Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY
About Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn is a rapidly-developing neighborhood with new skyscrapers popping up constantly, and even more in construction. The area has a lot of office buildings and educational institutions which gives the area a bit of a transient feel.
Proximity to Manhattan and great subway access make living in Downtown Brooklyn ideal for those commuting into Manhattan, but the competition for these apartments drives up rents and asking prices. Popular sites nearby include Brooklyn Borough Hall and the Fulton Mall.
The History of Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn was the administrative and judicial center for the City of Brooklyn when it first incorporated in 1834. When the city merged with New York in 1898, Downtown Brooklyn continued to serve as the borough’s civic center and is still home to over 15 courthouses. Over the years the area welcomed several universities such as CUNY City Tech, NYU Poly, Brooklyn Law School, and Long Island University, while Fulton St. became a focal point for black-owned businesses serving the local workforce. Downtown Brooklyn was rezoned for high density development back in 2004, and real estate developers lost no time in re-shaping the skyline with gleaming skyscrapers containing the most sought-after condos in Brooklyn.
Downtown Brooklyn Demographics
Downtown Brooklyn’s population has exploded by 76 percent in the last ten years, and as of 2018 it was home to over 20,000 people. According to the American Community Survey the population is 49% white, 16% black, 16% Asian,14% Hispanic, and 4% one or more races. The median household income is more than double the NYC average, and there are fewer families with young children here than in other neighborhoods.
Transportation in Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn is served by nearly every train in the NYC Subway system, and commuters can get to Manhattan in well under 10 minutes. The LIRR is also steps away at Atlantic Terminal for easy trips to the beach or JFK airport.
Housing in Downtown Brooklyn
Most of the residential real estate in Downtown Brooklyn consists of luxury condominiums constructed after the 2004 rezoning, however there are still several blocks on State St. which feature charming row houses along tree-lined streets. Seventy percent of the households here moved after 2010, and the housing stock largely reflects a more modern, amenity-rich approach to urban living. Homeownership rates are comparable to the citywide average at 33%.
Neighborhood Life in Downtown Brooklyn
Once known exclusively for its colleges and courthouses, Downtown Brooklyn has evolved dramatically in recent years thanks to a spate of new luxury development. Because of these rapid changes the neighborhood can feel somewhat transient and the streets are still rather desolate at night. Expect this area to become much livelier in the coming years however, as development will bring hundreds of new bars, shops, and people to the area. Downtown Brooklyn is also geographically quite small, and locals can easily stroll to more happening neighborhoods such as Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Fort Greene.
Similar Neighborhoods to Downtown Brooklyn
Downtown Brooklyn Real Estate Trends
Downtown Brooklyn’s real estate market has exploded in the last decade, thanks in large part to the influx of new high rise developments brimming with luxury condos. The market is expected to only get hotter in the next ten years, with over 34 new high rise developments in the pipeline.
Downtown Brooklyn Median Sale Price (USD):
1bd 820,000
2bd 1,300,000
Downtown Brooklyn Median Rent Price (USD):
Studio 2,500
1bd 3,200
2bd 4,800
The Truth You Should Know About Downtown Brooklyn
How Safe is Downtown Brooklyn?
The crime rate in Downtown Brooklyn is slightly above average. Flatbush Avenue and Tillary St. are both popular truck routes so pedestrians should exercise caution when crossing these busy thoroughfares.
Are the Schools in Downtown Brooklyn Good?
Not particularly, although to be fair there aren’t very many schools around here at all. A new elementary school is planned to open by 2023 at 627 Fulton St. on the ground-floor of what will soon be the tallest building in Brooklyn. In the meantime, most children will be zoned for elementary schools in neighboring Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, or Fort Greene.
Popular Eateries in Downtown Brooklyn?
The food scene in Downtown Brooklyn used to cater to students and working stiffs, but this has started to change thanks to a recent influx of high-income residents. @grid
DeKalb Market Hall
Food Hall
445 Albee Square W., Brooklyn NY 11201Dallas BBQ
Southern Barbeque
180 Livingston St., Brooklyn NY 11201BonChon
Korean Fried Chicken
68 Willoughby St. Brooklyn NY 11201Yaso Tangbao
Shanghainese
148 Lawrence St., Brooklyn NY 11202The Soul Spot
Southern Soul Food, Caribbean
302 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
What to Do in Downtown Brooklyn?
Check out Dekalb Market, one of the largest food halls in the country and home to 40 vendors. Sometimes it hosts weekly happy hours, events, and live music.
Catch an indie flick at the Alamo Drafthouse, a beloved national chain that serves craft beers and high end cuisine right at your seat.
Bring the family to the popular New York City Transit Museum, which includes an active train station with a rotating collection of antique train cars.
Is Downtown Brooklyn Dog Friendly?
Yes! There are five dog parks within this relatively small area, and many buildings here are pet-friendly. You’re also only steps away from the famous Brooklyn Heights promenade, a popular place for sunset strolls with your furry friend. With over 40 veterinarians and 300 dog walkers, you can rest easy knowing your pet will be well taken care of in Downtown Brooklyn.
Is Downtown Brooklyn Good for Cycling?
Surprisingly, yes. Downtown Brooklyn has become much more popular with cyclists in recent years and is now home to over 15 bike share stations. There are great bike lanes on Jay St. and Livingston St. and cyclists can easily access Brooklyn Bridge BIke Path for quick rides into Manhattan. There still aren’t many bike shops here, so you may have to walk over to neighboring Boerum Hill for quick repairs. Flatbush Ave. is frequently congested with angry motorists and should be avoided by cyclists whenever possible.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Downtown Brooklyn
People flock to Downtown Brooklyn for the courthouses or to go to school. As a result, this area can be crowded on weekdays but rather desolate on weekends.
With 34 new high rise developments planned here and several more under construction, this area is set to rival parts of Manhattan in terms of density and population.
With so much development in the pipeline, expect this area to be a consistent construction zone for the next ten years.