Based on data from the 2010 United States Census, the population of Homecrest was 44,316, a decrease of 1,363 (3.0%) from the 45,679 counted in 2000. Covering an area of 688.43 acres (278.60 ha), the neighborhood had a population density of 64.4 inhabitants per acre (41,200/sq mi; 15,900/km2).[2]
The community has traditionally been home to a large Italian population and has also experienced an influx of people from Latin America, China, Israel, Syria, Russia, and other former Eastern-bloc nations and from South Asia. Avenue U is home to a small but growing Chinese enclave right by the Avenue U subway station.
Character
A house on East 14th StreetFormer Neck Road LIRR station
In the early 21st century many condominiums were built. Many private residential two-story homes have been renovated into mini-mansions, some estimated at a half-million to a million dollars in estimated value. Just south Of Avenue 'V', one-story bungalow type homes are commonplace, as are rows of one-story brick homes with community backyards and driveways.
Public parks are operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. William E. Kelly Memorial Park[8] is a public park located along Avenue S between East 13th and 14th Streets. It is a large community park featuring courts for tennis, basketball and handball, as well as a playground for kids. Kelly Playground, located at East 16th Street and Avenue S has basketball and handball courts. Students from the adjacent public schools, as well as local Yeshiva schools, often utilize the playground when school is in session. The playground had a wading pool, seesaws and benches. There was an asphalt field between the playground and the basketball courts. Mellett Playground is a playground located along Avenue V between East 13th and East 14th Streets. It is a smaller community park featuring basketball hoops, a handball court as well as a kids playground area.
Police and crime
Homecrest is patrolled by the 61st Precinct of the NYPD, located at 2575 Coney Island Avenue.[4]
The 61st Precinct ranked 5th safest out of 69 patrol areas for per-capita crime in 2010.[9]
The 61st Precinct has a lower crime rate than in the 1990s, with crimes across all categories having decreased by 88.2% between 1990 and 2018. The precinct reported 1 murder, 17 rapes, 150 robberies, 170 felony assaults, 169 burglaries, 584 grand larcenies, and 72 grand larcenies auto in 2018.[10]
There is a growing population of Jews in the community, served by quite a few Orthodox synagogues - both Ashkenazic and Sephardic. St. Edmunds Roman Catholic Parish serves the community, as does The First Baptist Church Of Sheepshead Bay, The Homecrest Presbyterian Church, and other congregations of various denomination serve the growing Asian population. There is also a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall nearby.
