Similar to neighboring Carroll Gardens, many old style family-owned restaurants, bakeries & shops stretching back generations continue to be in business adding to the neighborhood’s quaint charm. Thanks to its active & passionate community association & residents, their advocacy to preserve historic buildings and to focus on improving quality of living continue to pay off. Brooklyn’s proximity & accessibility to NYC being a major factor, Cobble Hill modernized and became upscale as new city transplants made it their home drawn by its intimate, casual and family-friendly atmosphere. In turn this influx has been fueling real estate demand. With Cobble Hill comprising a mere 40 blocks, the market for this much coveted neighborhood is very dynamic & competitive.
Cobble Hill’s inventory runs the gamut at any given time. For those with entrepreneurial drive there could be a mix-use property that contains a commercial space on the ground floor and apartments on the upper floors. There could be an entire townhouse with its own private backyard that can be configured for a luxe single-family or an upscale multi-unit condo conversion. These present great potential for a Brooklyn rental income or a premier Brooklyn real estate investment that are hard to come by. And for those strictly looking for a move-in ready home, options can range from updated apartments to duplex and triplex condominiums – each maximizing layout, functionality & amenities. Some of these boutique condo conversions have fireplaces, terraces or rooftop decks. On top of the Cobble Hill real estate market are new ground-up developments near the water that have every luxury imaginable. Units come with a professional kitchen, ample closet space & storage, ensuite bathrooms, private balconies with expansive views of the harbor or the city skyline as well as access to the condo’s indoor/outdoor amenities: alfresco dining, outdoor resort pool, fitness & spa center, game room & children’s play area and so much more – it’s like having a country club in your own premises!
See Brooklyn from the lens of a local and let Arlene Waye’s extensive real estate experience & deep knowledge of this area get you one step closer to finding the home that’s right for you! Behind Arlene is her agile real estate team ready to expertly navigate this market to meet your custom needs.
Cobble Hill sits in the northwestern portion of Brooklyn adjacent to Carroll Gardens to its south, Brooklyn Heights to the north, Boerum Hill to the east and the Columbia Waterfront District to the west. These neighborhoods garner very high scores for walkability to transportation, shopping & leisure. And as you take that stroll keep your eyes peeled for different architectural types of commercial buildings, houses and churches around the neighborhood - they are enduring landmarks that make up the Cobble Hill Historic District.
Cobble Hill Park is a story-laden half-block that came into being after the community fought off decades-long attempts at development. Residents clamored for a much-needed green space and the park was created in the 60’s. Today it is the neighborhood’s oasis anchoring an enclave of carriage houses. With its well-tended gardens, playground and benches it is a great spot to bring the kids, relax, read a book or simply people-watch. It’s also a perfect stage for various community events & fairs and free concerts during the summer.
Cobble Hill is home to some outstanding schools. PS 29 is a zoned school with strong academic & enrichment programs. The school prides itself with its extensive community outreach activities. Alongside the public school system are charter schools (Success Academy’s Cobble Hill Elementary School) and private schools (Brooklyn Preschool of Science, Brooklyn Heights Montessori), college prep schools (Cobble Hill School of American Studies, The Boerum High School for International Studies) to name a few, giving parents a wide range of options.
Most of Cobble Hill’s lively commerce is located on the parallel strips of Court and Smith streets: here you’ll see an array of eclectic shops that’s heaven for the senses. Whether you’re having a quick coffee or brunch, browsing for a gift, looking for some vintage find, stocking up on gourmet essentials, enjoying an aperitif or sitting down for a superb meal – you’re in for a treat!
Alongside Cobble Hill’s newer shops are the old-world establishments that
continue to add to the neighborhood’s distinctive charm and character. Staubitz Market on Court St, was established in 1917 and is now the oldest butcher still operating in New York. It continues to have a loyal following for its hand-selected meat products. Paisano’s Butcher Shop on Smith St, family-owned & operated since 1960 is also one of Brooklyn’s premier butcher shops. Sahadi’s on Atlantic Avenue is an emporium that delights all senses with their coffees, dried fruits, olives, exotic spices and so much more. First established in 1895 in Manhattan, it moved to Brooklyn in 1948 and is now being run by the family’s 4th generation. Sahadi’s mantra of “Old World New Tastes” continues to draw long-time and new customers alike. Cobble Hill Diner is a down-to-earth destination for comfort food. Sam’s is a 94-year-old red sauce joint and could easily be Cobble Hill’s oldest restaurant serving the best neighborhood pizzas and meatball heros. Its authentic food & no-nonsense ambience continue to draw old regulars, film crews and foodies, garnering an article in Eater New York. The Long Island Bar opened in 1951 and was owned & run by the same family for 50 years until it was restored and re-opened in 2013 by new owners who kept the same Art Deco-dinner booths & signage. A nod to its history as it updates to serve the community for hopefully another 50 years.
Old world meets new world is certainly a recurring theme of this neighborhood where this dynamic is a force that continues to shape its future thoughtfully as it honors the past. Be sure to bookmark this guide and map to keep up with Cobble Hill’s lively scene.