Crown Heights is one of Brooklyn’s most unique communities. East of Prospect Heights, north of Flatbush, and south of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights features beautiful buildings, tree-lined avenues, and also low-cost housing options. It is yet another Brooklyn neighborhood which has been experiencing a revival and increase in diversity over the past few years.
20 years ago, Crown Heights was comprised almost entirely by a large Caribbean-Islander and African-American population and a large, minority Hassidic Jewish population. Racial tensions reached a boiling point in 1991 with the outbreak of the infamous Crown Heights Riot. However, tremendous progress has been made since that period. Today, racial tension is drastically reduced, violent crimes have been consistently decreasing each year, and the area has become more ethnically diverse as other immigrant and native groups have begun to head to Crown Heights for its inexpensive cost of living and unique cultural makeup.
One of the best examples of the unique cultural backdrop which defines Crown Heights is the world-famous West Indian Carnival Parade. Held annually, this Parade is an exceptionally lively, festive event which attracts over 3.5 million participants each year! Additionally, Crown Heights is home to a variety of museums, such as the renowned Brooklyn Children’s Museum, as well as the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Also, Crown Heights is located very near picturesque Prospect Park.
Education is another strong point of the Crown Heights community. There are schools for children of all ages and inclinations. Crown Heights features a science academy, preparatory schools, parochial schools, and many public elementary, middle, and high schools.
Largely a residential area, Crown Heights features a huge array of stores and shops, ranging from chains like Associated Supermarkets and Barnes and Noble to independent retailers. Whatever products or services you’re interested in, Crown Heights will provide.
The subway lines which service Crown Heights are the 2, 3, 4 and 5—all extremely dependable and capable of taking you anywhere in New York. Bus lines servicing Crown Heights include the B14, B17, B46, B45, and B65—again, plenty of options to ensure maximum mobility.
A unique neighborhood with rich consumer and cultural offerings and affordable housing, Crown Heights is a wonderful community to live in, and it’s getting better and better each day.