Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NY
About Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
Boerum Hill is a quiet, secluded neighborhood in Northwest Brooklyn. It occupies 40 or so blocks in between Fort Greene, Cobble Hill and Gowanus. The exact parameters of the neighborhood are loosely defined. Schermerhorn Street is generally considered the northern border, Warren St or Wyckoff Street are considered the Southern border. The Wester border is either Smith or Court Street and the eastern boundary is 4th Ave. Boerum Hill is a neighborhood of artists and families.
Boerum Hill is known for hip local boutiques, neighborhood restaurants and gorgeous architecture. It’s an exclusive and highly desirable area that has served as a suburban sanctuary for those looking to escape the intensity of Manhattan without traveling too far away. It’s a picturesque community of artists and professionals that has maintained a quaint, old world aesthetic that New Yorkers love.
History of Boerum Hill
The neighborhood was named after the Boerums, a family of Dutch settlers who owned a farm on what is now the neighborhood. The area was urbanized in the early 19th Century, which is when many of the beautiful brownstones and row houses in the neighborhood were built. The area was largely a community of working class families who lived in local boarding houses and worked in ironworks and construction. Over the course of the next century, it became something of a suburb for middle class families looking to escape Manhattan. Today, it is a chic, laid back neighborhood that is home to a vibrant artist community.
Boerum Hill Demographics
Only about 11, 500 people currently reside in Boerum Hill. It’s mainly a neighborhood of young adults and families. Thirty-two percent of residents are between the ages of 25 and 34. But 16% are under the age of 18 and 31% are between the ages of 35 and 54. It’s predominantly a white neighborhood, with 61% identifying as such. However, there is a significant presence of other ethnicities. Thirteen percent of residents identify as Hispanic, 10% identify as Asian and 10% identify as black. Over the years it’s become a quite wealthy neighborhood, with the median income being around $128,000.
Transportation in Boerum Hill
Boerum Hill residents may enjoy a plethora of transportation options. The 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, D, F, G, N and R trains are all accessible from Boerum Hill. The B26, B37, B62, B63 and B65 trains all make stops in Boerum Hill. The LIRR is also accessible at Atlantic Avenue. Boerum Hill is a bit secluded, however its proximity to major subway lines makes getting to Manhattan or other parts of the city quick and easy.
Housing in Boerum Hill
The housing in Boerum Hill is mostly three to four story brownstones and row houses. In the 1970’s and 80’s there was a concerted effort to preserve many of the buildings along Smith Street and other blocks in Boerum Hill. The result is a picturesque neighborhood that perfectly exemplifies the Brooklyn aesthetic – old world charm meets modern convenience. Boerum Hill is a small, yet highly desirable neighborhood so property values tend to be high.
Neighborhood Life in Boerum Hill
Boerum Hill is a perfect neighborhood for those who want access to the amenities of the city, as well as the peace and serenity of the suburbs. Many residents of Boerum Hill are artists and have opened art galleries and boutiques in the neighborhood. Atlantic Ave and Dekalb Ave are hotspots for hip retail outlets and artisanal coffee houses.
There are several highly regarded fine dining restaurants and popular bars in Boerum Hill, like Bar Tabac on Smith Street. Anyone looking for the excitement of Manhattan is only a quick train ride away. But Boerum Hill offers a more subdued and intimate entertainment scene for residents and visitors.
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Boerum Hill Real Estate Trends
Boerum Hill real estate is on the rise. Over the past year, the average price of a home in the neighborhood shot up 33.7%. It’s become a haven for those seeking a suburb within the city. New construction tends to be clustered around Atlantic Ave and Wyckoff Street. Several blocks in Boerum Hill were designated as a historic district in 1983. This designation was expanded to include additional buildings in 1983 and includes many along Bond Street, Hoyt Street, Dean Street among others. Therefore the development in Boerum Hill tends to be restorations of existing structures, opposed to new developments.
The Truth You Should Know About Boerum Hill, Brooklyn
How Safe is Boerum Hill?
Boerum Hill is generally a quiet, safe neighborhood. It is patrolled by the 84th Precinct of the NYPD and is overseen by the Brooklyn Community District 2. Boerum Hill is a wealthier area than other neighborhoods in Brooklyn and therefore it experiences a slightly higher rate of property crime. However, most residents report that it is generally a quiet, peaceful neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Boerum Hill Good?
Yes, the schools in Boerum Hill are good. PS 38 The Pacific and PS 261 Phillip Livingston are two elementary schools in Boerum Hill that cater to students K – 5. The Math and Science Exploratory School is a highly rated middle school that offers grades 6 through 8. The Brooklyn High School of the Arts is also in Boerum Hill and offers grades 9 through 12. The Boerum Hill School for International Studies is another option on Baltic Street that offers grades 6 through 12.
Popular Eateries in Boerum Hill
Spanish Tapas
Black Forest Brooklyn
German food
181 Smith Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What to Do in Boerum Hill
Visit the Invisible Dog Art Center, the museum features contemporary visual art and sculptures from renown artists
Go antiquing at City Foundry, this gallery and storefront features furniture, light fixtures and other beautifully refurbished products.
See a performance at Roulette on Atlantic Avenue, the venue hosts shows from a variety of musical and performance artists.
Go out for ice cream at Van Leeuwen on East 7th Street, the retro sweet shop features gourmet ice cream and other treats
Check out the New York Transit Museum on Schermerhorn, they feature exhibits about NYC’s transportation systems
Is Boerum Hill Dog Friendly?
Yes, Boerum Hill is generally a very pet friendly neighborhood. You’ll often see dog walkers along Smith Street and many of the apartments are pet friendly. Some of the restaurants, like Building on Bond on Bond Street, even allow canine companions. There aren’t any public parks in Boerum Hill, so residents may need to get creative with exercise routines. But overall, it’s a dog friendly area.
Is Boerum Hill Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Boerum Hill is known as a community of cyclists. The quiet, tree lined streets are a biker’s paradise and you’ll often see young professionals biking to work rather than walking. The pace of life and lack of dense traffic makes Boerum Hill perfect for cyclists. There are several Citi Bike stations in the neighborhood and many buildings make accommodations for cyclists. Those looking to venture into the city will still likely take the train. But for inter-borough travel, biking is easy and convenient.
3 Things to Know before moving to Boerum Hill
The Atlantic Ave Barclays’s Center stop gets very crowded during rush hour and when events are going on at the Barclays Center.
The area around Atlantic Avenue is more crowded and feels more like Downtown and also home to the Brooklyn House of Detention. Those looking for a picturesque brownstone should look along Bergan or Smith Street.
Much new Downtown style development is taking place in the northern part of Boerum Hill.