Its proximity and easy access to the city by steam ferry
made it an appealing ‘country retreat’ for wealthy New Yorkers in the 1830’s. Today it is one of the borough’s priciest zip codes as it continues to lure people with its residential charm and small town vibe, while being mere steps away from Manhattan with easy access by subway or the bridge.
Thanks in large part to the Brooklyn Heights Association, the group’s passionate civic activism helped thwart the original plan in the 1940’s to run the BQE expressway through the heart of Brooklyn Heights. The BHA also secured the passage of New York’s Landmarks Preservation Act in 1965 which then helped establish the neighborhood as New York’s first historic district. This designation helped stop the destruction of many of its architectural heritage. More importantly today, the association continues to advocate for thoughtful urban planning while securing the waterfront from projects that could impede the views as well as continuing to protect the whole district’s historic character from being drastically changed.
Types of Homes/Inventory
Brooklyn Heights’ real estate market is very dynamic and can offer many different options to a variety of people who are considering moving here. From one-bedroom apartments, duplexes or triplexes, townhouses to luxury penthouses –the inventory holds a wide range of layouts. For design aesthetic buyers have the option to go with traditional modern to ultra-modern condo conversions & new developments; as well as carefully preserved & curated historic homes – the latter being rare listings in the market.
For those just starting, 1-bedroom apartments or condos offer great opportunities to gain a foothold in this prestigious neighborhood. Depending on the location, some apartments even have large balconies extending the living space while providing sweeping skyline views. Some apartment buildings have rooftop lounges, fitness centers, 24-hour concierge and other amenities that elevate the residents’ R&R and entertaining experience.
There are gems like a single family mansion steps away from the Promenade with harbor views. Retaining its old-world charm with updated amenities in each floor, the townhouse features among other things, a parlor room for entertaining, library room, dressing room and fireplaces for cozying up as well as its own sculptural garden for a private retreat!
At the top end of the Brooklyn Heights real estate market are new developments near the waterfront that offer the ultimate in luxury living. These are uniquely designed, ranging from masterfully converted warehouses, luxe duplex condos or stunning penthouses. These residences come equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens and designer living spaces. And for those looking to entertain, in-house features such as: a grand foyer easily accommodating many guests, a temperature-controlled wine cellar or a private movie theater certainly amps up the wow factor. These ground-up developments may include on-site attended parking garage, landscaped courtyards, fitness & game rooms, rooftop lounges and many more amenities. All of these while having a front row seat to spectacular waterfront views!
Navigating this high-octane market can be a challenge but with Arlene Waye’s extensive industry knowledge & insider Brooklyn expertise, steering you towards your ideal home can be a breeze! You can be sure Arlene’s nimble real estate team is ready to provide the extra support & teamwork to deliver exceptional results for you.
Area & Neighborhood
Brooklyn Heights is across the East River from downtown Manhattan. It is a small wedge bounded by Brooklyn Bridge to the north, Atlantic Avenue to the south, Cadman Plaza on the east and the BQE on the west. Its’ neighbors are Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill to the south, Dumbo to the north and Downtown Brooklyn to the east. The neighborhood is extremely walkable and being on foot is the best way to discover Brooklyn Heights’ rich history – go on a walking tour with friends or enjoy solitary meandering with this helpful guide.
The Promenade is its most well-known and celebrated public space offering spectacular views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Locals & tourists alike have been soaking in this postcard-perfect scenery. Thanks to the efforts of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the area under the Promenade has been transformed over the years into a community-focused urban oasis on the waterfront. This world-class unique green space is alive with arts & culture, recreation and environmental education programs throughout the year.
Brooklyn Heights has some of the best schools in the borough with strong academic & community outreach programs. PS 8 The Emily Roebling is a zoned school praised for its well-thought curriculum with a strong focus on social studies. There are also private institutions like The New York Preschool, Saint Ann’s School, Packer Collegiate Institute, A. Fantis School, The Brooklyn Middle School Collective that offer many options for parents.
Local Hotspots & Dining
The high street for shops and restaurants in Brooklyn Heights is Montague Street which runs from Borough Hall to the Promenade. But more restaurants and old- time favorites are tucked away on its fringes, along leafy side streets that harken to its historic character. Whether you’re dashing for a quick bite or sitting down for some fine dining, taking the kids to a museum, bringing a picnic spread to enjoy outdoors, browsing for gifts or meeting some friends for drinks – you need not venture too far out from Brooklyn Heights to get your treat!
- Want to start your day with a good cuppa? Drip Coffee Makers have been described by their fans as a gem hidden inside the Clark subway station – its footprint may be small but its bold flavors keep its loyal clientele & new converts coming. There’s Joe Coffee serving the perfect combination of buzzy coffee and vibe (great pastries & scones too!)
- For coffee, breakfast & brunch and anything that might be conjured from their pantry, Poppy’s is a local favorite that also strives to support local farmers & makers
- Browsing for unique art and prints? Picture Room is a gallery with a wide range of inventory and prices.
- Looking for that perfect gift for a budding chef? Or maybe to inspire your own culinary skills? Whisk is the perfect one-stop shop for anything kitchenware and then some
- Books Are Magic – this indie bookseller’s second outpost continues to weave its spell with shelves upon shelves of wonderful books
- Looking for that vintage item (and help a good cause at the same time)? Head into the Underground Thrift Store that’s actually above the recreation room of Plymouth Church
- If all that walking & shopping is making you hungry, head for Lassen & Hennings. A deli with pedigree, family-owned for three generations that continue to make the best quality sandwiches and baked goods
- Tuck into Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop and buy their wonderful breads & dips to take home. This neighborhood favorite has been going strong for more than 80 years!
- Feeling European? Then grab some l’apero (pre-dinner small bites and drinks) at L’appartement 4F (yes the same outfit doubling as a wonderful French bakery by day)
- Vineapple, a neighborhood fixture with an Italian heritage, serves sumptuous three-meal daily menus. Similarly they serve aperitivo just before dinner – but you might as well plan to stay for the main event, you won’t regret it!
- There’s several standout dining spots – it would be wise to just have them on a rotation: Colonie, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement; Inga’s Bar, a cozy tavern serving up elevated bar food; Dellarocco’s atmosphere may be casual but the Neapolitan pizza is anything but!
- And for a splurge, book a table at Clover Hill, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the neighborhood
- For cocktails & late night food hangouts: Elsa with its cool ambience & extensive list of cocktails; for the gutsy ones there’s Montero’s that’s best described as a karaoke dive bar, serving bottled beers and plenty of fun
Brooklyn Heights continues to be a melting pot of the historic & posh, along with the new, creative and sometimes gritty influences. It continues to be a dynamic neighborhood that keeps itself interesting, with people gravitating towards it. To keep up with what’s happening in Brooklyn Heights, be sure to bookmark this guide and map.
Our Properties
Contact us
© 2024 MoxiWorks
©2024 . All rights reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
