Medicare Agent Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn (/ˈbrʊklɪn/) is a borough of New York City,
Kings County, New York: The Heart of Brooklyn
Introduction to Brooklyn
Brooklyn, pronounced /ˈbrʊklɪn/, is a vibrant borough of New York City that is coextensive with Kings County in the U.S. state of New York.
Population and Significance
- Kings County is the most populous county in New York State
- It’s the second-most densely populated county in the United States
- Brooklyn is New York City’s most populous borough, with 2,736,074 residents as of 2020
- If ranked as a city, Brooklyn would be the third-most populous in the U.S., after Los Angeles and Chicago
Historical Background
Dutch Origins
Brooklyn was named after the Dutch village of Breukelen, reflecting its rich historical roots.
Geographic Location and Connections
Position on Long Island
- Located on the western end of Long Island
- Shares a land border with the borough of Queens
Connections to Other Boroughs
- Several bridges and tunnels connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River
- The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge links Brooklyn with Staten Island
Land and Water Area
County Size
- Land area: 70.82 square miles (183.4 km²)
- Water area: 26 square miles (67 km²)
County Size Ranking
- Fourth-smallest county by land area in New York state
- Third-smallest county by total area in New York state
Historical Development
From Independent City to Borough
- Brooklyn was originally an independent incorporated city
- Previously an authorized village and town within New York State Constitution
The Consolidation of 1898
- On January 1, 1898, Brooklyn was consolidated into the “Greater New York”
- This followed a long political campaign and public relations battle in the 1890s
- Brooklyn joined other cities, towns, and counties to form the modern City of New York
- The consolidation created five boroughs surrounding the Upper New York Bay
Cultural Identity
- Despite consolidation, Brooklyn maintains a distinct culture
- Many Brooklyn neighborhoods are ethnic enclaves
Borough Motto
- Official motto: “Eendraght Maeckt Maght”
- Displayed on the Borough seal and flag
- Translates from early modern Dutch as “Unity makes strength”
Brooklyn in the 21st Century
Modern Renaissance
- Brooklyn has experienced a revival as a destination for hipsters
- This renaissance has brought both positive and challenging changes
Gentrification and Housing
- Dramatic increases in house prices
- Decrease in housing affordability
- Some new developments are required to include affordable housing units
Brooklyn’s New Identity
- Thriving hub of entrepreneurship
- Center for high technology start-up firms
- Focal point for postmodern art and design