Serving as Brooklyn’s civic center, Downtown Brooklyn has traditionally been a business district buzzing with activity by day and sleepy streets at night. In recent years the neighborhood has undergone a dramatic transformation, with new development bringing upscale residential towers, retail and nightlife to the area. Continued investment in the neighborhood includes a $40 million city-funded project to improve streetscapes and public space, and $1 billion worth of improvements to NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering. “People want to be there because of proximity to the city,” says Carolyn Cedar, a Brooklyn broker of 19 years. “All the big amenities are there. There are larger retail opportunities. There’s so many ways it’s a destination neighborhood.”
Downtown Brooklyn's skyline redefined by the impressive Brooklyn Tower
Downtown Brooklyn has a number of high end dining options.
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Old Brooklyn dining and trendy bars
As the neighborhood boomed, restaurants and retailers moved in to serve the burgeoning population. City Point is a vertical mall housing a movie theater, Trader Joe’s, Target and the Dekalb Market Hall, a foodie destination with more than 35 vendors. The historic Gage & Tollner is a recently restored oyster and chop house with a nautical-themed bar in the basement. Shopping options along the revived Fulton Mall include Macy’s and outlets from Banana Republic and Gap. Indie boutiques can be found in nearby in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Circa Brewing Company is cavernous with beer-making on site, and Livingston Manor is a cozy Catskills-inspired bar serving craft cocktails. Additional grocery stores in the area include Whole Foods and Brooklyn Fare.
Experience the iconic flavors of Junior's, a Downtown Brooklyn institution
Foodies flock to Dekalb Market in Downtown Brooklyn.
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Brooklyn Tower soars above Downtown Brooklyn, a testament to modern architecture
Luxury condos and postwar co-ops
Condominiums in gleaming high-rises, including Brooklyn’s first supertall measuring over 1,000 feet, offer designer interiors, luxurious materials, stunning views of Manhattan and New York Harbor, and extensive indoor and outdoor amenities. Homes start at $1 million for a studio; two-bedrooms can be listed for as much as $4 million. Co-ops offer more affordability. Asking prices for homes in postwar buildings range from about $425,000 for a studio to $850,000 for a two-bedroom.
Improvements ahead and Brooklyn Bridge Park
A popular place for relaxing under the shade of trees or a pickup game of soccer, Cadman Plaza and its open green is undergoing a $6.4 million renovation including new paths, turf replacement and a café. The adjacent Walt Whitman Park features a splash pad. For water views and a world-class park, Brooklyn Bridge Park is about a 20-minute walk west. The New York Transit Museum, located in an inactive subway station is a popular destination.
Columbus Park is a park at the southern end of Cadman Plaza, in Downtown Brooklyn
A beautiful city view and kayakers can be enjoyed at Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.
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A transit hub, bridges and the BQE
Virtually every subway line passes through Downtown Brooklyn, making transit to other parts of the city quick and easy. Travel time to Midtown Manhattan is about 30 minutes. For those traveling by car, entrances to the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway are in Downtown Brooklyn.
A picturesque stroll on Downtown Brooklyn's Brooklyn Bridge Promenade
Borough Hall Station, the central transit hub of Downtown Brooklyn
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A prestigious private school and strong charter
In the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the prestigious Quaker Brooklyn Friends School enrolls students prekindergarten through Grade 12 and receives an A plus rating from Niche. Charter Brooklyn Prospect High School offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) and receives a B rating from Niche.
Brooklyn Friends School is an independent, college preparatory Quaker school in Downtown Brooklyn
Brooklyn Prospect teaches students to support others by grounding every action in empathy.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Parks in this Area
Maritcha R. Lyons Park
Trails
Playground
Walt Whitman Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Columbus Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
McLaughlin Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Trinity Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Cadman Plaza Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Korean War Veterans Plaza
Picnic Area
Trails
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Transit
Airport
Laguardia
18 min drive
Subway
Borough Hall-Court Street
Subway
High Street
Subway
Jay Street-Borough Hall
Subway
Lawrence Street-Metrotech
Subway
Hoyt Street-Schermerhorn Street
Subway
Hoyt Street (2,3 Line)
Subway
Dekalb Avenue (B,D,M,N,Q,R Line)
Bus
Livingston St & Hoyt St
Bus
Fulton St & Bond St
Bus
Livingston St & Smith St
Bus
Sands St & Pearl St
Bus
Livingston St & Nevins St
Bus
Myrtle Av & Prince St
Bus
Nassau St & Gold St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.017 Reviews
4.0Niche User
9/6/2016Niche Review
I absolutely love it here. It's a staggering difference from the small, rural town I moved from. There is always something to do and the food is great. I live right next to my college as well which is extremely convenient.
