Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY
About Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
Bay Ridge is in the farthest southwest corner of Brooklyn, so expect long commutes to Manhattan. However, the upside of isolation is that the housing here is spacious and relatively affordable.
This neighborhood has classic Brooklyn charm--you’ll find plenty of unassuming mom-and-pop shops around, often reflecting the area’s Arab, Italian, and Irish heritage. It’s also a popular area with families, due to the good schools and suburban feel. It also has a popular waterfront park with fishing piers and stunning views of the Verrazano Bridge.
The History of Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge was initially home to the Lenape Canarsee tribe, who farmed and hunted this land for centuries. The Dutch formed the village of New Utrecht here in the 1600s but the area remained rural and relatively isolated until public transit brought a surge of development in the early 1900s. Traditionally known as an Italian and Irish immigrant neighborhood, Bay Ridge is now home to thriving Chinese, Russian, and Mexican communities as well.
Bay Ridge Demographics
In 2018, Bay Ridge was home to just over 78,000 people. There are large Irish and Italian American populations as well as sizable Mexican, Puerto Rican, Chinese, and Middle Eastern communities. About a quarter of households here consist of families with children. People here are more likely to hold an advanced degree than in other parts of the city, and almost half of all adults hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. The median household income is slightly higher than the NYC average.
Transportation in Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge residents rely primarily on the R train for public transportation, which runs beneath 4th Avenue and can get you to Manhattan in under 45-minute with transfers to an express train. Homes closer to the waterfront also have access to the ferry terminal at the pier at Bay Ridge Ave., which offers 40-minute trips to lower Manhattan. There is also express bus service to midtown along Shore Rd. Despite its remote location, the average Bay Ridge commute is on par with NYC averages at 42 minutes.
Housing in Bay Ridge
Thanks to construction regulations that control height and density in Bay Ridge, most of the neighborhood’s architecture is one- to two-family homes, which can rise up to only three floors. Some five- to eight-story apartment buildings are allowed along commercial parts of Bay Ridge, including 95th St and 4th Ave. More than a third of households here own their own homes.
Neighborhood Life in Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge had always been attractive to young families thanks to its spacious housing, quiet streets, good schools, and proximity to the Brooklyn waterfront. Many of the businesses have been here for decades, and the neighborhood has a very cozy, community-oriented feel. But don’t let the quiet reputation fool you - there is still plenty of nightlife to be had in Bay Ridge, as was famously memorialized in the film Saturday Night Fever. You can find a cluster of bars and lounges along 3rd, 4th, and 5th Aves. south of 86th St.
Similar Neighborhoods to Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge Real Estate Trends
Buying in Bay Ridge is almost half as expensive as the median cost in the borough. There isn’t as much new construction here as in other neighborhoods, although there are a few new condo high rises along 3rd and 4th Ave. in the upper 90s.
Bay Ridge Median Sale Price (USD):
1bd 350,000
2bd 560,000
The Truth You Should Know About Bay Ridge
How Safe is Bay Ridge?
Crime in Bay Ridge is below average. The streets are pretty safe however pedestrians should be cautious near highway on-ramps, where cars ten to careen onto surface roads with little regard for who may be walking.
Are the Schools in Bay Ridge Good?
Schools in Bay Ridge are generally ranked above average, such as the highly regarded Fort Hamilton School. That said, District 20 - which includes Bay Ridge - is the most overcrowded in the entire NYC school system. Plans are underway to expand some existing schools, including PS 127.
Popular Eateries in Bay Ridge?
What to Do in Bay Ridge?
Take your family along the Belt Parkway Promenade for superb views of the Verrazano Bridge, Staten Island, and FiDi.
Check out the volunteer-run Narrows Botanical Gardens, which hosts free outdoor movie screenings every summer.
Cheer on the marchers at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the second-largest in the city.
Is Bay Ridge Dog Friendly?
Somewhat. Dog owners enjoy easy access to seven enclosed dog runs, and Shore Park offers miles of trails to explore with your furry friends. Renters may have a hard time finding a suitable apartment though, as very few landlords allow pets.
Is Bay Ridge Good for Cycling?
Bay Ridge has some excellent bike lanes along 65th St., 72 St, Columbia Rd, and Ft. Hamilton Pkwy. The Belt Parkway Promenade is an excellent paved bike path that hugs the shore of New York Harbor and runs all the way to Bath Beach. Protected bike lanes are coming to 4th Avenue between 65th St. and Atlantic Ave., meaning that cyclists will be able to safely cruise all the way to Downtown Brooklyn.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Bay Ridge
In addition to height restrictions, homeowners must follow other regulations, including their yard’s size and landscaping as well as parking.
Bay Ridge sits nestled between the BQE and the Belt Parkway - most homes may experience some noise and vibrations. Belt Parkway is one of the most congested highways in the country.
Rising real estate prices threaten to push small businesses out of Bay Ridge, including some neighborhood favorites such as Kruchkow’s Shoe Store, which had to shutter its doors after 110 years.