Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY
About Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Sheepshead Bay is a residential neighborhood in South Brooklyn. The neighborhood is bounded by Kings Highway to the north, Ocean Parkway to the west, Nostrand Avenue and Gerritsen Avenue to the east and Atlantic Avenue to the south. Sheepshead Bay is surrounded by Brighton Beach to the west, Midwood to the north, and Gerritsen Beach to the east.
The calm, coastal neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of local bars and attractions. It’s known for its Slavic and Chinese enclaves as well as Turkish, Albanian, and Hispanic communities. It was known as Brooklyn’s riviera in the late 19th century – and featured hotels, casinos and a racetrack along the river. Today it’s a multicultural, seaside community. Plenty of trendy shops and restaurants can be found along Emmons Avenue, across from the marinas where local boats are docked. It’s a lowkey yet authentic New York City neighborhood that is secluded from much of the gentrification occurring in other parts of the borough.
History of Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay is both the name of the actual bay and the neighborhood itself. Sheepshead is a type of fish that can be found in the murky waters of the coast of the Brooklyn neighborhood. The community began as a summer destination for residents of Brooklyn and Manhattan. It was also known as a great location for fishing. The first wave of residential development came in the late 19th Century with the opening of Ocean Parkway and the extension of the Long Island Railroad. The Sheepshead Bay Racetrack opened in the neighborhood in 1880, attracting even more thrill-seekers and vacationers. During the 20th Century, Brighton Beach and Sheepshead Bay became a haven for Jewish and Soviet immigrants. Today, the culture in Sheepshead Bay is largely shaped by this Soviet influence.
Demographics of Sheepshead Bay
There are about 120,000 people currently living in Sheepshead Bay. It’s primarily a white neighborhood. Sixty percent of residents identify as white, 21% identify as Asian and 11% identify as Hispanic. Residents tend to be older. Only 30% of residents are under the age of 24 and 42% are over the age of 45. It’s a middle class to upper-middle-class neighborhood and the median household income is around $62,000 per year.
Transportation in Sheepshead Bay
There are a few transportation options available to Sheepshead Bay residents. The B and Q trains of the NYC subway system make stops at Avenue U, Neck Road, Kings Highway, and the Sheepshead Bay station. The B3, B4, B36, B44, B44SBS, B49 and BM3 NYC buses also make stops in Sheepshead Bay. Ocean Avenue and Nostrand Avenue are two major thoroughfares that provide drivers a way out of New York and Shore Greenway – which leads into Belt Parkway, a major highway – is at the end of Eamon Ave.
Housing in Sheepshead Bay
The housing in Sheepshead Bay is a mixture of six to seven-story apartment buildings, brick rowhouses, detached single-family homes, and a palatial mansion along Ocean Parkway. The neighborhood has changed a lot over the years and new developments have sprouted up along the oceanfront. One notable development is 1 Brooklyn Bay condominiums – a glass high rise with 56 luxury condos. In Sheepshead Bay, single-family homes are sandwiched between large, brick apartment buildings, so you have your pick of the litter as to what style of home you’re looking for. Brick row houses and tudor style homes are more common closer to the beach, whereas large multifamily apartment buildings dominate the areas more inland.
Neighborhood Life in Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay has the vibe of a small beach town in the middle of the city. Residents can often be found fishing or hanging out along the docks. There’s no actual beach in Sheepshead Bay, but Brighton Beach is close by and residents often make the trek to enjoy a mild summer day. There is a quaint shopping district along Emmons Avenue and Sheepshead Bay Road that features trendy boutiques and great local haunts. Some of the best Slavic restaurants in the city can be found in Sheepshead Bay. Avenue U is also home to Sheepshead Bay’s Chinatown and residents can enjoy some of the best Cantonese food in NYC in this district.
Similar Neighborhoods to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Real Estate Trends in Sheepshead Bay
Sheepshead Bay is a great place to buy if you’re looking for an affordable unit in Brooklyn. Its distance from Manhattan keeps property values low, even though new development and changes in the makeup of the neighborhood have crept in over the last decade. The median price of a home in Sheepshead Bay is around $415,000. Property values have increased by about 65% over the past 5 years. Sheepshead Bay is a great community for those who love the sea breeze but don’t want to leave New York City.
The Truth About Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
How Safe is Sheepshead Bay?
Sheepshead Bay is safe. The area is patrolled by the 61st Precinct of the NYPD, who has reported a steep drop off in crime since the 1990s. Sheepshead Bay is largely isolated from much of the tourist traffic and population-dense areas that normally attract crime. Most residents report that crime is minimal or that some crime occurs but doesn’t detract from the livability of the neighborhood. The areas near the boardwalk can get crowded during peak season and some petty crime is known to occur. Residents should always be on alert, but overall, it’s a safe neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Sheepshead Bay Good?
Yes, the schools in Sheepshead Bay are decent. PS 206 Joseph F Lamb, PS 254 Dag Hammarskjold, PS 52 Sheepshead Bay and PS 209 Margaret are all elementary schools in the neighborhood that rate well in terms of test scores and student to teacher ratio. IS 98 Bay Academy is likewise a well-rated middle school in Sheepshead Bay – Plus, PS 209, and PS206 also offer 6-8 in addition to PK-5. James Madison High School and Sheepshead Bay High School are two public high schools in the neighborhood. However, students are permitted to apply for any public high school in the city.
Popular Eateries in Sheepshead Bay
Things to Do in Sheepshead Bay
Go shopping along Emmons Ave, there are plenty of hip retail outlets and markets like Cherry Gourmet – a high-end Italian supermarket
Go fishing along the shore, Sheepshead bay is a popular destination for fishermen
Spend the day on the beach, Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach are both within walking distance
Go to Coney Island, the world-famous amusement park is just a few blocks away.
See a movie at Regal IMAX Sheepshead Bay on Shore Parkway
Check out the Russian Baths on Neck Road, the bathhouse also features a spa and sports bar
Is Sheepshead Bay Dog Friendly?
Yes, Sheepshead Bay is generally good for dogs. Every building has its own rules when it comes to pets. But the nearby beaches and quiet, residential streets provide ample space to bring canine companions to exercise on a nice day. Parks are limited, but there are plenty of other options for dog owners living in Sheepshead Bay.
Is Sheepshead Bay Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Sheepshead Bay is good for cycling. The traffic is calm, and the transportation options are somewhat limited. There is a bicycle shop on Coney Island Avenue called Roy’s Sheepshead Cycle for those looking to purchase or repair a bike. Plus, there are bike lanes on the major roads and the side streets are calm enough that most cyclists can handle the traffic. Novices may want to avoid Emmons Ave or any other area near the water, but experienced cyclists will be fine.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn
Residents may want to bone up on their Russian before moving to the neighborhood – many signs are in Russian and you’ll hear the language frequently
The commute to Manhattan takes about an hour, so be prepared if you need to get into the city
Parking can be tough to find for those without a driveway or garage