East New York has faced decades of adversity, but it’s also filled with people and community groups who are working hard to improve life for approximately 180,000 residents. It’s a large area that contains Spring Creek Towers, formerly called Starrett City, the country’s largest affordable housing complex that’s practically a self-contained city. The neighborhood skirts Queens to the east, with Brownsville and Canarsie to the west, and Jamaica Bay lapping along the southern edge.
Steve Sallion, a broker with Daniel Gale Sotheby's, grew up in neighboring Brownsville. He points to the area’s transportation options, proximity to JFK Airport, lower density of homes, major development projects and strong community groups as a draw for first-time homeowners. “It’s one of the few value plays still left in Brooklyn in terms of home purchasing, so if your goal is to get in the door, it still provides that.”
Among recent changes to the neighborhood are the addition of a massive state park and a destination shopping mall. Upcoming projects include overhauling Broadway Junction, a major transfer point in nearby Cypress Hills, and developing master-planned communities with affordable housing.
East New York is a predominately working-class African-American community.
One of the latest additions to Spring Creek is the Fountain Seaview apartment complex.
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Below-average price points for a variety of housing
East New York is a mashup of residential, tree-lined streets with attached multifamily townhomes, zoned industrial blocks, 11 public housing developments, new construction and apartment buildings.
Eighty-one percent of residents rent, but buyers can find one-bedroom condos in a high-rise building starting around $300,000, while $500,000 is an approximate starting point for a modest three-bedroom brick townhome with a tiny front yard. Many also include driveways or garages. At the higher end, $1 million can buy an attached, multifamily Romanesque-style townhome. The median home price was $480,000 in 2024 — down 7 percent from the prior 12-month period — and many listings are targeted toward investors. Sallion shares that he often suggests the neighborhood to first-time homebuyers seeking an emerging area and a long-term investment. “East New York is a prime area where buyers can find a lot of home incentives to buy there,” he says, adding how major banks are focused on first-time homebuyers, offering assistance with aspects like closing costs. Sallion acknowledges how locals are concerned about major development projects and newcomers driving up housing prices. “It’s no secret that East New York is a community with one of the highest risks of displacement,” says Boris Santos, Treasurer of East New York Community Land Trust, in a statement.
Housing groups are trying to address that issue. For example, a spate of affordable new development is ongoing in the Spring Creek section near the Gateway Center, an outdoor mall that brought national chains to the neighborhood. Of note, Nehemiah Spring Creek is a multiphase master-planned community that aims to make homeownership accessible to more people. The partly completed project has been in the works since 1983 and currently offers reduced-priced, prefabricated townhomes via a lottery. It’s not the only one: Urban Village is another planned community over the next decade that will eventually occupy 10.5 acres in Spring Creek with homeownership units, a supermarket, daycare, performance arts center and more.
The newer single family row homes in Spring Creek are often finished in colorful siding.
MeadowWood East at Gateway is a condominium complex with parking in Spring Creek.
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Major Broadway Junction project and near JFK Airport
Numerous train lines serve East New York, including the 3 and 4 lines at New Lots and Van Siclen along Livonia Avenue and the A and C lines at Shepherd Avenue. It takes about 45 minutes to reach midtown Manhattan by subway. There’s a long-term plan to overhaul Broadway Junction Station in nearby Cypress Hills, a major hub and transfer point for the L, J, Z, A and C lines and the Long Island Rail Road. The improvements entail making it safer, more accessible and adding two pedestrian plazas. The project has a tentative 2030 completion date. Those living south of Linden Boulevard will find buses more convenient for getting around locally or commuting to Manhattan. Many residents also own cars and the Belt Parkway cuts through the southern tip of the neighborhood. JFK Airport in Queens is just five miles away.
Broadway Junction is a very busy subway station in East New York.
East New York has quick access to the Belt Parkway for easy travel.
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Top-performing charter schools focus on college
As with the rest of the city, residents of East New York have various options for schooling. Students are zoned for District 19, which includes the higher-performing Achievement First charter schools. Achievement First East New York Elementary School serves kindergarten through fourth grade, and grades five through eight can continue to the middle school before finishing at the charter high school. Great Schools ranks all three charters a seven out of 10. The schools aim to provide a safe environment, while the high school’s mission is to gain college acceptance for all seniors. Another option is the Academy for Young Writers, a small public school for grades six through 12, which emphasizes writing skills across all subjects; it’s rated a C-plus on Niche. Spring Creek Community School serves students in grades six through 12 in the Spring Creek section, with a C-plus rating from Niche.
Academy for Young Writers serves 6-12.
Achievement First East New York Elementary is a top public Charter School in East New York.
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Gateway Center offers destination shopping
Livonia Avenue runs underneath the elevated 3 train, where delis and discount stores abound and the elevated trains rumble overhead. But Gateway Center in the developing Spring Creek section is the main star, a popular outdoor mall with a few dozen chain stores, ShopRite and Dave and Buster’s; it opened in 2002 and represents East New York’s ongoing attempts to revive the neighborhood. This includes Fusion East for Caribbean and soul food dishes in a modern space. “You can still get a bit of the suburbs experience,” says Sallion about the chain mall, adding, “you don’t have a lot of options in Brooklyn where can actually drive and park.”
ShopRite is a favorite supermarket of some East New York residents.
Dave and Busters provides a spot for playing video games in East New York.
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The newer Shirley Chisholm State Park is a big deal
Parks and playgrounds are found throughout. But the largest green space is Shirley Chisholm State Park on the southern edge. It opened in 2019 and sprawls across 407 acres along Jamaica Bay. It’s built on former landfills, and now offers a fishing pier, tiny beaches, 10 miles of trails with loaner bikes and picnic areas. Pets aren’t allowed, and accessing it requires some work since the Belt Parkway separates it from the rest of East New York, but there is a dedicated bike lane to reach it. For indoor options, the NYPD Community Center offers aftercare and youth programs, like basketball leagues and graphic design classes.
