Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

Historically known as a Russian community, Sheepshead Bay now has a far more diverse population. While the vast majority of the residents are still white, they come from a multitude of different countries and there is now a large Asian minority. The town's shops and restaurants, particularly those on Emmons Avenue, are reflective of the town's growing diversity. The housing options are also pretty diverse here: there are both attached and detached one- and two-family homes, as well as condos and co-ops. This is a waterfront community where you'll regularly see scenic cruise boats and fishing boats at the docks. It is also close to Manhattan Beach, Coney Island, and Brighton Beach. Public transportation options aren't as varied, but they are convenient, with two subway lines and express buses that run to the city. For drivers, Sheepshead Bay has easy access to the Belt Parkway. The school district is pretty good. P.S. 254 and P.S. 206 consistently report excellent scores, but the high school is just okay. A big draw for residents here is the town's affordable real estate prices, which dropped even more after the real estate boom ended. This isn't a cheap town, but homes here are relatively cheaper than comparable properties in other towns.

I used to live in this neighborhood with my ex husband who was Russian. It was the best place for me, great food, great shopping and perfect little homes. The subway was not far from where I lived on East 24th street, it was only about a five to ten minute walk. Not to mention it was within walking distance to the beach as well. Of course that is if you don't mind a brisk two to three mile walk, but I loved it so I really enjoyed going every weekend. With that there were also plenty of schools around for the kids and a mall also about two or so miles walking distance. Over all I would definitely live here again if given the opportunity.

Sheepshead Bay is named for the sheepshead fish that was once found in the bay’s waters. Although, when you meet locals in the area and ask, “why sheepshead” they will convincingly respond that Sheepshead was named due to the area’s shape - the shape of a sheep’s head.

What remains factual is that Sheepshead Bay is a bay that separates Brooklyn’s mainland, and New York City (from the eastern portion of Coney Island). At the western end of the bay is a Holocaust memorial park that is used all year long for commemorative events.

Subway service is throughout Sheepshead Bay and provided by BMT Brighton Line, with many local stops. There are several public schools that serve the community, including Sheepshead Bay High School, Bay Academy, and Shell Bank Intermediate. Private schools in the area include St. Mark’s, St. Edmond’s, Kingsborough Community College, and part of CUNY or City University of New York.

The waterfront area provides much of the areas condominium developments. Along Emmons Avenue is where you will find many of the restaurants. The piers in this area have active seafood markets and tour boats.

Sheepshead Bay is a nice neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York bordered by Coney Island. With beautiful views and a more classical New England feel. With prime real estate options, education, connectivity, and culture, Sheepshead Bay is a wonderful place to both live and to visit.

The heart Sheepshead Bay is the bay itself, a beautiful expanse of water filled with fish and boats. Piers, yachts, and private fishing boats are common to the area, and with the real estate boom and revitalization which occured during the late 2000s, Sheepshead Bay began to see an influx of residents, with the addition of several new apartment and condominiums all focused on the serene bay.

Real Estate in the neighborhood is varied, with apartments, brick row houses, and fantastic condominiums. Homes in the neighborhood sell for as much as $500-000-$600-000 while apartments are generally priced between as little $100,000 to $300,000. Renting in this neighborhood is always an option, as well as subletting, which can be done for as little as $800 per month.

Sheepshead Bay is a family neighborhood with several schools available for children of all ages. The nice homes as well as the stand-out educational facilities are a major attraction for people visiting this diverse area. Classically, Sheepshead Bay is populated by middle-class Russians, but over the years, the neighborhood has experienced a diversification, with a growing population of Spanish, Turkish, Chinese, and Middle Eastern residents.

The diversity certainly effects the offerings in the neighborhood in terms of food and entertainment. A majority of fine dining can be found Emmons Avenue, including several sea food restaurants, some selling the sheepshead fish the neighborhood is named for.

Seaport Plaza is a wonderful place to shop and to enjoy the neighborhood, and the Bay is a wonderful place for leisure throughout the year. Recreational fishing, sightseeing, and walks along the beach are most popularly done on Emmons Avenue, which borders the water.

Transportation throughout the neighborhood is made simple by the Brighton Beach bound B & Q trains stopping along the rail line at the Sheepshead Bay stop. Cars are popular in the neighborhood, as well.

Like most Brooklyn neighborhoods, this one is making a kind of real estate comeback, even if it wasn’t such a hot place to live in recent decades. This neighborhood is way out near Brighton Beach, so it isn’t exactly an easy commute to the city if that is what you require. This used to be the neighborhood where you could find Lundy’s – but that restaurant closed a couple of times and doesn’t seem to be anymore even if residents like to keep the rumors alive. This neighborhood isn’t exactly a tourist hot spot, but it’s a nice quiet neighborhood, close to…the beach.