Brooklyn Heights Neighborhood Review - Brooklyn Moving Guide

Brooklyn Heights is a beautiful and historic neighborhood located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Sitting on a cliff overlooking the East River, this vibrant area has long been home to many diverse communities, from artists and writers to business owners and politicians. With its breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, gorgeous brownstone homes, quaint cobblestone streets, and cozy cafes, Brooklyn Heights is truly a unique place to live.
The area was first developed in 1636 by Dutch settlers for farming and trading. In 1845, it was incorporated as part of Brooklyn City, which later became part of greater New York City. This early development can still be seen today through its plethora of historic sites such as Brooklyn's first public museum – The Brooklyn Historical Society. The neighborhood was declared a Historic District in 1965 by the Landmarks Preservation Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Look no further than Brooklyn Heights, a charming residential neighborhood filled with restored row houses and historic brownstones valued in the millions. There are plenty of places to explore within Brooklyn Heights ranging from its iconic Promenade to the green spaces at Washington Park or Cadman Plaza Park. One can take a stroll along Montague Street and admire the elegant townhouses or visit one of the many independent stores on Atlantic Avenue offering anything from vintage goods to vintage furniture.
Popular eateries include Juliana's Pizza, which serves up delicious wood-fired pies with locally sourced ingredients; Henry’s End Restaurant for traditional American fare.
The biggest highlight for everyone living and visiting the area is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a tree-lined walkway along the East River with unrivaled views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline.
Fun Fact: Located at 58 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights lies a subway ventilator disguised as a townhouse (look for the blacked-out windows and an uninviting door for clues).
Real Estate in Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is a highly desirable neighborhood in the NYC metropolitan area. Offering a variety of housing options, Brooklyn Heights has something for everyone. The area offers convenient access to Manhattan, and its close proximity to downtown Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge makes it ideal for commuters.
Whether you're looking for a studio apartment, one bedroom, two bedroom, or even larger living space, there are plenty of apartments available for rent or sale in Brooklyn Heights.
No matter what kind of lifestyle you're looking for - from traditional brownstones to luxury penthouse apartments - Brooklyn Heights has something for everyone.
With its excellent schools, convenient transportation links and proximity to downtown Manhattan attractions and events, this vibrant community offers a uniquely attractive atmosphere in which to live.
Renting in Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights usually lands in the top most expensive neighborhoods to rent in. It's not hard to see why, as this is a much sought-after neighborhood.
That being said, one might be able to find better prices near the southern and western parameters of Brooklyn Heights.
Average Rental Prices in Brooklyn Heights | |
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Studio | $2,700 |
1 Bed | $3,500 |
2 Beds | $6,699 |
3 Beds | $10,108 |
4 Beds | $12,000 |
Average Sales Prices in Brooklyn Heights | |
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Studio | $350,000 |
1 Bed | $775,000 |
2 Beds | $1,535,000 |
3 Beds | $3,700,000 |
4 Beds | $3,995,000 |
Transportation in Brooklyn Heights

With limited subway options available, Brooklyn Heights will make you walk for its view, but it just makes it much more rewarding!
You can take the A or C train to High Street or the 1 or 2 train to Clark Street, and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is just a short 5-10 minute walk from there.
Buses in the area could be a better choice if you're looking to make frequent stops closer to the water.
Plus, there are ferries that make frequent trips across New York Harbor, serving commuters throughout nearby neighborhoods, including DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), which offers an array of galleries, restaurants, and retail shops located along the waterfront.
Local Buses | B25, B26, B38, B52, B61, B62, B63, B67, B69 |
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Subway lines in neighborhood
- 2 3
IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line
- N R
BMT Broadway Line
Public & Charter Schools
Brooklyn Heights is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. With its close proximity to New York City, Brooklyn Heights offers access to high-quality public and charter schools that provide children with an excellent education.
From pre-K through 12th grade, the public schools of Brooklyn Heights offer rigorous coursework in a nurturing environment so students can reach their full potential.
