Dyker Heights: An Up & Coming Brooklyn Neighborhood

Having lived in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn these past 15 years it's been a pleasure to see the increasing popularity of this little area. More and more new businesses along with some of the established chains have begun establishing themselves in this area recently which is always a sign that an area is becoming more prosperous. For the first 10 years of my stay in the Dyker Heights area it had the feel of a poor cousin to 'Bay Ridge' a mile down the road and that area's firmly established reputation for Real Estate, great shopping and a ton of restaurants catering for all tastes. Although certainly not on a par with that area's wide and diverse range of shops, restaurants and bars little Dyker Heights has in recent years become a place for young families to gravitate towards. Sitting midway between Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge this area is currently made up primarily of Italians, Chinese, and Russian.

Going back just 5 or 6 years I can't tell you how many times I've had problems taking a cab back to Dyker Heights either from 'JFK' or 'LaGuardia'. Simply trying to explain to Taxi-Drivers exactly where 'Dyker Heights' was located became a chore and I had to spend ½ the trip looking out the taxi-window saying things like 'Straight on', 'Off this exit', 'no, no, no!...turn right' etc.. My favorite lines were 'it's between Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge' or 'it's near the Verrazanno Bridge'. Of course if they didn't know where Bensonhurst, Bay Ridge or the Verrazanno Bridge were then you really were in trouble. But with the areas growing popularity and even though I haven't been on a plane in the past couple of years I suspect that more and more driver's will now have an idea of how to get here form the Airport.

It's a little cheaper to buy into Real Estate here than in Bay Ridge but you still have access to all the essential stores as well as nearby Transportation. There is a 10-15 minute walk to the nearest train station for the 'D' or 'M' line or if you're rich enough there is a quick walk (or a slow jog) to 86th Street to catch the Manhattan bound Buses. There is also access to many local buses for those who work in the neighborhood. The main shopping area for Dyker Heights is basically on 13th Avenue running from 86th Street down through into the low 70's. Amongst the firms and businesses established here are HSBC Bank, which has a wonderfully amiable little branch on 74th Street and 13th Avenue but there are other banks also. Dunkin Donuts & Baskin Robbins have just recently opened up a branch on 13th Avenue as has a fancy Spa/Beauty place, innumerable Nail Salons, Hairdressers, Pizza Joints a great little Pet Store with excellent grooming facilities. There are Italian, Greek, Chinese restaurants along with regular Diner type eateries, 'Lou G's Ice/Ice-Cream Store'. There's the best Pastry shop in Brooklyn called 'Tasty Pastry' which always serves up fresh baked goods as well as sugar-free items. There is a Church and plenty of Schools in the area also. The streets are kept relatively clean and the crime rate is relatively low. Amazingly there's no sign of a 'Starbucks' opening up yet but I'm sure we'll see one in the near future.

For relaxation and sports there's a big open park 'Dyker Heights Park' (what else) on 86th Street & 14th Avenue with many amenities. There's 'bouls' for the older generation, Basketball and Handball courts for the more active souls which runs alongside a rubber re-enforced kiddy playground for those children who don't bounce naturally. The field itself has 3 or 4 baseball Diamonds and a full Soccer/Football pitch with plenty of room left over for any other games or team sports you may want to try. It's also a great place to take your kids and/or dog (as I do) and just relax in the sun. There is a very well kept Golf Course next to the park with ample parking which costs approx. $30.00 for a round.

Dyker Heights main claim to fame had always been it's Christmas Lights which amazingly enough come out at Christmas and it's a big local tourist attraction at that time of year with many excellent displays that run up the hillier sections of Dyker Heights with numerous joyful children looking to sit on some fat old man's lap and beg their case for toys. There are plans afoot to have new Zoning Laws which would restrict what new buildings could be built as well as height restrictions so as to be in keeping with the area and stop too much character being lost. It's nice to see an area getting ahead. Growing in stature whilst remaining calm, quiet and pleasant. Here's hoping for more good things in Dyker Heights future.