Brighton Beach sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and is a part of Brooklyn. It has Coney Island to its west and affluent Manhattan Beach to its East. It has a number of historical attachments, and has an amazing variety of high rises and lower storied homes. It may be a long subway ride from Manhattan, but once there, it is easy to see why over 75,000 people love to call it home. Brighton Beach rentals offer some of the best ocean views and access to beaches of any place in the NYC area.
Early Beach Resort And Sporting Area
Brighton Beach began life as a resort in around 1868. It was, indeed, named after the beach resort located in Brighton, England, and for no particular reason other than there was a contest to give it a name. In those days, the Hotel Brighton was a grand place which attracted many wealthy people who would come out from Manhattan to be by the ocean and to go to the horse races. Brighton Beach rentals are now sought after by people who want to live and make homes in an area where their own language is spoken.
When transportation became easier and the wealthy drifted on out toward the Eastern end of Long Island to the Hamptons and other areas, Brighton Beach saw a distinct change in its population. Residents, by the 1950s, were largely Jewish-Americans, many of whom were concentration camp survivors. With them came Kosher businesses and retail shops. The Brighton Beach of today has a huge population of Russian Jews, Armenians and Georgians and the area is established as one of the largest Russian speaking areas in the country.
Little Odessa And Its Charms
Brighton Beach has long been called Little Odessa, since so many of its residents are from that region of Russia. Added to the mix in the area are many Muslim from Bangladesh and Pakistan, and many people from other regions of Eastern Europe. The main shopping area along the avenue and its cross streets can often feel as though it is a foreign country. The food stores, the restaurants and the shops all have distinct ethnic feels to them because they are owned by residents. The many Russian restaurants and night clubs harken back to another country and time and are favorite destinations for those who come from Manhattan just for dinner.
The older sections are comprised of old low storied apartment buildings and some houses, but as one gets nearer to the beach area, luxury high rises continue to be built.
Subway and bus service to Manhattan is now fast enough that the area is very commutable although many commute by car to other areas.
Brighton Beach is one of those places which seems like two different worlds. The here and now and another country far away. It has its own culture, radio and TV stations and slang. It’s quite simply wonderful if you’re up for it.
