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

Crown Heights

546 Saint Mark’s Avenue

$2,600 No Fee

2 |

1

Crown Heights

817 Saint Johns Place

$2,299 No Fee

1 |

1

Crown Heights

969 Carroll Street

$2,225 No Fee

1 |

1

Weeksville

252 Schenectady Avenue

$2,999 No Fee

2 |

1

Weeksville

1629 Saint John’s Place

$2,999 No Fee

3 |

1

Crown Heights

2075 Pacific Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1.5

Crown Heights

24 Rogers Avenue

$2,383 No Fee

1 |

1

Weeksville

889 Empire Boulevard

$2,190 No Fee

1 |

1

Crown Heights

24 Rogers Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

1 |

1

Crown Heights

716 Nostrand Avenue

$2,650 No Fee

2 |

1

Weeksville

1746 President Street

$2,250 No Fee

2 |

1

Crown Heights

1184 Dean Street

$2,800 No Fee

2 |

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

834 Sterling Place

$739,000

1 |

1

Crown Heights

1496 Bedford Avenue

$649,000

2 |

2

Weeksville

1274 Saint Marks Avenue

$685,000

3 |

1

Crown Heights

1607 Pacific Street

$499,000

Studio |

1

Weeksville

1076 Eastern Parkway

$365,000

2 |

1

Crown Heights

1311 Pacific Street

$615,000

1 |

1

Weeksville

1526 Lincoln Place

$699,000

2 |

2

Crown Heights

345 Montgomery Street

$545,000

1 |

1

Weeksville

1226 Saint Mark’s Avenue

$750,000

1 |

1.5

Crown Heights

345 Montgomery Street

$645,000

3 |

1

Crown Heights

1040 Carroll Street

$350,000

Studio |

1

Crown Heights

273 Albany Avenue

$599,000

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

453 Marion Street

$2,800 No Fee

2 |

1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

173 Hart Street

$3,000 No Fee

3 |

2

Bedford-Stuyvesant

627 Willoughby Avenue

$2,995 No Fee

1 |

1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

179 Putnam Avenue

$3,000 No Fee

2 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

827 Gates Avenue

$2,895 No Fee

2 |

2

Stuyvesant Heights

945 Jefferson Avenue

$2,627 No Fee

2 |

2

Stuyvesant Heights

299 Chauncey Street

$2,658 No Fee

1 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

397 Macon Street

$2,495 No Fee

2 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

1079 Lafayette Avenue

$2,995 No Fee

2 |

2

Stuyvesant Heights

384 Kosciusko Street

$2,395 No Fee

Studio |

1

Ocean Hill

542 Chauncey Street

$2,799 No Fee

2 |

1

Ocean Hill

214 Sumpter Street

$2,900 No Fee

2 |

2

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

150 Myrtle Avenue

$660,000

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

191 Willoughby Street

$575,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

189 Bridge Street

$700,000

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

96 Schermerhorn Street

$499,000

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

122 Ashland Place

$660,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

10 Nevins Street

$679,000

Studio |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

175 Willoughby Street

$600,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

191 Willoughby Street

$625,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

195 Adams Street

$599,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

175 Willoughby Street

$580,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

175 Adams Street

$540,000

1 |

1

Downtown Brooklyn

215 Adams Street

$399,000

1 |

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!