Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
About Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Dyker Heights is a quiet, residential neighborhood in the southwest part of Brooklyn. It’s general boundaries are Belt Parkway and the East River to the South, 14th Avenue to the East, Gowanus Expressway to the West and 65th Street to the North. It’s surrounded by Bay Ridge and Fort Hamilton to the West, Borough Park to the North and Bensonhurst to the East.
Dyker Heights began as a luxury community for professionals that worked in Manhattan, however it’s since transitioned into a quiet, middle class enclave. Detached single family homes are common and the neighborhood has a suburban ambiance that is rare for NYC. The Dyker Beach park and Golf Course is a major attraction. Residents enjoy a lifestyle removed from the grit and grime of NYC. It’s a neighborhood for middle class families that offers serenity and community that can be hard to find in urban environments.
History of Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights was designed as a luxury community for prominent New Yorkers. The development was envisioned by Frederick Johnson, and continued by his Walter L. Johnson after Frederick’s death. It was originally marketed to wealthy professionals who worked on Wall Street or Midtown. Amenities like the Dyker Heights Club and the Dyker Beach Golf Course attracted prominent residents to flock to the development and local newspapers declared it one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city. Over the years, the affluent came to occupy territories closer to Manhattan and Dyker Heights settled into its identity as a middle-class, suburban neighborhood.
Demographics of Dyker Heights
There are approximately 34,000 people who live in Dyker Heights. It’s evenly divided between white and Asian residents. Residents who identify as white make up 43% of the population, while residents who identify as Asian make up 42% of the population. There is also a considerable Hispanic community who make up 13% of the population. Age ranges are evenly distributed across groups because it’s a family oriented neighborhood. It’s a middle-class area with the median household income being approximately $64,000 per year.
Transportation in Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is fairly remote, which means transportation options are limited. There are no subway stops in the Dyker Heights neighborhood. However, the R train is accessible in Bay Ridge, the N and W trains are accessible in Borough Park and the D train is accessible in Bensonhurst. The B1, B4, B9, B16, B64, B70 and X28. Dyker Heights is also a driving community and the Belt Parkway and I-278 are also accessible for drivers.
Housing in Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is primarily impressive, single family homes and bungalows. Johnson and his son originally built 150 homes and about half of them remain. Many have been gutted, renovated and remodeled, while others have been demolished to make way for new condos and modern villas. Despite its picturesque architecture, the neighborhood has not been designated a historic district. Many residents love the stately architecture and have chosen to preserve the original integrity of the homes. Those looking for luxury condos or pre-war apartment buildings should look elsewhere. But those looking for a two to three story home with original detail will love Dyker Heights
Neighborhood Life in Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is not a hotbed of exciting entertainment and nightlife. It’s a quiet residential neighborhood where residents are looking to sacrifice the glitz and glam of urban living for the serenity of the suburbs. Dyker Beach and Golf Course is a popular attraction in the area and residents can often be found enjoying the day there. It’s also a neighborhood well known for its Christmas celebrations and visitors of the area can enjoy the festive lights spectacles around the holidays. Overall, Dyker Heights is a laid back, suburban area that offers peace and quiet rather than hustle and bustle.
Similar Neighborhoods to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Dyker Heights Real Estate Trends
Dyker Heights is somewhat pricier than the surrounding neighborhood but offers a lot of value for your money. The median home value is around $950,000. Prices have remained consistent for the past 5 years, only increasing by about 5%. Dyker Heights is a solid neighborhood for young professionals and families looking to buy a home. Property values are likely to remain consistent as it’s distance from Manhattan makes it tough for working professionals who need to commute to the city. You’re not likely to find a steal, but you are likely to find a house with a yard and square footage that is unheard of in other parts of New York City.
The Truth About Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Is Dyker Heights Safe?
Yes, Dyker Heights is quite safe. It’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn and experiences very little crime. It’s patrolled by the 68th Precinct of the NYPD, who has reported a significant drop-off in crime since the 1990s. It’s a secluded area that doesn’t get much tourist traffic from outside visitors and therefore there is little opportunity for criminal activity. Overall, residents report that crime is of little concern in the picturesque neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Dyker Heights Good?
Yes, the schools in Dyker Heights are highly rated. PS 176 Ovington and PS 126 McKinley Park are two elementary schools that rank highly in terms of test scores and student-teacher ratio. The JHS 201 Dyker Heights and JHS William McKinley are two highly rated middle schools in the neighborhood. There are no public high schools in Dyker Heights itself, but residents may apply for other schools in the NYC public school system. Plus, The AHRC Middle/High School, the St Ephrem School and the St. Bernadette School are all private schools in Dyker Heights.
Popular Eateries in Dyker Heights
Things to Do in Dyker Heights
Play a round of golf at the Dyker Beach Park and Golf Course
Drive through the neighborhood during the holidays and check out the famous Christmas Lights that adorn the residential homes
See an exhibit at the Harbor Defense Museum, the museum features fascinating exhibits on military artifacts
Have a drink at the Owl’s Head, a laid back wine bar on 74th Street
Is Dyker Heights Dog Friendly?
Yes, Dyker Heights is very dog friendly. The spacious, single family homes and quiet tree lined blocks are perfect for canine companions. The traffic is lowkey and the neighborhood is secluded enough to make it manageable for almost any animal. The Dyker Beach Park is the perfect place to bring furry friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Obviously it depends on the animal and the owner’s living quarters, but overall it’s very pet friendly for New York City.
Is Dyker Heights Good for Cycling?
Residents of Dyker Heights tend to drive or walk because it is a secluded residential neighborhood with little in the immediate vicinity. However, some residents do choose to bike. The quiet, tree lined blocks are easy to manage for most competent cyclists. Bike lanes are rare but sidewalks are everywhere and the pedestrian traffic is minimal. It’s not a neighborhood that’s hostile to cycling, but it isn’t a transportation method that’s common.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Dyker Heights, Brooklyn
Getting into the city on public transportation can be a nightmare. Those looking to commute should make arrangements or look elsewhere
Dyker Heights takes its Christmas lights tradition seriously. It may be wise to invest in some decorations if you plan to move to the neighborhood.