Crown Heights has a lot going on. From the chaotic, commercial avenues of Nostrand and Utica to the wide, tree-lined esplanades of Eastern Parkway, the streets are always filled with locals shopping, catching up on the corner, and keeping tabs on neighbors. Walk down any of these streets and you're likely to find music playing from idling cars and bright Caribbean flags hanging from windows of apartment buildings. Every Labor Day, Crown Heights hosts the West Indian Day Parade, one of the city's largest annual street festivals which draws thousands of people from around the city and the world. The mix of people in such close proximity makes Crown Heights a fascinating microcosm of New York City. Living here, you'll be surrounded by a community with deep roots and rich heritage.
The Mood
The energy level in Crown Heights is high. At any time of day or night, locals are out and about. You're just as likely to find activity happening on the front stoop as at the local bar.
Heart of the Neighborhood
Nostrand Avenue is one of the neighborhood's busiest commercial strips. It's lined with everything from discount stores and storefront churches to trendy cocktail bars and coffee shops.
Neighborhood Quirk
A long-running spice factory on the south side of Eastern Parkway fills the neighborhood with whiffs of cumin and curry powder, but may be redeveloped into affordable housing.
Best Perk
There's nothing phony or contrived about Crown Heights. It is a genuine Brooklyn neighborhood full of heritage, history and pride. People from all walks of life call it home and coexist here.
Biggest Downside
Street traffic in Crown Heights is often loud and hectic and sometimes dangerous. Spanning six lanes, Eastern Parkway is a busy highway, and cars often drive fast down residential streets.
