Some students might think that Brooklyn is oh-so-far away, but Crown Heights, a north-central Brooklyn neighborhood, may lead one to reconsider.
Surrounded by other well-known Brooklyn districts, such as Prospect Heights, Flatbush and Brownsville, Crown Heights is a great location for those looking to leave Manhattan and still live in an area full of activity. Residents are never far from world-class cultural attractions like the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library and Prospect Park. Don’t worry about shopping and dining either — Park Slope, a popular neighborhood with great amenities, lies just to the west.
Crown Heights is home to a very diverse population, including people of African and Jewish descent. The Daily News went so far as to call Crown Heights the “Hasidic SoHo.” This cultural mix has resulted in an increasing number of cafes and restaurants featuring all types of cuisines. Many festivals, such as the West Indian Carnival, also add to the neighborhood’s cultural, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Crown Heights has something for every taste — row houses, some dating back to the 19th century, are typical in this region of Brooklyn, though you can also find Baroque-style houses and newly opened condominium buildings. The neighborhood has attracted artists and young professionals seeking more affordable living.
Express subway lines — the 2, 3, 4 and 5 trains — make the trip to other parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan quick, and a shuttle along Franklin Avenue allows travel through Brooklyn to the north and south.
— Luiza Monetti
