After reading Alfred Kazin’s ” A Walker in the City”, I decided to take a closer look at the area I reside in and if I could analyze it in a similar way. Ridgewood, Queens is located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens and is surrounded by multiple neighborhoods; all of which are very different from the next. While Ridgewood itself is filled with people of all different demographics, it is know to be predominantly eastern European with a mix of young and old, but that is quickly changing. If you go about 5 minutes east-bound you will find yourself in Brooklyn. When I realize I am 10 minutes away from Williamsburg I notice how each neighborhood around me is totally different. If you walk down Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg,Brooklyn you will find hoards of young people living in trendy apartments, all dressed similarly and sporting ironic mustaches. I find this surprising considering you won’t find anyone that fits that description in my town just a few minutes away. I am also bordering parts of Queens that are quiet, filled with beautiful homes that are occupied by the elderly.
When I was a kid I lived in Ridgewood for 8 years. I went to elementary school here and I thought I was familiar with everything around me. Starting middle school, I moved to Long Island where I spent 7 years from 6th grade to senior year. After high school, my family decided to move back to Ridgewood and upon arriving I came to the conclusion that my world as a kid was totally different than it is now as a young adult. The second I came back to Ridgewood I noticed the streets seemed a lot smaller. As a kid my elementary school was enormous to me and the streets felt like they took hours to cross. Another difference I noticed was that years ago I was totally unaware of my location.Now I appreciate the fact that I can explore Brooklyn in my spare time as well as take a trip to Manhattan whenever I want. Growing up has made me appreciate city life and the fast pace of all five boroughs. The slow suburban life was fun while it lasted but I’m ready to spend the most important years of my life in the greatest city in the world.
