Downtown Brooklyn

Bisected by Flatbush Avenue and bordered by the BQE, Downtown Brooklyn is a rapidly expanding residential neighborhood. Easy subway access and abundant inventory have drawn many to the area looking for luxury rentals and condos in the area’s numerous new apartment towers. Historically, Downtown Brooklyn has been the hub of the borough’s municipal activities with many civil service offices and court houses centered around Cadman Plaza, the neighborhood’s main hub. With tons of city employees, lawyers and Brooklynites of all types constantly bustling about, Downtown Brooklyn has a decidedly hectic vibe. This, coupled with the area’s lack of green space, makes Downtown Brooklyn most appealing to those who can embrace one of Brooklyn’s busiest and most trafficked neighborhoods.

The Mood

Urban, commercial and bustling. Home to LIU and MetroTech, Downtown Brooklyn is active during the day and quiet once the work/school day is over.

Heart of the Neighborhood

Borough Hall and the adjacent Cadman Plaza Park comprise the hub of Brooklyn's municipal activities.

Neighborhood Quirk

The architecture is completely manic, featuring lots of glassy apartment towers mixed in with drab, mid-century office buildings.

Best Perk

With 13 subway lines, the neighborhood has easy access to all of Manhattan. It can take as little as 10 minutes to get into Downtown Manhattan on the 2/3 or N/Q/R train.

Biggest Downside

Beyond Cadman Plaza, there’s not much green space; the neighborhood is nowhere near as picturesque as neighboring Brooklyn Heights or Cobble Hill.