Chinatown Brooklyn: Here v. There

From Decoding New York

Chinatown’s Manhattan location attracts tourists from all over, while Eighth Avenue plays host to a much more subdued tourist environment. Here, tourist-oriented stores are few and far in between, focusing instead on the needs of the community. The few non-Chinese in the area tend to be locals as well, shopping for groceries or other related tasks.

Vietnamese restaraunt on 8th Avenue and 56th Street. Photo by W. Leung

Eighth Avenue's immigration patterns are interesting not only because of immigrants from China and Hong Kong but "immigrants" from Canal Street. For Eighth Avenue, there is a dual frame of reference; the old country and Chinatown. Residents of Eighth Avenue, while they may have been comfortably affluent in their home country find that living conditions and employment opportunities are similar, if slightly better than at home. The area around Eighth Avenue offers more opportunities for home ownership than living in Chinatown or Flushing - due to the lower rents in Brooklyn, it is easier for immigrants to better or maintain the style of living which they are accustomed to. Eighth Avenue's connection to Chinatown is mostly economic, as there are bountiful job opportunities in Chinatown and Manhattan. There are even vans that shuttle workers to and from Canal Street and Eighth Avenue, creating a direct economic and personal link between the two communities. Because of the economic reliance of Eighth Avenue on Chinatown, the contrast between the two neighborhoods is subtle. The largest difference is the flow of tourist traffic, which contributes to the difference in atmosphere and authenticity. Both areas are busy and crowded, and depending on the area in Chinatown, intent on supporting the neighborhood's needs. The reliance of Eighth Avenue on the commerce of Chinatown has affected Eighth Avenue’s development of an identity, resulting in the label of a satellite Chinatown. Despite Eighth Avenue's reliance on Chinatown, Eighth Avenue has replaced Chinatown as a first destination for immigrants with its inexpensive rent, growing economy and developing community.