djsky73

Greenwich Village must be at the top of my list of favorite places to hang out, shop, eat, or just sight see. There is so much culture here, the UN would be jealous. A nice stroll down 6th Avenue downward offers a plethora of coffee shops, diners, and stores. Make a right onto West 4th Street and you got yourself into the heart of cozy places where my favorite one, Mona Lisa's, has the best cheesecake in town. The decor is not too shabby either.
Southwest of Washington Square Park is a mecca of the New York University crowd, especially Bleeker Street. Stop by the Corner Cafe for a cup of tea out of an iron tea pot, it hits the spot. Or just come to Greenwich Village, stroll around to satisfy your fix for anything that is currently on your mind. You will definately find it in this neighborhood.

Bensonhurst to a lot of people still remains Brooklyn's "Little Italy", however, in the past 10-15 years I personally consider it to be "Great Diversified City Along The River And Beyond". What used to be (and for the most part still is) a dominantly Italian neighborhood, has seen an influx of Russian, Chinese and Hispanic residents. Bensonhurst, in my opinion, is defined by two major thoroghfares: Bay Parkway and 18th Avenue. Both of these major avenues stretch as far as Ceasar's Bay, which is at the end of both, bumping right into the water. Bay Parkway is noisy, busy, but very pleasing in its abundance of shops, pizzerias, and more stores of all kinds once you get to 86th Street. 18th Avenue has more retail and clothing stores but is also very busy as well.
Bensonhurst is a safe place to live for the most part. Rent however is not cheap. Be prepaired to fork out almost a $1000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Lofts for sale have been on a rise as well in Bensonhurst, which may not be ideal for families with kids. And on that note, schools have a lot to offer as well. I loved FDR High School on 20th Ave. when I went there. There are several Junior High schools in the area too.

Overall, Bensonhurst is a great place to live. As long as you don't mind it a little noisy. There is a lot of culture in this area and pleanty more to do. Move in, check it out for yourself!!!