South of downtown Brooklyn and deeper east into the borough, this cozily intimate neighborhood is known for its famous writers, musicians, movie stars, long-time Brooklynites – plus artists and their galleries amid rows of elegant brownstones. The area’s footprint is only 7 blocks long and 8 blocks wide, but its historic district offers close proximity to the intense performing arts of BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), Prospect Park and the happening Barclays Center sports and entertainment arena. Named for a Dutch colonial family (the Van Boerums), the dining and foodie haunts on Smith Street and Atlantic Avenue add a downtown edge to this hidden gem.
What's There
A hip but unpretentious patch of Brooklyn with good transit connections to Manhattan.
The Vibe
“Urban energy, Brownstone charm.” – The New York Times
Not-So-Guilty Pleasure
The little historic district with its long, long rows of Italianate and Greek Revival houses, churches and to-die-for carriage houses.
What's Not There
Super-frenetic Manhattan neighborhood.
BoundariesBaltic St to Schermerhorn St4th Ave to Court StPopulation Density89,566