East of Brownsville and west of Lindenwood and Woodhaven lies Brooklyn’s East New York. East New York is a large community, containing within its borders the smaller neighborhoods of City Line, New Lots, Spring Creek, Cypress Hills, Starrett City, and Highland Park. Encompassing a total area of almost 2.5 square miles, East New York is also pleasantly under crowded, with a much lower population density than most of the rest of Brooklyn. It is also a youthful population, featuring a large number of young families.
After years of suffering from a negative reputation, East New York has recently been undergoing a process of rejuvenation and gentrification. Heavily subsidized multi-unit townhouses and apartment buildings have been or are in the process of being erected on vacant lots throughout the community, offering lots of opportunities for affordable housing. Along with this influx of government-sponsored housing has come a wide array of commercial ventures to serve the increasing population. Many of these are now located in the Gateway Center, a shopping mall featuring chain retailers and restaurants such as Target, Red Lobster, BJ’s, Marshall’s, and many more. Aside from these large stores and restaurants, East New York features lots and lots of smaller, independent shops and restaurants, all throughout the community.
As these commercial ventures and other businesses and corporate offices have established themselves in East New York, they have brought many employment opportunities with them. As of today, the majority of workers in East New York have jobs in the service, sales, or office-worker industries.
One of the nicest attractions in East New York is the Highland Park. Created early in the 20th century, Highland Park has been a premier site for all sorts of recreation. The park includes football fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, open fields, and a pond which is converted into a skating rink in the winter.
Considering its significant size, it is no surprise that East New York is serviced by a wide variety of subway and bus lines. Depending on where exactly you are in East New York, you may have the option of taking the A, C, J, L, Z, 2, 3, 4, or 5 subway lines. Buses which makes stops in East New York include the B6, B12, B13, B14, B15, B18, B20, B82, B83, Q7, Q8, Q20, Q24, and Q56. Additionally, the LIRR stops in East New York.
Schools are plentiful in East New York. Most are public schools, but there are also private and charter schools, as well as daycares and nurseries. Churches are also commonplace, serving a wide range of denominations.
With its affordable housing, increasing consumer and employment opportunities, and room for continued growth and expansion, East New York is an excellent option for those looking to remain in Brooklyn while avoiding the high costs of living in other, already-gentrified communities.