Sunset park

From Welcome to Chinatown NYC

There is a certain folklore associated with the small section of Sunset Park known as "8th Avenue." The word "eighth" sounds very similar to the Chinese word for success, and it led the Chinese community of 8th Avenue to feel very comfortable settling there. Indeed, after rent prices in Chinatown skyrocketed during the 80s, the Chinese needed a new place to live. They sought out Sunset Park, since it was just short a train ride away from Chinatown (on the N or D trains, which go to Canal and Grand streets, respectively).

The majority of the Sunset Park Chinese community did not speak English. 8th Avenue was especially convenient for these people because it was the first stop on the N train that was above ground. Therefore, it was not necessary to know how to read to know when to get off the train.

The Chinese have been extremely successful on 8th Avenue. Currently, 8th Avenue is a bustling street with every possible amenity one could imagine. The Chinese were right in thinking eight is a lucky number.

Map of Sunset Park/8th Avenue, Brooklyn

View Sunset Park in a larger map

Places in Sunset Park

Parks

Libraries

Restaurants

Stores

Schools

Banks

Housing

Sounds of Sunset Park

Back to Neighborhood Overview