East New York

East New York is the latest neighborhood to ride the wave of real estate development. It sits between Jamaica Avenue to the north and Jamaica Bay to the south. On the west it’s bordered by Van Sinderen and Williams avenues and to the east by Eldert Lane . One of the most attractive aspects of the neighborhood, which covers almost two square miles, is its many public transportation options: The A, C, J, L and Z trains converge at Broadway Junction, which is also a LIRR stop for trains running between Atlantic Center and Jamaica . The 3 train runs into the area from the south.

The rapid development of the past few years has improved and enhanced the area considerably. The neighborhood is home to significant populations of African and Caribbean Americans, Russian Jews and Bangladeshis. Thanks to the rich and lively diversity, you’ll find a variety of ethnic restaurants, from Latin to Nigerian to Bangladeshi, as well as block parties and street festivals throughout the summer. Farmers’ markets also take place regularly from the warm months through November. The area’s vibrancy was amped up in April 2015 with the opening of reNew Lots, a marketplace and artist incubator that sits on 17,000 square feet of once-vacant lots. It features food and retail from 10 local entrepreneurs, exhibition space and community events.

When it comes to shopping, the Gateway Center features familiar stores (Home Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond, ShopRite and more.) Recently, upscale retailers like Nordstrom Rack have opened in the shopping center as well. Liberty Avenue is home to small businesses like clothing stores and hardware stores. Vendors at Aqueduct Flea Market sell clothing, food and vintage collectibles year-round.

Residents of East New York have a choice of hospitals, including Brookdale Hospital and Medical Center, which is ranked among the Best Regional Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. There are about 35 churches across 11 denominations in the area, but perhaps the best known is the Christian Cultural Center, the region’s largest evangelical church and one of the biggest independent churches in the country. East New York Elementary School of Excellence, East New York Middle School of Excellence and East New York Family Academy (6th through 12th grades) are among the public school options in the area. High schools include East New York High School of Transit Technology. Additionally, there are elementary school and middle school locations of Achievement First, a charter school.