Neighborhood: Kensington
Population: A residential, family-oriented neighborhood, it’s so quiet you can hear the trees rustle. Still pretty populous, though; 50,152 people live here, and population density is 65,257 people per square mile (Brooklyn: 34,917 people per square mile).
Adjacent Neighborhoods: Borough Park, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Prospect Park South, Windsor Terrace
Public Transit: F/G train to Church Ave; Ditmas Ave; 18th Ave; B/Q to Beverley Rd; Cortelyou Rd; Newkirk Ave.
What’s Here?: Kensington has yet to “up-and-come” like some other Brooklyn neighborhoods, but it’s not far: the Victorian-style homes, abundance of greenery, and easygoing, family-friendly feel, is the perfect respite for anyone eager to break away from all that Brooklyn bustle. In the last few years, a few bars and lounges have opened, adding a little spice to K-Town’s nightlife. Check out The Castello Plan, a live music venue and restaurant, as well as the twofers Bar Chord, a combo guitar shop and event space, and Sycamore, flower shop by-day, bar by-night.
Flat or Tall?: Primarily residential, Kensington features a variety of residential properties: two-family townhouses, Victorian stand-alones, row-houses and brownstones.
History: Like so many Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods, Kensington was settled by the Dutch, and eventually incorporated by the English, hence its proper British-sounding name (The streets are similarly named: Argyle, Westminster, Stratford…). In the years since, a steady stream of immigrants have come to the neighborhood, and now people from every part of the world call the area home. Nearby Flatbush is home to many Caribbeans, while Midwood, to the south, has many residents from Eastern Europe. Expect to find a blend of culture, cuisine, and architecture in this quintessentially New York neighborhood.
Activities: You’re just a short jaunt to Prospect Park, where there’s a carousel, swan-filled pond, and miles and miles to run or walk. In addition, there are several festivals sponsored by local community organizations. Check out kensingtonbk.com for more info.
Check it out: The Dogwood, a Southern-style restaurant on Church Avenue, has just expanded its hours to include brunch. Nearby is LARK Cafe, which hosts a monthly reading series every third Sunday with New York-based authors.
