New York City is dense with history. Nearly every corner of this metropolis is bursting with unique stories. But one small pocket in particular — Weeksville, Brooklyn — played a significant role in our country’s past as one of the first Black communities in the 1800s. These days, visitors and residents can still learn about this section of Crown Heights’ historical significance — not to mention its terrific housing options and authentic neighborhood feel. “The community is robust in terms of its cohesiveness — people say hello to you when you walk down the street,” says Compass broker, Anderson Toney. Ready to explore this down-to-earth pocket of NYC? Here’s what you need to know about renting, buying, and beyond in Weeksville, Brooklyn.

Crown Heights Rentals Under $3,000 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Weeksville

190 Utica Avenue

$2,400 base rent

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1

Crown Heights

2178 Bergen Street

$2,330 base rent

2 |

1

Crown Heights

931 Carroll Street

$2,711 base rent

Studio |

1

Crown Heights

637 Saint Mark’s Avenue

$2,746 base rent

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1

Weeksville

1661 Sterling Place

$2,995 base rent

2 |

1

Crown Heights

641 Saint Mark’s Avenue

$2,975 base rent

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1

Crown Heights

1503 Eastern Parkway

$2,583 base rent

2 |

1

Crown Heights

1101 President Street

$2,704 base rent

Studio |

1

Crown Heights

98 Kingston Avenue

$2,400 base rent

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1

Crown Heights

964 Saint John’s Place

$3,000 base rent

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1

Crown Heights

1306 Atlantic Avenue

$2,495 base rent

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1

Weeksville

1928 Pacific Street

$2,800 base rent

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1

History of Weeksville, Brooklyn

Weeksville, Brooklyn, plays an influential and vital role in history as one of the first free Black communities in the United States. In the 1830s — just about a decade after New York state abolished slavery —James Weeks, a freedman, purchased a large chunk of land and created a thriving neighborhood and community. Named after its founder, Weeksville welcomed Black people to join this prosperous haven of over 500 residents, including doctors, teachers, business people, and intellectuals. The area continued to be a bastion for abolitionist and equal rights activism throughout much of the 19th century. 

Although the community’s identity started to wane with the introduction of the street grid system and urban sprawl, the neighborhood’s important history was preserved in the late 1960s with the opening of the Weeksville Heritage Center (Stay tuned — more on that later).

Crown Heights Homes Under $750K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Crown Heights

35 Crown Street

$425,000

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1

Crown Heights

679 Franklin Avenue

$640,000

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1

Crown Heights

834 Sterling Place

$749,000

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1

Weeksville

1479 Sterling Place

$575,000

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1

Weeksville

1479 Sterling Place

$520,000

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1

Weeksville

1668 Dean Street

$495,000

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1

Weeksville

1294 Saint Marks Avenue

$699,999

3 |

1

Weeksville

1057 Eastern Parkway

$379,000

3 |

1

Weeksville

1226 Saint Mark’s Avenue

$460,000

1 |

1

Weeksville

1521 Bergen Street

$475,000

2 |

1

Crown Heights

749 Park Place

$650,000

2 |

1

Crown Heights

749 Park Place

$625,000

2 |

1

Where Is Weeksville, Brooklyn? 

Considered to be a slice of the larger Crown Heights neighborhood, Weeksville, Brooklyn, enjoys a central location with easy subway access. “It’s close to everything,” Toney explains, pointing out that Bedford-Stuyvesant, Ocean Hill, Eastern Parkway, and Downtown Brooklyn and its attractions — like the Brooklyn Museum — are all just a short distance away. Moreover, with the C train at Ralph Avenue, and the A express train a convenient 10 blocks away from Utica, commuting to Midtown should take about 45 minutes.

Renting a Home in Weeksville

Those looking to move to Weeksville, Brooklyn will find various housing options, from multi-family brownstones to sleek apartments. Toney points out a lot of new renovation is happening, which she anticipates will translate into a burgeoning local scene.  

The StreetEasy Data Dashboard shows that the median asking rent for Crown Heights (which includes Weeksville, Brooklyn) was $2,505 as of November 2021. To start your apartment hunt — or to see what’s out there — peruse an array of Weeksville rental units at your leisure. Here are more affordable Brooklyn neighborhoods for renters.

Bed-Stuy Rentals Under $3,000 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Ocean Hill

11 Gunther Place

$2,650 base rent

Studio |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

735 Hancock Street

$1,800 base rent

Studio |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

591 Madison Street

$2,550 base rent

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1

Ocean Hill

760 Decatur Street

$2,700 base rent

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1.5

Ocean Hill

1267 Herkimer Street

$2,750 base rent

2 |

1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

78 Herkimer Street

$2,600 base rent

Studio |

1

Ocean Hill

2258 Fulton Street

$2,600 base rent

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1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

85 Monroe Street

$3,000 base rent

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1

Stuyvesant Heights

265 Marion Street

$2,120 base rent

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1

Ocean Hill

1273 Herkimer Street

$2,750 base rent

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1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

1069 Bedford Avenue

$2,995 base rent

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1

Stuyvesant Heights

1010 Gates Avenue

$2,979 base rent

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1

Buying a Home in Weeksville

If you’re interested in putting down more permanent roots in Weeksville, Brooklyn, know that you’ll be investing in a neighborhood that continues to grow in popularity. According to The StreetEasy Data Dashboard, the median asking price for Crown Heights was $1.1 million as of November 2021. But don’t let that deter your search; you can undoubtedly find options well under that price range in Weeksville.

Downtown Brooklyn Homes Under $750K Article continues below

Downtown Brooklyn

85 Livingston Street

$610,000

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1

Downtown Brooklyn

235 Adams Street

$549,500

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1

Downtown Brooklyn

175 Willoughby Street

$394,000

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

96 Schermerhn Street

$750,000

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1

Downtown Brooklyn

189 Schermerhorn Street

$695,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

189 Schermerhorn Street

$699,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

175 Adams Street

$499,500

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1

Downtown Brooklyn

230 Jay Street

$475,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

306 Gold Street

$699,999

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

215 Adams Street

$675,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

230 Jay Street

$549,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

10 Nevins Street

$569,000

Studio |

1

Things To Do in Weeksville

Of course, exploring the area’s fascinating history is a huge draw. In 1968, a group from Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute found four wooden row houses built from 1840-1880, the last remaining vestiges from old Weeksville, Brooklyn. These row homes are now called the Hunterfly Road Houses and are part of the Weeksville Heritage Center, a worthwhile trip for local history buffs and hands-on learners. Visitors can enjoy tours, workshops, live performances, and exhibitions featuring Black artists, all at this thriving community and historic center. Please note, due to COVID-19, in-person tours of the historic houses have been suspended. However, in the meantime, 3D tours of the house can be found online.

A few blocks away, the 17-acre Lincoln Terrace Park is a tree-lined oasis in Weeksville, Brooklyn, packed with tennis courts, a handball court, baseball fields, basketball courts, and a substantial running loop. 

Utica Avenue is the area’s main strip to grab a bite or do your shopping. For stellar West Indian food, check out Tropical House Baking, which has gained local fame for its meat patties. Fans of Mediterranean eating shouldn’t miss Mama Kitchen, which serves up mouthwatering cuisine like pita sandwiches and hummus. And thanks to Weeksville’s convenient location, residents can also easily hop over to other parts of Crown Heights or Downtown Brooklyn to check out an array of international cuisine and entertainment. Enjoy!