Bay Ridge

Bay Ridge is a neighborhood in the southwest corner of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, USA. It is bound by 65th Street on the north, Interstate 278 on the east, and the Belt Parkway-Shore Road on the west. The southern border is 101st Street. The portion below 86th Street is a subsection called Fort Hamilton. A small area east of I-278, bounded by 7th Avenue, is also part of Bay Ridge. Bay Ridge is a largely middle-class neighborhood. With its strong family presence, it is not uncommon to see third or fourth generation families living in the area. About 20% of the current residents identify themselves as being of Italian descent, and another 20% identify themselves as being of Irish descent. There is also a large and active Greek American population. Several generations ago, the neighborhood was well known for its Scandinavian residents, and the neighborhood still contains several Scandinavian bakeries and hosts an annual Norwegian Day Parade. Since 1990, Bay Ridge has become a popular location for immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Bay Ridge residents enjoy a diversity of dining establishments, such as those lining 3rd Avenue, given the local nickname of "Restaurant Row". There is also a thriving bar scene, with residents frequenting the Irish pubs abounding along 3rd, 4th, and 5th Avenues, the main commercial strips of the neighborhood. Educational institutions include P.S. 102(the Bay View School), P.S. 185 (Walter Kassenbrock Elementary School), P.S. 104 (called the Fort Hamilton School), I.S. 30 (also known as Mary White Ovington), Fort Hamilton High School, High School of Telecommunications, Bay Ridge Preparatory School, Poly Prep Country Day School, Adelphi Academy, and Xaverian High School. Most recently, Bay Ridge has become known for its high elderly population. The area is serviced by the R train of the Fourth Avenue line of the New York City Subway, with stations at Bay Ridge Avenue, 77th Street, 86th Street and 95th Street. Bay Ridge is readily accessible by car, encircled by the Belt Parkway and Gowanus Expressway.