City life has always been appealing to me. From a young age, I knew I wanted to live in a big city, though I couldn’t have imagined I’d land in New York. The hustle and bustle of people moving from one place to another, the skyscrapers, and the energy were very enticing. But as I grew older, what I began to appreciate most from trips to nearby metropolitan areas was the neighborhood spots. Much more than a commodity, the small shops and stores were the essence of the neighborhood and, oftentimes, the life of the local scene.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Neighborhood bars, bistros

and shops are cultural

anchors and foster connection

Access to local amenities

boosts trust, safety,

and community satisfaction

Murals and local art

in shops and markets

highlight neighborhood identity

Gentrification threatens distinct

architecture and cherished gathering

spaces in neighborhoods

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From bars to bistros and taverns, coffee shops, and wine stores, the neighborhood spots have always been a place of solid ground for city dwellers like me. These smaller destinations are the heartbeat of neighborhoods, showcasing the elements that make them unique. I’ve lived in several major cities; originating from Baltimore, I spent time in DC and Philadelphia before moving to New York. In each, I’ve found comfort in the destinations off the beaten path.

The neighborhood spots don’t just have a special place in my heart for their charm. Most are owned by locals, born and raised in the area, adding a layer of warmth to the establishment. They’re also the places that champion women and Black-owned businesses, bringing a depth of culture to the streets that line the town. It’s not hard to see their importance, but in many areas, cherished spots are starting to disappear. As someone who’s attended their fair share of “last nights” before the doors are shut for good, I can attest to the shift these closures bring.

@timeoutnewyork

Want to explore Bed-Stuy like a local? Here’s your guide to the best Black-owned businesses in the neighborhood 🙌🏾 ☕️ Grab a coffee or a smoothie at Brklyn Blend 🌳 Take a lap at Herbert Von King Park 🍗 Get a chicken sandwich at Peaches HotHouse 🛍️ Spend a little coin at Sincerely Tommy , @peaceandriot and @Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits 🌯 Grab a snack at A&A Bake Doubles and Roti 🍷End the night at @deptofculturebk

♬ original sound – timeoutnewyork

The Sliding Scale of Gentrification

Gentrification is a strong word among historic and culturally relevant communities. More than a buzzy term, it divides neighborhoods into several camps. For some, the introduction of new businesses and modern establishments equates to an upgrade in value for the area. However, while it’s true that new shops can increase the property value, they typically wipe out everything that makes the area special, including the neighborhood spots. Living in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood, I’ve witnessed this firsthand. Brownstones, featured in many Spike Lee films, are disappearing by the handful, while stoops are becoming a hub for viral block parties, rather than the cozy sitting areas they once were during summer nights. Even the hidden-gem local hubs, like rum bars and nightclubs, are becoming scarce. As they continue to fade away slowly, the shift in the community has become increasingly apparent.

Preserving the Culture

You may think that closing one rinky-dink bar or coffee shop doesn’t matter, but you’d be mistaken. Neighborhood spots often conceal a wealth of culture within their walls. If you’ve ever walked into a restaurant and seen a wall full of signed portraits, some of familiar faces and others you may not know, you can feel the love radiating from each frame. Or how about marketplaces with large-scale murals showcasing work from local artists, or the coffee shop with that one attendant who knows your daily order from start to finish?

Regardless of where you are, it’s not hard to see why neighborhood spots are often deemed hidden gems. In their own way, they breathe life into the area while maintaining the things that make it unique. This allows them to be relevant for a diverse group of ages, from baby boomers to Gen Zers.

@lizloveshair

Woke up still processing what happened last night and overall disappointed that this will be my lastinf memory of #odetobabel #brooklyn #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusiness #viral #fypシ #fyp #tiktok #newyorkcity #blackownedsmallbusiness

♬ original sound – lizloveshair

Building New Traditions

Watching your favorite neighborhood spot close down, only to become a vacancy on the block, is never easy. The places you’ve spent cooling off in during the peak of summer’s heat or the ones you’ve gone to for an extra bit of holiday cheer during the winter become just as welcoming as home. However, as times evolve, there is hope that the balance will be restored. Change is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean it has to be for the worse. As new businesses begin to arrive in your area, embracing them with warmth can go a long way.

That’s not to say that you have to throw out the memories of your go-to spots. But I’ve found that expressing love for the place that was once the beacon of the block helps the newbies understand its worth. The idea is to keep the cycle going. Neighborhoods and the spots in them are always changing, but the warmth of the community doesn’t have to dwindle.