Exploring the Neighborhood of Flatlands, Brooklyn
This article is sponsored by the local audiologists in Flatlands, NY at EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist. We hope that you enjoy learning more about the historic neighborhood of Flatlands and how it has evolved over the years.
Discovering the Early History of Flatlands
Flatlands was originally known as Nieuw Amersfoort, which was named after the Dutch city of Amersfoort. The area was a farming community dating back to 1636 when Dutch settlers, Wolfert Gerritse Van Couwenhoven and Adries Hudde purchased around 15,000 acres of land from the Native Lenape people. This early area is now the intersection of Kings Highway and Flatbush Avenue. Unfortunately, the Lenape leaders most likely did not understand the concept of owning land and the sale. Dutch settlers and land owners were often in disagreement with the Lenape people and within two generations the tribe was near extinction due to conflict with the Dutch and other Europeans, other tribes and the diseases brought to the area.
In 1661 the Flatlands area was given the right to local rule and was one of five Dutch towns along Long Island. The area typically grew beans, corn, marsh hay, squash, potato bean and tobacco. Thanks to the close proximity to Jamaica Bay, oysters and clams were also plentiful.
It wasn’t until 1896 that the Flatlands area was annexed by the City of Brooklyn and this spurred growth and development to an area that had previously lacked transit and roads connecting to other areas of Brooklyn, such as Bensonhurst.
Demographics of Flatlands
While the area was originally settled by Dutch immigrants, there were many black slaves who worked on the farms until they were emancipated in 1827, after which many stayed in the area taking up new farming jobs. As of the 2010 census, the Flatlands population was 64,762 residents, down almost 2,000 from the 2000 census collection. The racial makeup of residents included:
18.2% White
66.3% African American
.2% Native American
4% Asian
8.9% Hispanic or Latino
and 1.8% from two or more races
The average resident living in the Flatlands area lives to be about 82 years old, but most residents fall under the middle-aged adult and youth age groups. This includes:
25% between 0-17 years old
29% between 25-44 years old
and 24% between 45-64 years old
College aged residents drops to 9%, while those older than 65 makes up 13% of the community.
In 2016, the median household income was $76,647, and it was estimated that 15% of the residents live in poverty, lower than the entirety of Brooklyn and New York City residents.
What To Do in the Flatlands Area
There are a number of different shopping districts within Flatlands, with the mains streets being Utica Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, Avenue N and Ralph Ave. There is also an indoor mall called Kings Plaza which borders Flatlands and Marine Park.
If you were interested in seeing some historic architecture, there are some homes dating back to the 18th century that you can visit or stroll by. This includes the Stoothoff-Baxter-Houwenhaven House and the Joost Van Nuyse House. The Hendrick I. Lott House was built around 1720 and was also a stop along the Underground Railroad. The Flatlands Dutch Reformed Church is another historic building dating back to 1848, although it was founded in 1654.
The Brooklyn Public Library also has two branches in Flatlands. Parks include the Amersfort Park along Avenue J, the Jacob Joffe Fields on Avenue K, and the Power Playground on Avenue N.
Our Local Office
EarSpa and Your Home Audiologist are based in Brooklyn offering at home services for your audiology and holistic ear health needs. Services can include hearing tests, balance tests, tinnitus relief, ear cleanings, and hearing aids. In addition to traditional audiology services, Dr. Srour specializes in a holistic approach to ear health the can have benefits for your entire body health. Auriculotherapy and ear acupressure using ear seeds can help you find relief for many different symptoms by targeting the central nervous system.
Contact our Flatlands audiology office to discuss your hearing concerns or to schedule a hearing test.
EarSpa New York
By Appointment Only or At Home
1310 Avenue R
Brooklyn, NY 11229
(347) 695-6309
Your Home Audiologist
At Home Visits - We Come to You
Call to schedule a visit. Not sure if we come to you? Call to learn more. Travel fee may apply.
(347) 695-6309
