Downtown Brooklyn

Homes for sale in Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn isn’t just a neighborhood— it’s an economic powerhouse. After all, it’s the third largest central business district in New York City. But it’s not all work and no play in “DoBro.” After the 2004 rezoning took into effect, Downtown Brooklyn’s streetscapes have been transformed from “strictly business” to a “true downtown,” where people work, play, and live.

Continue reading to take a peek into homes for sale in Downtown Brooklyn and big city living.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

Like most of New York City, Downtown Brooklyn was once settled by Lenape Indians until the Europeans arrived. Dutch colonists took over this particular land and dubbed it “Brueckelen” in the 17th century.

Sparsely populated, the neighborhood only became fashionable when steam ferry services between Brueckelen and Manhattan became available in the early 19th century. From then on, it took no time for Brooklyn to become an important commercial center— it even became an incorporated city. That said, most people who were in Downtown Brooklyn didn’t live in the neighborhood. They were there to engage in business or participate in social change.

Downtown Brooklyn continued to be a commercial hub, but things changed after the 2004 rezoning. With residential buildings now allowed, the neighborhood’s skyline and character was forever changed. Today, Downtown Brooklyn offers an unparalleled city lifestyle where residents are close to fantastic career opportunities, excellent dining, and the best of Brooklyn culture.

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN HOMES FOR SALE

Downtown Brooklyn is one of the best neighborhoods to explore for those who are in the market for condos— they are widely available and come in almost all shapes and sizes. Although most of the housing inventory are rentals, there are still options for buyers. Furthermore, as real estate development continues in Downtown Brooklyn, more units are surely to be added to the stock.

The following condos offer opportunities for potential buyers:

• 11 Hoyt, a 57-story high-rise with studio to four-bedroom units. These units start at $1.7 million, with pricing affected by finishes, location in the building, size, and floor plan, among other things.

• Belltel Lofts, a striking 27-story Art Deco tower that used to be the headquarters of the New York Telephone Company. There are 250 units in total, with an average price of $1.5 million.

• Brooklyn Point, a 68-story mixed-use building that was only built in 2019. There are 458 units available in the building (studios to three-bedroom apartments). Prices average at $2.1 million.

Condos in Downtown Brooklyn include studios, one-bedroom units, modern lofts, and penthouses that offer fantastic views of the city. You may also stumble upon a condo building that still benefits or offers 25-year tax abatements, which are increasingly rare in New York City.

But if you’re looking for a heritage property, some of the homes for sale in Downtown Brooklyn are row houses that date back to the 19th century.

LIFE IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

While some might think that a highly urbanized neighborhood is far from the ideal place to live, Downtown Brooklyn begs to differ. It has been consistently named one of the best places to live in New York City, especially among young professionals and families. That’s why homes for sale in Downtown Brooklyn continue to draw interest among buyers and investors who want to take part in the area’s unique lifestyle.

Accessibility and public transport

Living in Downtown Brooklyn puts you within easy access to several public transit options. Multiple subway lines, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R trains, serve the neighborhood, along with a number of bus lines and the Long Island Rail Road. JFK International Airport in Queens is about a 30-minute drive or 1 hour and 30-minute train ride from the neighborhood.

Schools

Downtown Brooklyn isn’t just for the urbanite making their way to the top. It’s also for families. The neighborhood is served by New York City Public Schools and is also home to one of the city’s nine über-selective and specialized high schools: Brooklyn Technical High School.

There are also several privately run schools in Downtown Brooklyn. These include the Quaker Brooklyn Friends School, a college preparatory institution with an incredibly diverse student body. For higher education, NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and the highly esteemed Brooklyn Law School are both located in the neighborhood.

Attractions

In between residential high-rises and business towers, Downtown Brooklyn also offers green parks, trendy plazas, and a wide assortment of cultural attractions. Some of the most recognizable spots in the neighborhood include:

• The New York Transit Museum, where you can learn more about the grand history of the Big Apple’s vast public transit system. The actual location itself is interesting— the museum is housed in a decommissioned subway station. It’s a great example of how defunct stations can be repurposed for other uses.

• Downtown Brooklyn’s plazas and parks, which are the best places to see and be seen. These include Albee Square in Fulton Mall, the open and green Brooklyn Commons Park, The Plaza at 300 Ashland right in the middle of the Brooklyn Cultural District, and Willoughby Plaza, which is surrounded by a lot of dining options. These parks and plazas regularly host free concerts, weekend markets, and other community events.

• Brooklyn Flea along Pearl Street is renowned among fashion collectors and bargain hunters as the shopping destination in Downtown Brooklyn. Dubbed as one of the “great urban experiences in New York” by The New York Times, you can find a well-curated collection of clothing, furniture, crafts, and even food here.

Dining

We can’t forget one integral part of the Downtown Brooklyn lifestyle— an impressive collection of local restaurants, cafes, and bars. Whether you’re out for lunch, a date, or dining with friends before partying, you’ll find plenty of options here, starting with:

• Gage & Tollner, widely recognized as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn. First established in the late 1800s, Gage & Tollner is known for their delectable array of steaks, cocktails, and fresh oysters served on a platter.

• Pollo D’Oro, which translates to golden chicken in English, is Downtown Brooklyn’s prime spot for Peruvian fare with flair. The kitchen is headed by Manny Santisteban, whose aim is to introduce diners to the flavors of his home country.

• Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery’s Downtown Brooklyn location is the original of this iconic American chain, making it a must-visit for fans of the diner and of their signature cheesecake.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN!

Explore homes and condos for sale in Downtown Brooklyn with help from the experts at Bellmarc Realty Group. Our team of experienced real estate agents is equipped with the tools and knowledge to help you narrow down your options and make the best offer on your ideal property.

Turn your dream into a reality today by getting in touch with us. Call 718.768.4500 or send us an email here .

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