Vinegar Hill

Vinegar Hill is a charming Brooklyn neighborhood with gorgeous brownstone buildings and Belgian block-paved roads. Located towards the East River waterfront bordering the Navy Yard, north of Downtown Brooklyn, and east of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), the neighborhood is an oasis of calm within a great, bustling city. It offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline across the Brooklyn Bridge and has a rich architectural character that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

WELCOME TO VINEGAR HILL

Vinegar Hill began at the turn of the 19th century when a community of Irish and other European immigrants settled here. Today,  much of the neighborhood’s charm lies in the well-preserved three-story row houses lining Belgian-block streets where parking isn’t entirely a nightmare. Vinegar Hill remains one of Brooklyn’s quietest neighborhoods, reminiscent of a quaint European village.

Given its proximity to downtown Brooklyn and being a landmark district with limited tall buildings, Vinegar Hill has become an appealing residential destination for people who want to be close to the economic and recreational destinations of New York but somewhat removed from the city’s constant bustle. 

VINEGAR HILL REAL ESTATE

What was once a hidden gem in Brooklyn started appearing on the radar of homebuyers and developers in the mid-2000s. Demand for real estate in the neighborhood skyrocketed, and the limited inventory fueled significant increases in the market values of homes here. From an average of about $400,000 to $500,000 in the early 2000s, the price for four-story townhomes climbed to around $1.5 million in 2006.

New developments have also risen in the neighborhood, including condo properties and townhomes.

Today, home prices in Vinegar Hill range from around $450,000 for an older one-bedroom co-op to approximately $1.5 million or more for a 2-bedroom condo in a recent development. New townhome developments can also be found in the neighborhood, and a 3-bedroom townhome unit can command prices of over $2 million. 

Property types and architectural styles

Originally, many of the buildings in Vinegar Hill served as factories and warehouses, but since the 2000s, a good number of these have been converted into residential buildings and office spaces.

• Co-ops and condos

  The Vinegar Hill real estate market today is composed primarily of mid-rise apartments and condominiums, including historical co-ops and new construction properties built in the last five to ten years or so. 

  Low to mid-rise co-ops, mostly built in the late 1800s to the 1930s, are some of the most desirable properties in the neighborhood, thanks to their charming vintage designs and relatively lower prices. These buildings have been excellently preserved over the years to maintain the neighborhood’s distinctive historic character. 

  Co-ops typically come with two or four bedrooms and one to two bathrooms. Many have vintage features such as large windows with ornate fixtures, detailed woodwork, high ceilings, and crown moldings, while others have been fitted with modern architectural features. 

  You can also opt for newer boutique condominiums built in 2000 onwards. These units are thoughtfully designed emphasizing modern, green living design. They typically offer one to three bedrooms and come with state-of-the-art stainless steel equipment, washer and dryers, central air, stone countertops, and built-in microwaves.

• Townhomes and row houses

  As in most parts of Kings County, NY, row houses are also prevalent in Vinegar Hill. These are attached, uniform homes built in rows or blocks, and are easily identified by their narrow, attached design and decorative trims and cornices. You’ll find a concentration of them in Hudson Avenue, as well as in Gold and Front Streets where they’re mixed in with a few remaining historic warehouses and factories, as well as new construction condos. 

  New townhome developments have also been rising providing homebuyers with more contemporary options.

LIVING IN VINEGAR HILL, BROOKLYN

Brooklyn is one of the best places to live in New York because of its energy and architecture. Known for its hipster vibe, it brings its own brand of culture, nightlife, eclectic shops, and art spaces to the highly metropolitan city. 

In this vibrant environment, Vinegar Hill distinguishes itself as a peaceful “hamlet” that serves as a reminder of old New York. But with its proximity to DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn, living in Vinegar Hill is far from dull and uneventful.

Cost of Living

According to Forbes’ cost of living calculator, the cost of living in Brooklyn is a whopping 36% cheaper than in Manhattan due to more affordable housing, transportation options, healthcare, and living expenses. Within Brooklyn, Vinegar Hill offers even more affordable housing options, making it a highly desirable location for young professionals and families. 

Lifestyle and Community

Vinegar Hill exists almost like a silo frozen in time. Amid the modernization of the area, it maintains a close-knit community feel. You get to meet and know your neighbors, local business owners, and children’s friends. This sense of community is one of the major reasons Brooklyn in general is popular among young families and professionals. 

A patch of green in Vinegar Hill holds meaning within the community. In 2013, the Vinegar Hill Community Garden was established as part of the city’s health program. The 2,500-foot garden is used to grow vegetables and harvest rainwater. Community members, including students, tend to the garden to ensure continuity. 

Employment and Livelihood

In keeping with the diversity of Vinegar Hill’s earlier communities, there is a mix of old and new residents from all industries and sectors. Most people living in Vinegar Hill work in other areas or are freelance professionals, executives, or managers. 

Things to See and Do

• The famous Hudson Avenue is where you’ll find Vinegar Hill House, the most popular stop in Vinegar Hill. It’s an established, cozy restaurant serving delicious seasonal food in a historical setting. 
• The avenue is lined with pre-Civil War Greek Revival rowhouses, and further down is the Commandant’s Mansion overlooking the East River—an estate dating back to 1806. It was the home of commanders of the U.S. Navy during the 19th and 20th centuries. 
• Make a reservation and pop into Rooftop Reds, a rooftop vineyard featuring rosé on tap. Check out its website to learn more about performers, pizza wine night, and other events like wine and cheese tastings. 
• If you’re looking for more things to do, Vinegar Hill is mere minutes away from DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn and further down, Manhattan. Serviced by subway stations, you can get to Chinatown, Soho, Tribeca, Williamsburg, and the financial district in a few stops. 

WORK WITH BELLMARC REALTY GROUP TODAY!

If you’re looking for Brooklyn homes for sale, you need the guidance of experts who know this dynamic area by heart. Here at Bellmarc Realty Group, our real estate professionals have over three decades of experience, and we’re ready to help you achieve your real estate dreams! Whether you’re buying or selling commercial, residential, or industrial Vinegar Hill real estate, we’re here for you. 

Bellmarc Realty Group is the number 1 Century 21 Real Estate Office in Brooklyn, and we’re excited to show you the best properties within New York City. Feel free to contact us by calling 718.768.4500 or by sending us an email here. 

To check out other neighborhoods and homes for sale, explore the best of New York City now.