Shirley Chisholm State Park is a 407-acre state park in East New York.
East New York residents play football on the big field in Linden Park.
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Active community groups for young people
“Obviously the neighborhood has had some challenges related to crime, but that’s changing, and a number of community groups are trying to address that issue and it has been getting better,” Sallion says. East New York Restoration is one of numerous groups serving the community and focuses on greening initiatives, like teaching young people about recycling, composting and renewable energy through hands-on projects. United Community Centers has been giving back to East New York for 60 years; its current projects involve operating the UCC Early Learning Center for 110 preschoolers and East New York Farms!, an expansive project that oversees four urban farms and runs a community-led farmer's market, the only neighborhood place to find organic produce. Thanks to its work, East New York currently has the most community farms in the city. “[East New York] is very welcoming to people who are committed to the community and trying to make the area cleaner and safer,” says Sallion. “There are a lot of community-oriented events to take back the community to make sure it’s great for kids and everybody.”
Children from the United Community Center help grow produce at the East New York Farm.
The East New York Farm addresses food justice in the community.
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Some crime rates are above the national average
Crime rates are above the national average for some categories, with a CAP score of six for homicide, robbery and assault with a weapon compared to the national average of four. Overall, the neighborhood scores a crime rating that matches the national average.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jessica Akde Elmazi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woodruff Playground
Basketball
Playground
Cypress Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Linden Park
Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Grace Playground
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Fresh Creek Nature Preserve
Trails
Nature Center
River
Sankofa Park
Basketball
Playground
City Line Park
Baseball/Softball
Skateboard
Trails
Highland Park Development
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Shirley Chisholm State Park
Bike Trails
Fishing
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
John F Kennedy International
12 min drive
Subway
New Lots Avenue (3,4 Line)
Subway
Van Siclen Avenue (3,4 Line)
Subway
Shepherd Avenue
Subway
Euclid Avenue
Subway
Grant Avenue
Subway
Van Siclen Avenue (A,C Line)
Bus
Liberty Av & Forbell St
Bus
Sutter Av & Ashford St
Bus
Shore Py En Eb & Pennsylvania Av
Bus
Wortman Av & Barbey St
Bus
Pennsylvania Av & Delmar Loop N
Bus
Pitkin Av & Autumn Av
Bus
Pennsylvania Av & Hornell Loop
East New York Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East New York, Brooklyn sell after 74 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in East New York, Brooklyn over the last 12 months is $575,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
371 Grant Avenue is a meticulously renovated 100% brick single family townhouse nestled on a beautiful tree lined street of the Cypress Hills/ City Line border line. Ideal for large families looking for space.Step into the expansive sun drenched, modern open concept living/dining area which provides great space for entertaining. Towards the rear of the first floor the elegant chefs
Space, style & modern luxury come together at 390 Essex Street!This meticulously renovated two family will captivate you from the moment you arrive with its warm & welcoming energy. Ideal for savvy real estate investors, or primary home owners alike! Perfect opportunity for buyers looking for space, plus amazing rental income to assist with mortgage payments. Offering a 3 bedroom
Welcome to this well-maintained single-family home nestled in the heart of East New York, Brooklyn. This classic residence features four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, offering a total of 1,332 square feet of comfortable living space. This home blends original charm with a functional layout that suits a variety of living needs.Inside, you'll find spacious rooms, a full basement for
Introducing 90 Milford Street—a beautifully maintained and spacious 2-family brick residence offering 2,880 sq ft of versatile living space in one of Brooklyn’s rapidly growing residential neighborhoods. Whether you’re an end-user or investor, this property blends functionality with elegance, offering substantial space, income potential, and high-end finishes.This legal two-family home
Welcome to this two-bedroom condominium in Meadowwood at Gateway West. This unit offers a chic aesthetic with natural sunlight flooding the expansive living room, which flows seamlessly into the dining area and adjacent galley-style kitchen, creating an open, airy atmosphere perfect for entertaining or relaxing. Both bedrooms are generously proportioned, with the master bedroom and second bedroom
Excellent Two Family Brick Row House Located near Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn, featuring 3 Bed, 1 Bath unit on 1st fl, 3 Bed, 1 Bath unit on 2nd fl and a Full finished Basement with separate outside entrance and a Bath. Currently, tenant occupied. House will be delivered vacant. Great Location! Walking distance to Buses, and all community amenities.
This East New York 5-bedroom home was strategically designed to give you the versatility to live your best life. Living in this light-filled residence will be an experience that will surely raise your bar.The triplex is a 5-Bed, 3.5-Bath home with a generous footprint. The living room is spacious with plenty of room for your dream retreat. The galley kitchen is amazing--a generous amount
Beautiful 2-Bedroom Apartment – Newly Renovated!This spacious and bright 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment offers modern updates, comfort, and convenience all in one. Perfectly located near major transit and shopping, this home is move-in ready! Apartment Features:Two large bedrooms with ample closet spaceNewly remodeled kitchen and bathroom with stylish
This East New York 5-bedroom home was strategically designed to give you the versatility to live your best life. Living in this light-filled residence will be an experience that will surely raise your bar.The triplex is a 5-Bed, 3.5-Bath home with a generous footprint. The living room is spacious with plenty of room for your dream retreat. The galley kitchen is amazing--a generous amount
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jessica Akde Elmazi,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
115,304
Median Age
39
Population Density
34 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,534
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$61,193
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.1%
College Graduates
15.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.7%
% Population in Labor Force
54.7%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
97/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
