Sunset Park

Due to its location on New York Bay, the development of Sunset Park took off during the industrial boom of the 19th century. As a shipping center, it provided jobs for many working class immigrants – but lost the population when shipping cargo by trucks outpaced the use of boats and the shipping terminals closed down. The immigrants that live there now are predominantly Latin American and Chinese. There are tons of bodegas, and 8th avenue has developed into Brooklyn’s own Chinatown, packed with noodle houses, produce markets, and dim sum restaurants. Every year the street is blocked off for an elaborate celebration of the Chinese New Year. Thanks to its adjacent location, Sunset Park also houses a priced-out of Park Slope refugee population. Unlike most nabe monikers, Sunset Park’s actually has a basis in reality. It does include a large park, not to mention sharing a border with the rolling hills of Green-wood Cemetery. Furthermore, the elevated eastern half of the neighborhood looks out on the NY Harbor and Manhattan skyline and reveals excellent views of the sunset. Though the Gowanus Expressway essentially cuts the neighborhood off from the waterfront, it provides for easy vehicle access in and out of the area. And, you might not feel like you’re missing out when you’re floating in the huge free public pool that’s open all summer inside Sunset Park. Subway access to the neighborhood is handy since it includes both local and express stops D, M, N, R and (depending on where exactly you live) could be a little as 2 stops from the major Atlantic/Pacific transportation hub. Rents in Sunset Park reflect the encroachment of Park Slope, but are still remarkably less expensive. Development is less actively controlled in Sunset Park than its northern neighbor, which has led to greater diversity of housing stock. Apartment rental listings are varied in price and quality, and include everything from older railroad-style layout to luxury new construction. Apartments can be found inside larger developments as well as small townhouses. The median sales price for the area is $730K, but sales listings also include many variations, so flexible buyers may be able to find something significantly cheaper than average.