Cobble Hill is at once a hidden gem and one of the most scenic places to live in Brooklyn.
Full of classic Cobble Hill brownstones and mom-and-pop businesses that have been around for decades, this neighborhood exudes an old-world charm that stands out even in a borough as diverse and historic as Brooklyn.
While Cobble Hill is well-known among Brooklynites, it might not be as well-known around the rest of New York City.
Cobble Hill is a small residential neighborhood of just 40 blocks that is tucked into the west side of Brooklyn, hemmed in by the Columbia Street Waterfront District, Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, and Carroll Gardens.
While strolling along peaceful, tree-lined streets, residents of Cobble Hill houses get the feeling that they’ve been transported back to a simpler time. With its corner cafes and other unique businesses, as well as small parks located around the neighborhood, It’s hard to believe that this incredible neighborhood is just a few miles from the concrete canyons of Manhattan.
Trends
Cobble Hill is the kind of place people moved to at the height of the pandemic when they wanted to get out of the crowded city center and into a neighborhood where they felt safer and had more space and privacy. When Manhattan real estate took a hit during the height of the pandemic, the outer boroughs became more popular. However, this trend faded a little in recent months as people began moving back to the metro. Prices in Cobble Hill have still been trending upward, though, and the median price of homes currently is $1,841,811, according to Zillow.com.
As with other neighborhoods in the city, prices for classic Cobble Hill brownstones often go well above the median, sometimes reaching into the $4-$5 million range, depending on the location and amenities.
The Forecast
Yes, Cobble Hill real estate is expensive, whether you’re renting or looking to buy a brownstone or a co-op. But that is merely a reflection of the kind of lifestyle this quiet, comfortable neighborhood offers.
Cobble Hill is currently considered a buyer’s market, meaning the supply of homes is greater than the demand. How long it remains a buyer’s market is anybody’s guess. Real estate markets can be volatile and subject to peaks and valleys.
More buyers are expected to be returning to the market in the coming months; the market was hot during the summer, and it could be once again by the summer of 2022.
While there is still uncertainty due to the lingering pandemic, the economy continues to reopen and more people are getting their COVID-19 vaccinations. Workers who left the city at the height of the pandemic may begin to return to Cobble Hill homes rather than to the crowded neighborhoods and buildings where they lived before. They may end up choosing Cobble Hill for its selection of single-family homes.
Homes for sale in Cobble Hills are perfect for families and professionals. Many professionals will be able to continue to work from home full-time, or at least for a few days a week if their employers pivot to a hybrid work model. The brownstones and other single-family residences in Cobble Hill give these workers a spacious, comfortable place to live and work.
Living in Cobble Hill brownstones gives residents the privacy and security they can’t get living in crowded apartment and condo buildings in other parts of New York City. Many residents felt multi-unit buildings were unsafe during the height of the pandemic due to the fact they could come into contact with other residents in common areas such as lobbies, hallways, elevators, and stairwells. Plus, amenities such as gyms, rec rooms, and rooftop gathering places were closed due to safety regulations and social distancing.
This is not the case in single-family Cobble Hill homes, which is expected to be a selling point as people return to the city.
Hire an Agent
The first step in finding a dream residence is to hire a Cobble Hill realtor who has extensive knowledge of the neighborhood through years of meeting clients’ needs. Look for an agent who was able to ride out the ups and downs of the market during the pandemic and is able to demonstrate a good track record of success.
The properties in Cobble Hill are special, so you need a special agent who is an expert at understanding the client’s budget and wishes and is able to find suitable properties. Good agents also understand the pricing trends and will help clients write a competitive offer once they decide on Cobble Hill real estate.
Why Cobble Hill?
It’s the kind of neighborhood where families have lived for decades and businesses have operated in the same location for many years.
There’s no hustle and bustle here, just a low-key, relaxed vibe.
It’s a largely self-contained neighborhood, with everything residents need literally around the corner or within walking distance. There are many small restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pizzerias, and bars that dot the entire neighborhood, as well as along the main thoroughfares, Court Street and Smith Street.
While there are a handful of national retailers, there are many locally-owned shops, boutiques, and bookstores that help give Cobble Hill its unique charm.
Residents of Cobble Hill townhomes are close to some of Brooklyn’s biggest attractions, including downtown, the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and a much more modern structure, Barclays Center, which is home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and hosts concerts by big-name acts as well as other events.
If Cobble Hill real estate seems right for you, let Steven Szczur put his extensive knowledge of the neighborhood to work for you.
