Flatlands - Brooklyn, NY

Flatlands was inhabited first by Lenape Indians, and later, the land was taken over by the British who established vast vegetable and tobacco farms. Since the building of transportation systems in the area in the 19th century, the neighborhood has become primarily residential.

The Bridge Multicultural Project on Flatbush Avenue serves as an all-inclusive cultural center for residents and visitors. The Art Center is one of the more popular features of the center, with exhibitions that bridge the gap between cultures and ethnicities all over New York City. The center also addresses social-justice issues such as poverty and hunger.

There are no other art galleries or museums in the Flatlands neighborhood, so residents travel to neighboring towns or venture into Manhattan.

Locals enjoy the variety of seafood and Caribbean restaurants in the Flatlands area. A local favorite on Utica Avenue, Trelawni Place provides a casual dining experience. Patrons enjoy dishes such as the grass-fed jerk ribeye steak and arctic cajun salmon. However, the prices here are a little high compared to similar restaurants in the area.

Fish Eye Bar and Grill on Foster Avenue is another popular spot. The restaurant serves all types of dishes, from curry goat to shrimp and chicken pasta and green plantains. On Monday, the bar hosts a happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. with beer and drink specials. Comedy shows and live music keeps locals coming back every week.

A number of small bars sit scattered around the Flatlands. Head to Aura Bar and Lounge for a fancy cocktail and relaxed vibe. This hot spot, right on Avenue H, also features some great late-night food options, such as the popular jerk shrimp and the curry crab and dumpling.

Transportation in the Flatlands neighborhood can be a little tricky, since the area sits on the southern tip of Brooklyn, away from the subway lines and major highways. Shore Parkway runs along the water to the south of the neighborhood and connects to several interstates. Kings Highway also runs directly through the center of the neighborhood.

One subway line runs along the very northern tip of the neighborhood. The Flatbush Avenue station provides access to the 2 and 5 trains, with a $2.75 fare for a one-way ride. Many residents utilize cab services with fares starting at around $5 or Uber car services starting at around $7.

Prompt Parking Garage, located on Brooklyn Avenue on the west side of the Flatlands neighborhood, provides a secure option for parking a car. Walking and biking both prove to be very easy in the neighborhood, with bike lanes along the streets and crosswalks at most corners.

Flatlands has several parks within the neighborhood boundaries, including Power Playground on Avenue N that features basketball and handball courts. The park has playground equipment and is fenced in for safety. A sprinkler system lets kids cool off on hot summer days.

Meanwhile, Jacob Joffe Fields on the east side of the neighborhood has a playground and baseball fields. Basketball and handball courts are also available.

Both parks are free to use and welcome dogs on a leash. Due to the small size of both parks, there are no scheduled annual events held within either park's confines.

The cost of living in Flatlands is comparable to the surrounding neighborhoods in Brooklyn. A one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood averages $1,454 per month in rent.

Public transportation via bus or train costs a somewhat steep $2.75 per ride, and many residents do use a car to get around. Gas prices in Flatlands average around the same as the rest of New York City and about19 percent higher than the national average.

Beer at a local bar or restaurant can start at $3 for a regular can of domestic and go up to $8 or $9 for a specialty or craft brew.

The Flatlands neighborhood does not have many specialty boutique shops. GBC Boutique, located on 34th Street on the far northwestern edge of the neighborhood, sells men's and women's designer apparel and accessories. The shop is known for its trendy T-shirts appealing to a younger crowd.

At the southwest tip the neighborhood, locals and visitors to the area patronize Olga's Corset & Specialty Shop on Nostrand Avenue. This retailer has been around since the 1970s and remains an iconic shop in the neighborhood. Catering to women of all shapes and sizes, the shop sells intimates and swimwear. Customers also find regular and French-inspired corsets from well-known designers.

Several grocery stores serve the Flatlands neighborhood, including Key Fresh and Natural supermarket on Avenue H. This supermarket serves the residents in the north section. Folks residing in the southeast section of the neighborhood shop at Fine Fare Supermarket on Utica Avenue. No farmers markets operate in Flatlands, so residents travel to one of the surrounding neighborhoods to locate a Greenmarket that sells fresh produce and homemade products. The closest Greenmarket is on Cortelyou Road to the west, and it is open only on Sundays.