Borough Park - Brooklyn, NY

In the late 19th century, Borough Park mostly consisted of small cottages constructed by Electus Litchfield. Back then, it was known as Blythemore. Around 1860, a steam railroad (today's BMT West End Line) connected the area along its route from Greenwood Cemetery to Coney Island. When State Senator William H. Reynolds purchased land on the northeast side of Blythemore and named it Borough Park. Eventually, Blythemore was absorbed into this larger community. The neighborhood's first synagogue was built at the turn of the century, and the construction of the New Utrecht Avenue train line spurred more development after World War I.

The Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Children's Museum are only a few minutes away from Borough Park. Residents appreciate the annual Great GoogaMooga Festival in Prospect Park, only five minutes away. The event features live music, tasty food from local vendors, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Nearly everywhere you turn in Borough Park, there's a trendy restaurant just waiting for you to drop by. For the Chinese and Asian-fusion food lover, 8th Avenue offers dozens of eateries for your dining pleasure. Share a plate of kung pao chicken at Great Taste Dumpling or some tom yum soup at Mister HotSpot. Ba Xuyen creates inventive combinations of delectable Vietnamese food for extremely affordable prices. Indulge in hearty dishes like the beef stir fry and banh mi with warm bread. This is a cash-only establishment, so make sure you have the proper bills to pay for your meal.

Also on 8th Avenue, J. King Seafood Palace features tasty seafood and Cantonese entrees such as lobster sticky rice and homemade dim sum. Its scrumptious entrées and cozy ambiance make for an ideal date night.

Simon's BBQ is a renowned hot spot for lunch with its mouth-watering skewers of juicy meats such as lamb, beef, bacon and squid. Enjoy the extended late-night hours on Friday and Saturday nights for your midnight cravings, but be prepared for a long wait for this favored restaurant.

For a fun evening of karaoke, visit Cafe Mix Karaoke Lounge or 100 Fun. Soccer Tavern, located on 8th Avenue, entices locals with cheap beer and a casual atmosphere. Or enjoy a round of pool at New Era Billiard on 8th Avenue.

An extremely walkable area, Borough Park allows its residents to accomplish all of their daily errands by foot. Parking is sparse due the majority of locals choosing to walk or bike in the few accessible bike lanes. Though the neighborhood nestles close to Fort Hamilton Parkway and Ocean Parkway, residents also appreciate access to the New York City Subway BMT West End Line, which makes stops at 55th Street, 50th Street, and Fort Hamilton Parkway. LIRR's Atlantic Terminal station and plenty of available bus routes can also be utilized throughout the neighborhood. Close proximity to Fort Hamilton Parkway and Ocean Parkway are two perks of living in Borough Park. Call Uber, a popular taxi service, to schedule your next trip. For a normal taxi, make sure to call ahead, as hailing one from the street can be difficult.

Dome Playground's beautiful trees, handball and basketball courts, large playground area, and cozy benches make for an ideal place to picnic or to bring the family for some outdoor fun. Soak in the sunshine with your dog at this local hot spot, located between 38th and 39th streets. Gravesend Park, which borders the neighborhood on its southeast side, is named for the first English settlement in New York. This park has ball fields, basketball courts, handball courts, a playground, spray showers, fitness equipment, and roller hockey.

Travel just outside the neighborhood to the northeast and you'll find Prospect Park, a huge park with a variety of things to do. Prospect Park features picnic areas, ball courts and fields, a carousel, a band shell, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Prospect Park Zoo. The park also features a subway station and an outdoor farmers market called the Smorgasburg.

While the price of groceries in Borough Park parallels the whole of Long Island, housing expenditures rise above the average for New York. Borough Park predominately contains renters, with over 70 percent of residents choosing this option. Median rental rates average around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in Borough Park. Gas prices rise around 12 percent higher than the nation's average, while an imported beer will cost you about $7 and a $2.50 fare will take you to the heart of the city. Because of the relatively expensive housing prices, the cost of living in Borough Park is 10.6 percent higher than the whole of New York.

For the best of Borough Park's shopping, head over to 8th Avenue or 13th Avenue. The community sports an eclectic variety of boutiques and stores that showcase the charm of the area and the unique residents who reside there.

Sweety Shop sells quirky gifts, adorable jewelry, and specialty decoration items for the home. Browse the custom stationery or simply enjoy the wide selection of trinkets and accessories. Also on 8th Avenue, Honey Florist offers specialty arrangements of gorgeous flowers perfect for any occasion or budget.

Residents also frequent Judaica Eichler's Jewish Books & Gift, an intriguing store with a wide selection of anything and everything Judaica. The friendly staff has extensive knowledge and offers assistance with a smile.

Circus Fruits serves as a local place for groceries and household goods along Fort Hamilton Parkway. New York Mart and K & S Market on 8th Avenue, D. Coluccio & Sons and Breadberry on 60th Avenue also represent popular places to shop. Kosher Goat Milk sells fresh, kosher milk, yogurt, and goat milk soap.

Make the mundane shopping experience exciting by visiting Boro Park Greenmarket, which proudly offers cooking demonstrations, nutrition information, and many more family-friendly activities. Come to 49th Street every Thursday morning for orchard fruits, Latin American specialty foods, and friendly conversation with neighbors.