Mobile users, you may need to rotate your device or click the + sign above to see the full list of neighborhoods.
Myrtle Avenue: Brooklyn - Queens
Traversing the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, Myrtle Avenue cuts a scenic route through the neighborhoods of Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Ridgewood, Glendale, Forest Park, and Richmond Hill.
Follow the journey along the avenue from west to east, from sleepy Richmond Hill, Queens to the burgeoning skyline of Downtown Brooklyn.
Metropolitan Avenue slideshow:
The Avenue
Myrtle Avenue serves as a significant thoroughfare that connects the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens in New York City. Stretching across these two diverse and vibrant boroughs, Myrtle Avenue showcases the unique character and charm of each neighborhood it passes through. In Brooklyn, the avenue weaves its way through neighborhoods like Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, and Bushwick, where you can find a mix of historic brownstones, trendy art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene. As it crosses into Queens, Myrtle Avenue continues to impress with its diverse range of cultural offerings. The neighborhoods of Ridgewood and Glendale are known for their lively atmosphere, featuring an array of international cuisines, cozy cafes, and local shops. Whether you're exploring the Brooklyn side with its artistic flair or venturing into Queens for its multicultural vibrancy, Myrtle Avenue offers an exciting journey through two iconic boroughs, showcasing the best of both worlds.
The history of Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn and Queens is deeply intertwined with the development and growth of these boroughs. Originally, Myrtle Avenue began as a Native American trail that connected various settlements and waterways in the region. As European settlers arrived, the trail evolved into a major road, initially known as the Jamaica Turnpike. In the 19th century, with the rise of industrialization and urbanization, Myrtle Avenue became a bustling commercial corridor, lined with factories, shops, and residential buildings. The advent of the elevated train in the late 19th century brought increased accessibility to the area, attracting more residents and businesses. Over the years, Myrtle Avenue experienced periods of economic prosperity and decline, reflecting the broader trends and challenges faced by the surrounding neighborhoods. Today, the avenue has undergone significant revitalization efforts, with the preservation of historic buildings, the influx of new businesses, and the promotion of a diverse and vibrant community. Myrtle Avenue stands as a testament to the rich history and resilience of Brooklyn and Queens, continually evolving while retaining its unique character and serving as a vital hub for residents and visitors alike.
Myrtle Avenue, spanning Brooklyn and Queens, is home to numerous major landmarks and attractions that captivate both residents and visitors. In Brooklyn, one can find the iconic Pratt Institute, a renowned art and design college housed in a beautiful campus adorned with stunning architecture and sculpture gardens. Nearby, Fort Greene Park offers a serene retreat with its tree-lined paths, historic monuments, and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Moving into Queens, one notable landmark is the historic Ridgewood Theatre, a former movie palace that now stands as a cherished cultural icon. The neighborhood is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with colorful murals adorning the walls throughout the area. For those seeking culinary delights, Myrtle Avenue offers an array of diverse dining options, ranging from trendy cafes to family-owned restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Additionally, local shops and boutiques along the avenue provide a unique shopping experience, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans. Whether it's exploring artistic institutions, enjoying the beauty of nature, or immersing oneself in the cultural fabric of the neighborhoods, Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn and Queens presents an abundance of landmarks and attractions that make it a captivating destination.
Myrtle Avenue, spanning across Brooklyn and Queens, derives its name from the distinctive myrtle tree. The avenue was named after the common myrtle (Myrtus communis), an evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves and white flowers. The name was likely chosen due to the abundance of myrtle trees that once populated the area or as a tribute to the natural beauty they provided. Historically, naming streets and avenues after trees and plants was a common practice in New York City, as it helped to identify and distinguish different areas. The name "Myrtle Avenue" not only reflects the flora of the region but also carries a sense of tranquility and natural charm that has become synonymous with the neighborhoods it traverses.
Myrtle Avenue is an east-west road connecting several neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens. Originating in the gritty underpasses of Jamaica Avenue, Myrtle quickly becomes bucolic as is moves through the single-family homes of Richmond Hill and the towering trees of Forest Park.
While still mostly upscale, Glendale begins a transition from residential to commercial areas. It is at the Ridgewood border, however, that Myrtle begins to morph into an inner-city thoroughfare. The storefronts that began popping up in Glendale become ubiquitous as the density of buildings increases.
Moving from Ridgewood to Bushwick more transitions are in order. First, this is where Queens becomes Brooklyn. Second, this is where Myrtle returns to its Jamaica Avenue roots and hosts an elevated rail line aloft. And finally, under the shadowy girders, street art truly begins to flourish.
As you move from Bushwick to Bedford-Stuyvesant, the elevated rail ends and the skies open. Street art is still plentiful among the more open spaces bordering the Sumner and Tompkins Houses.
The final leg of Myrtle skips through three smaller neighborhoods. Clinton Hill is a classic Brooklyn neighborhood - filled with shops and eateries. Next Myrtle passes under the shade Fort Greene Park before plunging into the hustle and bustle of Downtown Brooklyn. Here is where you get a taste of Manhattan - but with a vibe that is all Brooklyn.
Neighborhoods visited on Myrtle Avenue:
Highlight Gallery
Click here for the full Myrtle Avenue photo gallery:
All photography provided by Samuel Walters