Hidden gems

New York is one of the most eclectic city that you will ever live in. It is full of diversity, intermingled cultures, and interesting neighborhoods. The one thing about New York neighborhoods is that they tend to have 'personalities' and reputations. Recently though, there has been a decided shift in certain personalities because of a version of urban sprawl that I would describe as 'hipster sprawl'.

I recently had to describe a 'hipster' to my mother and what I said was that a hipster is what would result if a bohemian and a yuppie had a child. They have a grungy, laissez-faire affect but with a higher level of disposable income than the original bohemians. They have become very trendy and when they settle into a neighborhood, that neighborhood tend to take on their characteristics to cater to them. The perfect example of this is Williamsburg. The neighborhood now has trendy restaurants and boutiques where bodegas and 'dollar stores' used to be.

But why are they 'moving into' neighborhoods? I surmise that the rent in Manhattan hoods that are popular, where they would LIKE to live, is still out of reach for anyone who professes to espouse a counter culture. So they move where they can afford. It started with neighborhoods like the L.E.S. and Harlem and then they started running out of real estate in Manhattan. That brought them to Brooklyn, my home.

I've already talked about Williamsburg but this weekend my wife and I literally stumbled upon RED HOOK! When I was growing up, you DID NOT venture into Red Hook without a purpose and a guide! Now it seems that this is the new place to hang out and there is a vibrant community growing down there. It's weird for me to say that I spent the day hanging out in Red Hook and I plan to go back with my daughter!! So it begs the question: what other hidden treasure troves am I missing out on?

These are my thoughts...what are yours?