Brooklyn Heights also has several top-rated charter schools that are great options for families looking for alternative learning environments. No matter what type of school you choose, you can be sure your child will receive an outstanding education in Brooklyn Heights.
School | Info | Notes |
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Emily Warren Roebling School, P.S. 8 | Public, K-5, 576 students | High performing |
Bridges: A School for Exploration and Equity, M.S. 915 | Public - 6-8 - 290 students | High-performing, diverse student body. |
AltSchool Brooklyn Heights | Private - PK-8 - 60 students | Carefully personalizes curriculum for each student based on character and current academic strengths and weaknesses. |
Saint Ann's School | Private - PK-12 - 1,085 students | Alternative, elite school provides plenty of attention to students with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1. 99% of the students go on to a four-year college. |
The Packer Collegiate Institute | Private - PK-12 - 1,032 students | Independent, college preparatory school founded in 1845 has a great student record of higher-than-average test scores and 100% post-graduation attendance of a four-year college. |
Restaurants & Dining In Brooklyn Heights
When it comes to restaurants & dining in Brooklyn Heights, there truly is something for everyone.
From classic Italian-American cuisine at stalwarts like Grimaldi's Pizzeria to modern takes on American favorites such as Shake Shack, you can find something that appeals to all tastes in this vibrant neighborhood.
For those with more adventurous palates, there are plenty of international eateries with menus featuring traditional dishes from France, Greece, and beyond.
No trip to Brooklyn Heights would be complete without sampling the local fare.
Several seafood restaurants serve fresh-caught fish from the nearby Atlantic Ocean - perfect for a waterfront lunch or dinner with spectacular views of Manhattan.
Those who prefer land-based cuisine will find steakhouses offering succulent cuts of meat cooked to perfection and various steakhouse chains offering a unique take on classic dishes such as steak tartare or filet mignon.
In addition to traditional restaurants & dining experiences, Brooklyn Heights also boasts a thriving bar & grill scene where you can go for a few rounds of beer and pub grub with friends.
Numerous wine bars also serve different vintages from around the country – perfect for an evening out with old friends or a romantic date night destination.
If you're walking along the Promenade, you most likely won't find any sit-down spots along the way, but head two blocks East to Henry Street, and you'll find some of the most diverse, highest quality cuisine.
If you're craving coal-oven pizza, swing by Table 87 for a slice of Brooklyn heaven.
If you want to enjoy some of the best Pad Thai in the city, check out Lantern Thai.
If Middle Eastern food is your thing, Boutros has got what you want and some.
This warm, inviting atmosphere offers communal tables and shareable plates, providing an overall family reunion-type feel.
The best part about Brooklyn Heights is that wherever you may end up along your food journey, the amazing view of Manhattan will always be there.
How Safe Is the Brooklyn Heights Neighborhood?
While Brooklyn Heights isn't the lowest crime neighborhood in Brooklyn, it is still very low crime-- at about 2-3 incidents per 1,000 residents a month, roughly the same rate as neighborhoods like Chelsea in Manhattan.
Brooklyn Heights is not known as an area where violent crimes are committed. The vast majority of reported crimes are theft and burglary.
The scale below shows that crime tends to be generally higher in Brooklyn Heights than in most neighborhoods in New York City.
To put it in perspective, Brooklyn Heights is a fairly safe neighborhood in one of the safest large cities in America.
Crime statistics
Not only does Brooklyn Heights already have significant safety measures, but it’s also surrounded by many responsible organizations that help keep the area clean and safe.
For example, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy works diligently to maintain public spaces within its boundaries. At the same time, local businesses lend their services to keeping streets neat and orderly with frequent trash removal services.
Public schools within Brooklyn Heights also offer after-school programs that often include organized activities like art classes or sports teams for children to stay active and engaged with their peers in a safe environment.
Overall, it's easy to see why so many people choose Brooklyn Heights as their home due to its reliable safety measures provided by both public institutions and private organizations, along with ample transportation options nearby.
With low crime rates, beautiful scenery, and an active business district full of amenities close by, there's no doubt why this popular neighborhood remains a favorite among New Yorkers who want peace of mind when they come home at night.