My Neighborhood: Greenpoint, Brooklyn

AWNY member and newly appointed Events and Membership Manager for AAA, Anna McCrea, tells us about her local area, Greenpoint. 

Where: Greenpoint is located in the northernmost point of the New York City borough of Brooklyn and is bordered by Williamsburg to the south and Long Island City, Queens to the north.

The Vibe: Known as Little Poland, Greenpoint is home to a large Polish immigrant and Polish-American community. This means AMAZING bakeries and butchers! My landlord and flat-mate are both Polish immigrants and I have never met more generous and open-hearted people (while also blunt and straight-to-the-point). Recent years have seen an influx of young students, artists and musicians move into the area due to the climbing rents of neighboring Williamsburg, so there is a fun hipster feel with great new bars, boutiques and brunch spots. With McCarren Park on the southern border you will also find an abundance of dog walkers, sporting groups, people on picnics, and couples pushing prams.  Over all it has a very chilled, family-friendly and relaxing vibe.

My Greenpoint picks: My favorite things about Greenpoint include the farmers markets at Msgr. McGolrick park, the string of Polish bakeries on Nassau Avenue, Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. for fresh produce or an intimate dine-in experience, Café Grumpy for a great flat white (also frequently featured in the TV show Girls), and the Australian-export No Lights No Lycra, the weekly feel-good dance party in the dark held at a local church basement on Russell Street. NLNL was something I went to regularly back home in Brisbane for a cheap and healthy weeknight activity, so I love having it right around the corner from me in New York.

Transport: Unless you are prepared to walk 15-20 minutes down to the Bedford L stop, the only line that runs through Greenpoint is the G, which is known for being slow and unreliable. However if weather is good, the walk by the park is great, and that I can get to most places in Manhattan within 30-40 minutes (this walk may not be as enjoyable in winter though).

What Greenpoint may lack in transport options is made up for with its parks, cafes and overall clean and friendly feel. Next time you are in Brooklyn pop up and pay Greenpoint a visit!