $2,540 as of August 2016 compared to Manhattan’s $5,737. However, there is a strong shift in the real estate market for Crown Heights’ real estate market. The price for homes in the neighborhood has been steadily increasing in the past few years; therefore, if you have ever wanted to live in Brooklyn now could be the time.
Final Verdict
Crown Heights has a lot to offer. In terms of Prospect Park’s endless grasslands, the best restaurants in Brooklyn, and some of the most genuine people, Crown Heights has it all. Come for the organic feel that Prospect Park has to offer then stay for a while and enjoy a restaurant…or two.
