What is Brighton Beach like?

Brighton Beach has a singular character, often called Little Odessa for its large Russian-speaking and post-Soviet community, the biggest of its kind in the United States. Life centers on the oceanfront boardwalk, shared with neighboring Coney Island, and on Brighton Beach Avenue beneath the elevated train, packed with Eastern European markets, bakeries, and restaurants. Housing is predominantly co-ops and apartment buildings. The overall feel is that of a lively, affordable, immigrant beach community, unlike anywhere else in New York City.