moving to SP

I really like the vibe up around the park by 7th ave. It's very quiet, not a lot of cars, not a lot of hustle and bustle (except by the pool in the summer.) I think the park itself is of course great, it's a really cool place just to chill out and take in the views.

Recently I've gotten into Ba Xuyen on 8th ave and 42nd st for the Banh Mi. This was something new to me and I'm into it. I guess the food in general is a great part of SP, there are lots of new things to try.

What I'd like to see in SP are some places for coffee or a drink. It seems like every other neighborhood has been overrun by coffee shops and bars but SP doesn't really have any.

Subject: Things I Like in Sunset Park

One of the best things in Sunset Park is the restaurant Eclipse. This is an upscale restaurant on 4th Avenue between 43rd & 44th Streets. Mexican & American food, with beer and WINE. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the food is delicious (and inexpensive). They even have vegetarian entrees. In nice weather you can eat outdoors in the back patio.

Chinatown has some good restaurants and good fresh produce stores (also inexpensive).

In the summer there is a farmers' market on 4th Avenue between 59th & 60th Streets. It starts after July 4th. Best peaches ever (when they're in season of course).

I could do with less litter and less loud radio playing (but that's only in the summer, and even then it's only on Friday & Saturday nights). I'm not crazy about all the 99 cent shops, but I'll admit I do shop in them.

I like the variety of people in the neighborhood. I like the view from the top of the park. I like the giant pool, though I rarely ever swim in it. I LOVE the area's brownstone architecture. And I know so many people here that I have a real sense of community. I've been here 8 years.

Why are YOU moving to Sunset Park? What do you like here?

You might also enjoy the great food to be had on 8th Avenue, whether in one of the restaurants or purchased by you (at a nice discount from Park Slope prices) at any of the many vegetable stores that line 8th. There are also some nice butchers (on 5th and on 8th avenues) especially if you like pork. Basic household needs are also less expensive than PS. We combine Costco shopping with much local buying. Much lower bill than when we were in the Slope.

I love the Coop, but I go to that strip of 8th Ave in the high 50s for fresh fish.
I love love love the Hong Kong Market on 8th Ave at 61st St - they have a couple butchers on duty all the time, and a dizzying array of frozen spring rolls, dumplings, and buns. On the otherside of the xpressway is Three Guys (or something like that) a monsterously large produce place.

And Ba Xuyen on 8th ave and 42nd st for Viet sandwiches.

Subject: its a cool nabe

I am also right on 41st street and I second the Eclipse restuarant mention.
there is not a lot going on around 4th avenue. I live on 41st street. The park is so beautiful and if you are into arty looking decrepit warehouses on 2nd avenue check out the waterfront. Its ghostly looking but I have taken walks by there just for the surreal quiet of being in a big city so desolate and isolated.

Great racial mix. I used to bartend, so I came home late at night 4 am etc and NEVER feared for my life. You will like it.

I've been robbed on my way home once three years ago, so I know not to take a leisure stroll when the sun is down. The neighborhood is really safe if you count everyone that is mature--the kids are something else though.

There are definitely things to like about Sunset, but there's no denying the litter / trash problem here. Especially on 5th Avenue on Sunday evenings, when it's completely out of control---a total sty.

Regarding crime, I'm sure that this neighborhood is pretty safe overall, but my experience is slightly tainted by the fact that it is the only neighborhood in Brooklyn where someone I love has been a victim of crime. (During the 13 years that I've lived in Brooklyn, I've lived in Cobble Hill, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, Bensonhurst, and Sunset Park---just to give you a sense of the context.) My wife was held up at knife-point, in broad daylight, in front of our apartment on 44th between 5th and 6th two years ago----on her birthday, no less. We're still here (she insisted), but my feelings about the place are definitely ambivalent because of her mugging.

Subject: Re: moving to SP

Raedog wrote: Hi, all. My husband and I plan to move to Sunset Park in February, to 41st Street a half block from the park. I'm excited about the move (from Park Slope, where we've been for about 10 years) and would love to see more Sunset Park residents weighing in on this site. So I'll put a very general question to the board: What are the things you like best about the neighborhood, and what do you like the least? Any takers?

Single white female, have lived here a year and a half, very safe, never even been stopped in the street for no good reason. It's cheap - the deli's still sell soda cans for 50c! The markets on 8th sell the best fruit and veg - adjacent fish shops on 8th between 58th and 59th are incredible and the fishmongers will prepare the fish/toads/eels for you in seconds (remember to tip). Sunset Park is unpretentious, safe, cheap and clean

The only thing I don't like is the honking, but maybe it's just on my street