Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY
About Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
Tucked between Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Gravesend, Bensonhurst is known for its quiet streets, neat brick row houses, and thriving Italian-American and Chinese communities. The D train can whisk you to lower Manhattan in under 40 minutes and to Midtown in just under an hour, but Bensonhurst feels removed from the hustle and bustle of the city and features a laid back vibe that’s perfect for anyone looking for an unpretentious, tight-knit community..
Bensonhurst is home to some excellent restaurants along 18th Ave that showcase the area’s Italian and Chinese heritage. There isn’t much nightlife around here though, so head over to nearby Bay Ridge for all your late night party needs.
The History of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
The area now known as Borough Park was once home to the Lenape Canarsee, who farmed the hills of South Brooklyn for centuries until the Dutch arrived in the mid 1600s and formed the nearby village of Flatbush. This area remained largely rural until the late 1800s, when middle class families began to settle in Bensonhurst in order to be near the newly BMT elevated subway line on New Utrecht Ave. (today’s D train). Bensonhurst began to welcome a large influx of Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, and was soon considered Brooklyn’s unofficial “Little Italy.” Today, Borough Park is home to one of the largest Chinese-American communities in the City while still retaining its strong Italian-American heritage.
Bensonhurst Demographics
There were about 98,500 people living in Bensonhurst in 2018. About forty percent of them identified as white (primarily Italian descent), whereas another forty percent identified as Asian (mostly of Chinese origin). There is also a sizable Mexican-American community. The median household income is \$51,268, slightly lower than the NYC average of \$60,762. There are slightly more families with young children here than in other neighborhoods.
Transportation in the Bensonhurst
The neighborhood is well-served by the D train, which runs on an elevated track along New Utrecht Ave and 86th St and can get you to lower Manhattan in about 40 minutes. Homes along the eastern border of the neighborhood also have access to the N and F trains, with comparable commutes.
Housing in Bensonhurst
Housing in Bensonhurst is exemplified but the brick-clad duplex with small front porch, and about a quarter of all households here live in a two-family home. There are also more single-family townhomes here than in other neighborhoods, although most housing units are still located within large apartment buildings. There hasn’t been a lot of construction around here in recent decades, and the majority of buildings were constructed before WWII.
Neighborhood Life in Bensonhurst
Bensonhurst is primarily a residential neighborhood, but you’ll find a lively collection of shops and restaurants along 18th Ave, many of which cater to the local Italian American community. There’s a handful of Italian restaurants and delis around, including Lenny’s Pizza—made famous by the film Saturday Night Fever. A lot of families have been living in Bensonhurst for decades, and you’ll often find neighbors congregated on their front porches and balconies in this tight-knit community. Strict building regulations help ensure that you won’t be saying any big high rises anytime soon, although you may spot a few 4-5 story apartment buildings cropping up along New Utrecht Avenue and Bay Pkwy. There isn’t too much nightlife around here save for the occasional bar along 18th Ave, but you can head over to nearby Bay Ridge for your choice of nightclubs, bars, and hookah lounges.
Similar Neighborhoods to Bensonhurst
Bensonhurst Real Estate Trends
Bensonhurst has seen average home prices increase by 18 percent over the past five years, well above the citywide average of 13 percent and the borough-wide average of 10 percent. The lack of new development means there isn’t much new inventory around here. The market has recently favored buyers for two-bedroom homes, where a typical home for sale stays on the market for 115 days. The average home in Bensonhurst currently fetches $1.4 million.
The Truth You Should Know About Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
How safe is Bensonhurst?
Crime in Bensonhurst is well below average. The streets are generally safe but pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing Bay Pkwy, which can be home to speeding cars and trucks.
Are the Schools in Bensonhurst Good?
Schools in Bensonhurst are above average. P.S. 154 ranks high on citywide school quality measures, and English and Math test scores are in the top 10% among schools across the city. That said, District 20 (which includes Bensonhurst) is the most overcrowded school district in Brooklyn, with over a dozen nearby elementary schools either at or over capacity as of the 2017-18 school year.
Popular Eateries in Bensonhurst?
Although this area is largely residential, there are still some great restaurants around here.
What to Do in Bensonhurst?
The Chinese Lunar New Year parade marches down 18 Ave. every winter.
In August, the Sicilian Feast of Santa Rosalia fills the avenue with carnival rides, vendors, and street food.
In October, the Columbus Day Parade features school marching bands, stilt walkers, and concludes with a cannoli-eating contest.
Is Bensonhurst Dog Friendly?
Not particularly. Dog ownership is very low and most rentals don’t allow pets, however there are a few dog parks scattered throughout the neighborhood, most notably at Leif Ericson Park near the border with Bay Ridge.
Is Bensonhurst Good for Cycling?
Unfortunately Bensonhurst does not have any designated bike lanes. That said, the area is relatively flat, and cyclists can easily get over to protected bike lanes along Bath Ave or along the beautiful Brooklyn Greenway, a protected bike trail that hugs the Brooklyn Shoreline from Coney Island to Sunset Park (with a planned extension to Greenpoint).
3 Things to Know Before Moving to the Bensonhurst, Brooklyn
The elevated D train is very loud - expect noise and vibrations in homes near New Utrecht Ave. and 86th St.
The Belt Parkway is one of the most congested roadways in the country, and also one of the most dangerous; in 2019, the roadway averages over 10 collisions per day.
The blocks around 60th St. and Bay Pkwy are set to undergo a rezoning, which could allow buildings of up to 10 stories in largely 2-story neighborhood.