Bensonhurst

If there were three words I would use to describe this area and its inhabitants, it would be foreign, unspeakable, and clueless. As an American having lived in many towns, I have to say Bensonhurst is a big disappointment. I lived here in the late 80's and 90's where the majority of folks were English speaking Americans and the businesses reflect the same American pride. Moved away to the suburbs of Long Island for 10 years then recently returned to the area (hopefully just for a short stay) and was shocked with what I saw. A majority of the folks are now non-English speaking foreigners who have rejected American culture (just walk down the main thoroughfares and all the American stores are fast disappearing. Plus have you seen the multitude of Chinese massage parlors on 18th avenue ?? ) In fact, most of the actions and behaviors of these foreigners would be condemned by mainstream educated American society. What happened to civility and manners? Was it really necessary to push someone out of the way in a subway car just to grab a seat ? Do "women" really have to dress like prostitutes and flash men on the subway?
Mind you I value diversity as much as the next person, but when a community is overwhelmingly chinese, russian, middle eastern, with a small trace of Italians, that does not spell diversity? Where are the caucasians? The african americans? The carribean-americans? Walk down the block and meeting an English speaking American is as rare as seeing a unicorn wearing a tutu. Point made.

Bensonhurst is an affordable, diverse, cultured and historic nature. While some newcomers may feel that Bensonhursters are cold will find with time that once accepted into the community there are few things neighbors and friends wont do to help you when you are in need.

One word of caution is for "wussies" or people who have a lot of bark but little bite. Bensonhurst is still a neighborhood revered for its tough guys. In general there are certain local rules regarding respect that are strictly enforced. Street fights are not uncommon and any engage in them over matters of power, respect, influence, etc. If you are not interested in fighting it is best to keep to yourself and ignore provokes. If you are a tough guy you should like the neighborhood and the "guy's guy" gritty nature, If you are someone who likes to mouth off, regardless of size and fighting experience, you will find plenty of experienced brawlers ready to do battle. So it is not advisable to think you can make comments that will go without a response. It doesnt matter who might be around including police. Men in Bensonhurst (especially white) pride themselves in defending a certain unwritten code of respect and conduct in the neighborhood that is strictly enforced,'

I would certainly say if I was a "wussie" I'd be uncomfortable living here.

There are a lot of beautiful Asian, Italian and Eastern European women in Bensonhurst who love their "bad boy" type men.

Only one other word of honest caution. Bensonhurst is diversifying and the neighborhood seems to embrace that. I have seen however numerous incidents of African-Americans being harrassed for being in the wrong neighborhood and know there are some street gangs jumping, robbing and badly beating intoxicated Mexican and Central American immigrants. For some reason some of the Italian and Eastern European men do not seem to like these groups on "their block."

Traditionally known as Brooklyn's Little Italy, Bensonhurst is a quiet residential neighborhood that is still predominately Italian, but that now has a more diverse population with large numbers of Asian, Middle Eastern, and Russian immigrants. During the last real estate boom, countless condos and housing developments were constructed, prompting homeowners to band together to stop overdevelopment of the neighborhood. As the foreclosure crisis tempered new developments, it also stabilized prices that had been skyrocketing. There are lots of small businesses, particularly on Bay Parkway, 18th Ave, and 86th Street, with a large number of ethnic shops and restaurants. There are still lots of Italian places in Bensonhurst; I love Villa Paradiso. There are also Italian cultural festivals and celebrations held in this town. The school district here is okay and it's improving a little each year. One reason for Bensonhurst's popularity is the reasonably short commute to Manhattan. There are three trains and lots of buses that run here. While most of the neighborhood has easy access to the Belt Parkway, it can be a traffic nightmare for driving commuters. Also, parking can be problematic, particularly in the town's busier areas. Overall, it's a pretty good and safe suburban neighborhood, but I'm not convinced that it's worth the money.

This is a neighborhood of almost half Chinese and half Russian. Also there are a lot of Italians living in there. You can find a lot of Chinese convenience stores and restaurants as well as several Italian Pizza stand on the south edge of the neighborhood where is the 86th Street. There are D and M trains running through the neighborhood, so basically you will always have a good commuting experience. This is a nice, quiet and safe neighborhood. I would recommend the area that is somewhat away from the subway line. I believe this is one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn where you will definitely like. One drawback of this neighborhood is that there are not many bars to hang out with your friends, so sometimes you guys have to take the train or walk a couple of blocks off the neighborhood to find a nice place where you all can grab a traditional Brooklyn brew and have a nice chat.

