Is the Q Train the New L?
Can a subway line take credit for a neighborhood’s renaissance? A writer at the Observer has publicly professed her love for the Q, and links it to Ditmas Park’s becoming “a suburban-urban blend of creative-class types, beautiful buildings and low prices.” She chose her own apartment, presumably in Prospect Heights, based on its proximity to…
Can a subway line take credit for a neighborhood’s renaissance? A writer at the Observer has publicly professed her love for the Q, and links it to Ditmas Park’s becoming “a suburban-urban blend of creative-class types, beautiful buildings and low prices.” She chose her own apartment, presumably in Prospect Heights, based on its proximity to the Q’s 7th Avenue stop (on the corner of Flatbush), only three stops in. She says the Q is the L of the 21st century, “with new crops of people popping out of its stations along a path rumbling through central and southern Brooklyn, from Downtown, Park Slope, Midwood and Ditmas Park, through Sheepshead Bay and, via an expert right turn, Brighton Beach and Coney Island.” She quotes other Q lovers, noting that celebs have been seen eating in restaurants along the train’s route, and that the express line has allowed Ditmas Park and others to blossom. “Perhaps the nabes along the Q are stealing just a little bit of thunder from other creative hubs like Williamsburg.” If that’s true, what other subway lines might help a neighborhood become the next Williamsburg?
Can the Q Be the Next L? [NY Observer]
Q Train. Photo by FlySi.
I am in Bedford Stuyvesant also and I love the A/C on the weekdays. Eeekends well…. I just wish that they never took down the lines on Lexington and Myrtle Ave. I love the old NYC subway maps
“I don’t know anyone who let a particular subway line be the deciding factor in their housing purchase.”
Not the deciding factor, but definitely one of them. There’s a lot I like about Kensington, but until they get express service on the F train, that would be one long, unpleasant slog to just about anywhere. And I’m really enjoying the new extended evening hours of the B train. Now if they would just run it on weekends.
What’s the deal with making the F train an express to 9th street? Weren’t they going to do that? That would really help the south slope / windsor terrace commute.
My oh my I used the L train in the early 90’s. Starting using the Q train in the mid 90’s. Now I am leaving NYC. See a trend?
A particular subway can be that little, small, seemingly minute factor that pushes one to choose one neighborhood over the other.., given both places are almost equal in other aspects.
I choose Crown heights over Bed – Stu because of the 2/3 and 4/5 versus the A/C. There were a few more factors.., but the train was a major one for me.
When i lived in Park Slope by the 2/3 at Bergen or 4 5 2 3 Q B N and/or R at Atlantic.., I was in heaven. Though I mainly jumped on the 2/3.
So, for some, that “particular” train can do a lot for a particular neighborhood.
I love the Q train as well. And the B as well; 25 minutes to Bryant Park/42nd St from 7th avenue stop; that’s hard to beat.
D-train is great. Sunset Park is next. In terms of service and crowds, doesn’t the L train kinda suck?
Subway Pride is one of the more bizarre aspects of NY life…
I get on a train, I go to work. I get on a train, I go home.
You couldn’t pay me to care what letter or number is on the train.
I just want it to run regularly, not be supercrowded, and be a comfortable temperature.
Subway Pride is one of the more bizarre aspects of NY life…
I get on a train, I go to work. I get on a train, I go home.
You couldn’t pay me to caree what letter or number is on the train.
I just want it to run regularly, not be supercrowded, and be a comfortable temperature.