4.0Current Resident
5/23/2023Niche Review
I really enjoy my neighborhood. Everything I need is within walking distance and I the area is very convenient to travel to and from. It's generally well-maintained and the population is diverse and also generally nice. The only real downside is that it is expensive, which I don't expect to change. It would be nice if it was more affordable.
4.0Current Resident
1/31/2018Niche Review
Downtown Brooklyn is an up and coming neighborhood in the city. A lot of growth is changing the feel of the neighborhood but mostly in positive ways. Crime is down, businesses are moving in, and this mini-Manhattan is starting to make its mark.
5.0Former Resident
7/3/2018Niche Review
Brooklyn is my home.. I love fort Greene.. the landmarks.. ps67 is the first black school.. fort Greene park was an actual fort.. slave burial ground as well
Welcome to this Residence 12M, located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. This elegant home blends architectural elegance with modern functionality. This residence offers lofty 10-foot ceiling heights and a signature window overlooking views. With west-facing exposure, you’ll enjoy abundant natural light. Enjoy this spacious window seat that is perfect for reading or relaxing. The open chef’s
3 Bed 2 Ba Corner High-Rise Coop with Deeded Parking in Downtown Brooklyn Nearest Fort Greene Park All showings and Open House visits are by appointment at this property. Contact the team to schedule. Brooklyn dreams do come true: A sprawling, renovated 3-bedroom with high-floor views, southeastern light & deeded parking. Sandwiched between Fort Greene and
Investor Opportunity: Tenant in Place Through April 2027.Welcome to Residence 30C at the Oro—a rarely available, corner two-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium showcasing sophisticated design, generous proportions, and long-term rental stability.This expansive, light-filled home features rich Brazilian hardwood floors and exceptional storage throughout. The open-concept kitchen is a
Open House By Appointment Only. Welcome to 14E at 11 Hoyt, a spacious alcove studio with a sleeping nook. Featuring 10" ceilings, this layout offers flexibility for living and dining, with a dedicated area for sleeping or a home office. A generous walk-in-closet and additional built-in storage provide great functionality without compromising style. The open kitchen is equipped with Bosch
Welcome to Apartment 6E, a bright and airy turnkey 1 bedroom where you can step in and truly feel at home. The open concept kitchen, living, and dining area with corner exposures create a seamless flow, allowing light to flood the space. These kitchen renovations are unique within the building, offering an uninterrupted row of marble countertops, stainless steel appliances including a dishwasher,
Welcome to this sunny, renovated 1-bedroom apartment in the highly regarded University Towers, perfectly positioned at the meeting point of Fort Greene and Downtown Brooklyn. This well-designed home offers a flexible floor plan with room for both living and dining, along with a wall of picture windows that bring in generous natural light throughout the day. The modern windowed kitchen
** RATES INCLUDE: $100 per week food credit for Wonder Spot app, all utilities, complimentary laundry and on-site gym!! **The Webster Apartments is Downtown Brooklyn’s premier co-living residence exclusively for WOMEN, offering flexible, short-term housing for women working, studying, or interning in New York City. The Webster Apartments in Downtown Brooklyn provides flexible, fully
Immediate Occupancy. Welcome to Brooklyn Tower! The tallest residential structure in Downtown Brooklyn. Designed by the award winning SHoP Architects, Brooklyn Tower is an extraordinary work of architecture and design with its cascading setbacks and soaring columns. Standing 92-stories high, Brooklyn Tower takes inspiration from the beautiful Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn lifting the historic
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Victoria Alexander,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
32,891
Median Age
36
Population Density
109 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$121,345
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$149,122
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.6%
College Graduates
70.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
99/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
