Vinegar Hill

With plenty of cobblestone streets and historic brick and frame houses, Vinegar Hill has an off-the-beaten path charm that recalls 19th century Brooklyn.

At a Glance

A section of DUMBO bordered by a ConEdison substation, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and the BQE, Vinegar Hill is a sleepy residential hamlet surrounded by imposing urban infrastructure. The combination of its cobblestone streets, wood frame houses, and minimal commercial activity gives the place a distinct small-town vibe. By anyone’s standards, the neighborhood is tiny — measuring about 0.3 square miles, with U.S. Census data from 2023 estimating a little over 3,000 residents. Given its size and tucked-away location, it’s no wonder Vinegar Hill has flown under the real estate radar for so long. But with its rustic appeal and proximity to the booming DUMBO, it may well be one of NYC’s next hottest neighborhoods. The lack of conveniences (read: fewer grocery stores and long jaunts to the subway) are worth considering, but keep the neighborhood small and quiet.

The Mood

Without much street traffic, Vinegar Hill has a quiet, tucked-away feel. Residents enjoy the small-town vibe and can often be found at local cafes and restaurants.

Heart of the Neighborhood

Commandant’s House at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is the defining feature of the neighborhood and an architectural gem.

Neighborhood Quirk

Vinegar Hill's quirk is self-evident in its streetscapes, juxtaposing gritty industrial warehouses with rows of charming clapboard homes.

Best Perk

Nothing beats Vinegar Hill's off-the-radar appeal, encapsulating Brooklyn's artistic, industrial zeitgeist, but without hordes of hipsters.

Biggest Downside

Relatively isolated, Vinegar Hill lacks proximity to amenities like transportation, grocery stores, and schools.

The Mood

Without much street traffic, Vinegar Hill has a quiet, tucked-away feel. Residents enjoy the small-town vibe and can often be found at local cafes and restaurants.

Heart of the Neighborhood

Commandant’s House at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is the defining feature of the neighborhood and an architectural gem.

Neighborhood Quirk

Vinegar Hill's quirk is self-evident in its streetscapes, juxtaposing gritty industrial warehouses with rows of charming clapboard homes.

Best Perk

Nothing beats Vinegar Hill's off-the-radar appeal, encapsulating Brooklyn's artistic, industrial zeitgeist, but without hordes of hipsters.

Biggest Downside

Relatively isolated, Vinegar Hill lacks proximity to amenities like transportation, grocery stores, and schools.

What’s close by

Rental prices shown are base rent only and don't include any fees.

1. DUMBO

Median Sale: $1.6M Median Base Rent: $5,919

2. Brooklyn Heights

Median Sale: $1.3M Median Base Rent: $4,750

3. Fort Greene

Median Sale: $1.8M Median Base Rent: $4,500

By the Numbers

There is not much inventory or turnover in Vinegar Hill. Traditionally, the housing stock has been split between historic single-family homes and the Farragut Houses, a city housing project, but there are several new developments offering condos and rentals in converted warehouses.

Sales
Rentals

Median Price

Price History

Neighborhood Borough Median

Rental prices shown are base rent only and don't include any fees.

Median Base Rent

Price History

Neighborhood Borough Median

*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 ACS

The historic district along Front Street and Hudson Avenue boasts century-old brownstones and Belgian block streets.

Vinegar Hill, like neighboring Dumbo, has a waterfront with great views of Manhattan — although it's somewhat obstructed by the ConEd substation.

The historical charm of Vinegar Hill can make it seem like you’ve been transported to 19th century Brooklyn. Maritime details are common sights.

There are a few art galleries and office buildings, but it remains mainly residential, quiet, and almost bucolic. Bikes are a common sight, as public transportation is limited.