This article was udpated on January 5, 2026.
For the Beauty Alone, It’s Easy to Love Brooklyn Heights
Although I’ve lived in Manhattan since I moved to New York in 2007, Brooklyn Heights happens to be one of my favorite New York neighborhoods. In fact, the thought of moving there has crossed my mind at least once or twice.
You see, you can have the best of both worlds in Brooklyn Heights –– the convenience of big city life combined with the charm of living in what feels like a small town. And the street names are way cool –– I wouldn’t mind an address on Montague, Willow, Pierrepont, or Remsen.
Plus, the views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade are some of the most picturesque you’ll find.
Like some other neighborhoods in Brooklyn, life moves at a slower pace in Brooklyn Heights. Hustle and bustle can be found just a short walk over the famed bridge, which makes for a delightful daily commute to the office if you work in Lower Manhattan.
Besides proximity to other areas of the borough such as DUMBO, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Park Slope, and Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights offers easy access to Manhattan. The neighborhood is serviced by the A/C, F, and N/R trains at Jay Street – MetroTech, the 2/3 trains at Clark Street, and the 2/3, 4/5, and N/R trains at Court Street – Borough Hall. You’re one stop from the Financial District, and can be in Midtown Manhattan in about 20 minutes.
What It Costs to Live in Brooklyn Heights
Is life in Brooklyn Heights for you? Perhaps, but it will cost you. As one of the borough’s most desirable neighborhoods, Brooklyn Heights is more expensive than many sections of Manhattan and most areas of Brooklyn. Expect to spend an average of $600,000 to purchase a one bedroom co-op, and the pickings are slim. Condos can price more than $1 million.
If you’re a renter, you’ll have more options for one-bedrooms, but prices are steep there, too. The average monthly rent in 2024 is about $4,200, according to Rent Cafe.
So yes, living in a desirable place like Brooklyn Heights will set you back, but ask long-time residents and they’ll tell you it’s a place you might never want to leave.
Brooklyn Heights Has a Distinct Appeal
There’s so much to love about this Brooklyn neighborhood; from the food and drink scene to picture-worthy streets, historic architecture, and, of course, Brooklyn Bridge Park, an expansive public park spanning 1.3 miles along the borough’s waterfront. Dine at Chez Moi, Khaosan, Lantern Thai Kitchen or Clover Hill; drink at Harriet’s Lounge,The Binc, or Henry Street Ale House; shop at Sahadi’s, Books Are Magic, or Tango.
And if you visit Brooklyn Heights with no plans to dine, drink or shop, you’ll likely find wandering around without an agenda enough. This neighborhood is ideal for not doing much at all. With quiet, leafy streets brimming with brownstones and carriage houses and oozing character, Brooklyn Heights is a designated historic district, so there’s a slim chance that it will lose its soul, unlike some areas of Manhattan. And that’s a very good thing.
Have you been to Brooklyn Heights? To experience all that this neighborhood offers, I recommend staying at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, a lovely eco-friendly hotel in the area.
If you do visit, I think you’ll love Brooklyn Heights. While you could ride the subway there, you can also walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and make your way to the neighborhood. You could also do a Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo food tour after exploring Brooklyn Heights.
Also, check out nearby Cobble Hill. And Greenpoint is a very cool neighborhood. Take a tour of Brownstone Brooklyn through some of the borough’s prettiest neighborhoods, including Brooklyn Heights.
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