Our neighbor to the south has been around for quite a long time. Since 1662 when it was part of the town of New Utrecht. Sunset Park from around 39th street to 65th street was at one time a part of Bay Ridge. Indeed the Bay Ridge Post Office, the namesake of the neighborhood is still loacated in Sunset Park at 7th Ave. and 51st street. Today Bay Ridge comprises the area south of 65th street. It was at one time a neighborhood that was mainly setteled by immigrants from Norway, Finland and other Nordic countries. Indeed, the Norwegian day parade is still an annual event with Many coming from other parts of the metropolitan area to attend the parade.

Today the neighborhood boasts a sizeable Irish, Italian and Greek population. Until recent times Bay Ridge boatsted one of the largest Irish immigrant populations in the metro area. Like all the neghborhoods the area is quickly changing with the influx of Russian and Chinese immigrants into the area. In the last ten years the area south of 65th street and 5th Avenua has seen a growing Arab muslim population mostly of Palestinian background.

From almost any angle the main icon that can be seen is the massive Verazzano Narrows bridge which can also be seen from Sunset Park. The neighborhood boasts many fine restaurants along third avenue. In recent years the are along 5th Avenue has seen the rise of many upscale eating and dining establishments as well as many retail establishments that give the area an upscale trendy flavor.

Rather than duplicate what has already been written I will rather link to other sites that have a bit of the history of Bay Ridge. There is also more history to be had here. As this website takes shape over the coming months we hope to be writing and adding to the knowledge base of our southern neighbor. Feel free to comment and perhaps contribute articles of our area.