Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Famous as the hometown of rap legend Notorious BIG (Jay-Z's grandmother also lived here), Bedford Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) is a large, predominantly African American community in central Brooklyn. However, during the past decade or so, the neighborhood has become increasingly diverse as the crime rate declined and the subway conditions improved. In particular, the number of white residents has multiplied exponentially. New condos and upscale housing developments have been constructed, and this is a strong area for renters. This community is filled with brownstone homes that are very competitively priced; prices here were always relatively low, but they dropped even more during the foreclosure crisis. However, this is such a large neighborhood with so many different kinds of homes that it's hard to say what the average price is. The neighborhood is becoming a popular choice with young professionals and students studying at Pratt, which is nearby. However, crime remains a concern for some prospective buyers as the neighborhood is having a tough time shaking its bad image. Still, this is a town with a lot of charm; there are diverse Zagat-rated restaurants and quaint stores, particularly on Lewis Avenue. There is great shopping at Fulton and Nostrand.

Bed-Stuy has a reputation for being a bad place. There are a lot of people living in poverty and in housing projects in this neighborhood, but there are also a lot of working class citizens and Pratt kids in the area. It's a rough place, and there has been plenty of gang activity here in the past.

However, gentrification is happening here - if a little slowly. This area will never be the next Williamsburg, though, and potential residents should be very careful about moving onto certain blocks (some are known gang spots). The worst areas are closer to Bushwick, or in the north side of the neighborhood.

Cute little groceries and cafes keep popping up here, especially in the area closer to Atlantic Avenue and Clinton Hill. Of course, this is the area that has been gentrified the most. Havana Outpost is in this area and attracts a huge crowd when it is open in the summertime, and the newly opened Hot Bird is just as popular with its huge outdoor (and indoor) space.

Bedford Stuyvesant, also referred to as Bed Stuy, is the largest black community in New York City. It is a moderate-income neighborhood with tree-lined streets and hundreds upon hundreds of well maintained brownstones, brick townhouses, and some amazingly historic architecture.

There are some great seasonal events in Bed Stuy, including the Fulton Avenue Fair which runs for three weeks every June and July; the International African Arts Festival in July; the Brownstones of Bed-Stuy House Tour each October; and the Weeksville Family Festival in August.

The G, M, J, A, and C subway lines serve most of the area, as well as the Franklin Avenue Shuttle. There are extensive bus routes throughout the neighborhood making Bed Stuy a very transportation friendly community.

Ben Stuy has 22 public elementary schools, 5 public junior highs, and 4 public high schools. There are also 12 private and parochial schools in the neighborhood.

Be sure to check out Peaches for your fried green tomatoes, shrimp, and grits. Located right in the middle of a protected historic district of brownstones will you find Peaches, a relaxed Southern style café with a takeout counter, high ceilings, big windows, and a patio strung with lights. Definitely worth a visit when dining out in Bed-Stuy.

Named for its original moniker as the Village of Bedford and the annexed adjacent neighborhood of Stuyvesant, Bedford-Stuyvesant, or “Bed-Stuy” as it is commonly referred to, is considered to be the “Harlem of Brooklyn.” Housing a mainly African-American population historically and presently, this urban neighborhood is home to a middle and working class, not to mention being the birthplace of a few notable people in the entertainment community, such as Chris Rock, and innovators in music namely in the realms of hip-hop and rap, including Jay-Z & the late Notorious B.I.G..

The history of this dynamic neighborhood is closely linked with the current “flight” seen in Brooklyn, as people looking for spacious apartments head to the outer boroughs. Prior to the phenomenon that would be seen in the 1930s, development and progress was a hallmark of this historic neighborhood. Following the end of the civil war and the freeing of the slaves, several African-Americans traveled north seeking jobs and a new life. Many headed to New York City, some settling in popular Harlem, and some in the neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. During that time, many of the inhabitants of the neighborhood worked in Manhattan and commuted back to Brooklyn, creating the composition of working class families. During the 1930s, as people began to desire larger apartments and homes and lower housing costs, many African-Americans moved from Harlem in uptown Manhattan to Bedford-Stuyvesant into the row houses, the neighborhood’s trademark.

As the economy declined, New York City was heavily impacted, as well as the neighborhood of Bed- Stuy. Riots, the infamous NYC Black Out, rampant crime, and unemployment affected the neighborhood to what some thought was an irrevocable degree. Today, however, Bed-Stuy has benefitted from a renaissance of community organization, gentrification spurred by the famous row houses, and crime on a steady decline, this once undesirable neighborhood is slowly being reborn. Various people from all walks of life are now choosing to call the changing Bed-Stuy their home, ranging from students to middle-class families.

Due to the culture of the neighborhood, all aspects of life, be it through entertainment or living, is impacted by the rich heritage and pride of its inhabitants. The music that was born in this neighborhood is the hallmark of the hip-hop and rap communities, not to mention the trends in common jargon and fashion that were born amongst its vibrant youth sweeping the nation. As with all the neighborhoods of NYC, there is a certain pride exhibited by its residents, and that is no different in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

Knowing Bed-Stuy:

Housing:
To gain residence in the illustrious row homes, you’ll need $500,000 or more. As with other sections of Brooklyn, subletting and renting individual units is possible, and will likely range from $2,000-5,000.

Transportation: The MTA J,M,Z,C,S, & G trains run throughout the neighborhood, making it easily accessible.

Restaurants & Entertainment:
Sputnik, 262 Taaffe Pl # 517
Cafe Naico, 705 Myrtle Ave
Le Chateau de Frenche Day Spa & Private Tea Room, 441 Tompkins Ave

Nightlife and Music:
Brown Sugar Club, 433 Marcus Garvey Blvd

Denim Lounge, 1223 Bedford Ave.
Amarachi Lounge 2.0, 325 Franklin Ave.

This is where Biggie Smalls grew up, and if you’ve ever listened to any of his music that will give you a rough picture of this neighborhood, even if times are a changin’. Gentrification began here in the beginning of this century, as hipsters, artists, and hangers-on began clustering around the cultural epicenter that is Williamsburg. These white kids are just looking for cheap rent, and they found it here (and it continues to be less what what you would pay in the Lower East Side). Since Americans have cut down on the crack, the crime rates in this neighborhood have been on the steady decline.
It’s here that you can find “the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Brooklyn” – the Imhotep Health and Vegan Restaurant. It’s inexpensive and charismatic, and they serve Caribbean versions of breakfast and lunch.