Boerum Hill is a dynamic neighborhood just steps from bustling Downtown Brooklyn and scenic Cobble Hill. Excellent transit, an array of eateries, locally-run retailers, and picturesque tree-lined streets make Boerum Hill an urban sanctuary like none other. Artisanal bakeries and butcher shops lend old-school charm to the neighborhood, while trendy cafes and nightlife spots provide a place to catch live music, or simply relax with family and friends. Boerum Hill’s historical architecture serves as a backdrop for modern urban living in the heart of Brooklyn.
Boerum Hill’s rich history dates back to the seventeenth century, when Dutch settlers first began to populate the farmland in what was then called Breukelen. It was not until the period between 1840 and 1870 that the settlers began building the iconic three-story housing that distinguishes the neighborhood today. Up until the 1950s, Boerum Hill was known generally as South Brooklyn. In 1964, a resident of the neighborhood named Helen Buckler coined the term Boerum Hill, a reference to the Boerum family of colonial farmers who settled the area. Between the 1970s and early 2000s, working-class families represented the majority of Boerum Hill residents. In the late 1990s, upper-class families seeking centrally located, affordable living set gentrification into motion, transforming what was once a high-crime neighborhood into an upscale, family-oriented locale.
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), Issue Project Room, The Invisible Dog Art Center, and the Micro Museum are just a few of the area’s most popular destinations for art. When it comes to dining, Boerum Hill cannot be beat. Intimate eateries such as Battersby, Rucola, and French Louie boast consistently high Zagat ratings, while cafes and delis such as Blue Bottle Coffee and Mile End Delicatessen offer a casual option for neighborhood regulars. Grdn, a local gardening and home goods store, and Barneys New York, also offer retail therapy for a variety of tastes. Luxury hotels have also added some sparkle to the neighborhood, most recently The Boerum, located on State Street, and NU Hotel on Smith Street.
Less than two miles from Prospect Park and one mile from Fort Greene Park, Boerum Hill is also beloved by bike enthusiasts. Brooklyn War Memorial, Fulton Street Mall, and Barclays Center are just a few of the landmarks that characterize Boerum Hill. And for those inkling for a spontaneous getaway, Boerum Hill is conveniently located 11 miles from both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia International Airport (LGA).