Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights has always had a mystique for me as the legendary home of Dr. Cliff Huxtable. And indeed, it is neighborhood-y, with great views, good (but crowded) schools, and great access to the city. On the downside, it's significantly pricier for what you get than the area south of Atlantic, and isn't quite as good for eating out.

When we started looking at moving to Brooklyn, this is one neighborhood we seriously looked at. I have to say, while we're not going to end up here, we would have been very happy here, and I'm sure anyone would be.

Brooklyn Heights is a beautiful neighborhood that boasts unparalleled views of New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan. This town isn't cheap by most standards, but it offers an affordable option to Manhattanites who are used to paying exorbitant prices for real estate. This neighborhood is protected as a historic district, and it boasts a wide variety of early architectural styles. The park in Brooklyn Heights is absolutely gorgeous; it has well maintained green grass, a playground, views of the city's skyline, and up close views of the Brooklyn Bridge. At the entrance to the park, there is the renowned Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, right across the street from New York's best pizzeria. There are also some great restaurants in Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. Head over to Montague Street, the town's main commercial area for shopping, banks, and some cheaper dining options. Public transportation is super easy; there are a number of subway lines that run in/around Brooklyn Heights, and lower Manhattan is just one stop away. This makes Brooklyn Heights a very popular choice for people working on Wall Street. There isn't much of a school district here. There are a bunch of private schools; the town's only public elementary school is excellent. There are no middle schools, so most parents elect to send their kids to school in Fort Greene or Manhattan.

Ah, what I wouldn't give to be able to afford to live here. As Brooklyn neighborhoods go, this is one of the pricier options - but well worth it if you have the means. The area is just a hop away from Manhattan, but has all the amenities that you would find in a city neighborhood like Soho. It even looks the part, with upstanding brownstone homes and fancy eateries and shops.

This is a great place for tourists to visit if they want to escape the madness of Manhattan for a bit, or if they just want to see a bit of Brooklyn before heading home. The Promenade - the long walk that overlooks the Manhattan skyline - is a must-visit for both tourists and residents, and it's likely that you'll recognize the place from any number of films.

Brooklyn Heights is a popular neighborhood in part because of its proximity to Manhattan, and also for its brownstones and tree-lined streets. Brooklyn Heights sits high above the East River waterfront and is bordered by Atlantic Avenue, Cadman Park, East River, and Old Fulton Street. Buses and public transportation abound in the area as well as many public and private schools. From Brooklyn Heights Montessori School to St. Francis College, this neighborhood has it all.

Brooklyn Heights has prime real estate mostly in part because it is just ten minutes from away from Manhattan via subway. Apartment rentals start at $2000 per month for a one-bedroom and a one-bedroom apartments sells for $500,000 starting price.

The neighborhood is home to the Brooklyn Historical Society Museum, the St. George Hotel, and a large open green market at Borough Hall. Stroll down the waterfront for an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, it will take your breath away.

The famous Grimaldi’s pizza place is located in Brooklyn Heights and is known by locals as Brooklyn’s best pizza. You will not be disappointed by Grimaldi’s even if you are not a pizza lover. The restaurant is located at 19 Old Fulton Street. Also worth noting is the Chip Shop, serving up award winning fish and chips, and Tazza, a great little coffee shop that serves panini and baked goods.

Shopping can be found along Montague Street. Whether you are looking for vintage books (Heights Bookstore) or vintage clothing and furniture (Housing Works Thrift Store) Brooklyn Heights will deliver. Ricky’s and M.A.C. are also in the area and offer an array of beauty necessities.

Brooklyn Heights is the neighborhood you hit as you come off of the Brooklyn Bridge (which heads out of the downtown Manhattan/Financial District area). This is a pretty cool neighborhood to visit if you are looking for some Brooklyn charm that doesn’t really involve hipsters and their sharply angled haircuts.
A walk down the Promenade that borders the East River gives a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline (and it’s from an angle that isn’t often seen in pictures). The neighborhood’s original red brick townhouses are another gorgeous sight – this neighborhood is really worth a look if you finish up your tourist itinerary early and feel like seeing something off the beaten track.