Bensonhurst to a lot of people still remains Brooklyn's "Little Italy", however, in the past 10-15 years I personally consider it to be "Great Diversified City Along The River And Beyond". What used to be (and for the most part still is) a dominantly Italian neighborhood, has seen an influx of Russian, Chinese and Hispanic residents. Bensonhurst, in my opinion, is defined by two major thoroghfares: Bay Parkway and 18th Avenue. Both of these major avenues stretch as far as Ceasar's Bay, which is at the end of both, bumping right into the water. Bay Parkway is noisy, busy, but very pleasing in its abundance of shops, pizzerias, and more stores of all kinds once you get to 86th Street. 18th Avenue has more retail and clothing stores but is also very busy as well.
Bensonhurst is a safe place to live for the most part. Rent however is not cheap. Be prepaired to fork out almost a $1000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Lofts for sale have been on a rise as well in Bensonhurst, which may not be ideal for families with kids. And on that note, schools have a lot to offer as well. I loved FDR High School on 20th Ave. when I went there. There are several Junior High schools in the area too.

Overall, Bensonhurst is a great place to live. As long as you don't mind it a little noisy. There is a lot of culture in this area and pleanty more to do. Move in, check it out for yourself!!!

Bensonhurst is a neighborhood along the southwestern portion of Brooklyn. It is adjoined by Coney Island, Bay Ridge, and Borough Park. The neighborhood was named after the former president of Brooklyn Gas, Arthur W. Benson.

The main thoroughfare in Bensonhurst is 86th Street between 14th Avenue and Stillwell Avenue. The area is lined with small, Italian family-owned businesses that have been established in the area for some time. Most of the businesses have been passed from generation to generation among family members.

The neighborhood has been undergoing some transformation for awhile now. Many of its neighborhood homes date back some 90 years, and are recently being torn down and replaced by three-story brick apartment buildings and multi-family homes. Due to the transformation, Bensonhurst is becoming a more integrated community, as more diverse populations are beginning to move in.

The area is busy during late August and early September, in part because of the colorful Santa Rosalia Festival that is held on 18th Avenue from Bay Ridge Parkway to 69th Street. This is an amazing festival to watch, and definitely worth coming into the neighborhood for.

Transportation is provided in Bensonhurst by the elevated BMT West End Line of the New York City Subway, making the area accessible to Manhattanites and the like.

This is the neighborhood for traditional Italian restaurants. There are too many to choose from and you cannot go wrong with home-style Italian that is not commercialized in any way. Most eateries and bakeries are found along the main thoroughfare and off-shoots.

Bensonhurst is a popular neighborhood of the borough of Brooklyn, New York. To many, this neighborhood is regarded as the “Little Italy” of Brooklyn, and with that title comes a culture steeped in respect, honor, and family values.

The history of Bensonhurst is closely linked with the larger Brooklyn history, having originally been the farmland of Dutch settlers. The farmland was eventually sold to entrepreneur Arthur W. Benson. Since then, Bensonhurst has had a heavy Italian population, including a heavy Italian-speaking population in residence there today. Due to this, pride is a major part of the Bensonhurst swagger, as neighborhood recognition and honor is an important aspect for many living here.

With time, the neighborhood has seen an influx of Chinese and Russian people to the neighborhood, but this has not done much to thwart the Italian dominance of the neighborhood. Real Estate in Bensonhurst varies in price as the changing shape of the neighborhood is beginning to effect offerings, which are now mainly in multiple family apartment buildings. Homes in the area range in price for $300,000 or more while renting and subletting is typically less than $2500.

This mainly Italian neighborhood is of course the best place outside of Little Italy to get authentic Italian food. 18th Street is the main thoroughfare lined with mom-and-pop stores, cafes, and bistros, perfect for any lunch or dinner. Shopping can be done along 86th Street, though its offerings are a bit outdated.

Beyond its heritage, Bensonhurst is famous for its festival of “The Feast”, also known as the Santa Rosalia Festival during late August and early September. Filled with culture and life, Bensonhurst is home to a very proud people who hold on to the dreams of their ancestors and remember their culture daily through sharing their rich culture with visitors.

Transportation:
The D, M N, & F subway lines at several stations serve the neighborhood of Bensonhurst keeping travel throughout the borough and the larger New York City metropolitan area fast and easy.

Dining:
Villabate Pasticceria & Bakery - 7117 Eighteenth Ave.
Trunzo Bros. - 6802 Eighteenth Ave