After being called the worst neighborhood in the country by former president Jimmy Carter, Crotona Park residents say the area is experiencing a renaissance with a business and population increase.

According to a Crain's report, the neighborhood's commercial vacancy rate has dropped nine percent since 2008, with more businesses opening up. Locals say they're happy, as now they can do shopping close by instead of heading elsewhere.

To promote new businesses, the local Merchants' Association has also started up a shop local campaign.