Why Boerum Hill Is The Best Neighborhood In The World

It may seem too bold, but Boerum Hill is the best neighborhood in the world. I mean we know it's pretty clear to everyone that New York is the best city in the world. And it doesn’t take much to believe that Brooklyn is its best borough. So in the competition for the best neighborhood in Brooklyn the stakes are world dominance. Let us dive in and show you why Boerum Hill is the best of the best neighborhoods.

The Area

Let's get geographical. Boerum Hill is perfectly located in Brooklyn. But what is Boerum Hill actually?

The general consensus is that it's bordered by:

• North: Schermerhorn Street

• South: Baltic Street

• West: Court Street

• East: Fourth Avenue / Flatbush Avenue

Getting here is easy. Hop on the F or G train right into the heart of Boerum Hill. The A, C, B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains are also close by.

Commute:

• Grand Central: 35m by train, 35m by car

• Union Square: 31m by train, 26m by car

• Wall Street: 21m by train, 19m by car

Boerum Hill is a part of Community District 2 and is served admirably by NYPD’s 84th community precinct, making it one of the safest in the city.

The History

Modern Boerum Hill began in the 1960’s when a new resident, Helen Buckler, saw possibilities in the old brick buildings. She moved from Manhattan in 1962 and began renovating her brownstone - she had affection for fireplaces, so she opened four in her home. She gathered a few neighbors to create a neighborhood association but initially it didn’t have a name. She wanted a name that would conjure the charm of the well-established neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope.

Boerum Hill is named after Simon Boerum and Boerum family's eighty acre colonial farm. Though the neighborhood is relatively flat, it still forms the keystone of land formed by the Wisconsin glacier that melted 10,000 years ago. Boerum Hill's charm is very much a result of this period of revitalization, with the BHA and its members leading the way. You'll also find it's a part of "brownstone Brooklyn" with its Greek Revival and Italianate rowhouses.

The Vibe

Imagine strolling down tree-lined streets, a gentle breeze whispering through the leaves, as you pass historic brownstones and trendy boutiques. This neighborhood is worldly and cozy. You can expect carefree outdoor strolls, stress-free shopping, and a laid-back dining scene. Imagine lazy weekend brunches at cozy cafes, followed by leisurely strolls past unique boutiques and art galleries.

There's plenty to do as well! A relaxed-pace peaceful lifestyle awaits. Residents enjoy pleasant days outdoors on their stoops or at the park. Shop owners and restaurateurs have found homes for their businesses in Boerum Hill along Atlantic Avenue. Smith Street is your personal foodie heaven.

The Landmarks

Boerum Hill has all the right landmarks:

• Atlantic Terminal: Transit hub with access to all of the major train lines as well as the LIRR (a clutch connection for JFK travel) and a key shopping area with its adjacent mall with access to the latest in consumer trends

• Barclays Center: The beautiful sports arena, concert venue and multi-purpose indoor arena for Brooklyn as well as the home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty

• Brooklyn Academy of Music: Spanning a few buildings between Fort Greene and Boerum Hill, BAM is a cultural icon and centerpiece for arts, film, music and culture in Brooklyn

• Brooklyn Public Library for Arts & Culture: Art-centric library, boutique reading room and event space in the heart of Brooklyn’s downtown cultural district

• Boerum Hill Historic District: National historic district containing more than two hundred brownstones and rowhouses in the center of Boerum Hill

• One Hanson Place: A cultural landmark that defines Boerum Hill (though it technically resides in Fort Greene), the historic landmark was originally constructed as The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower in 1929

The Community

The people make Boerum Hill what it is. It's a place where neighbors say hello and actually care about each other. It's a neighborhood where people connect on a personal level. Beyond the surface, here's what builds our community:

• Markets: Try Trader Joe’s at City Point for packaged foods, snacks and daily bread. Sahadi’s has specialty herbs & spices, imported snacks & sweets and exclusively sourced goods. Whole Foods is your go-to stop for fresh produce, organic groceries and weekly meal planning staples

• Schools: The schools include PS261 - Philip Livingston, PS38 - The Pacific School, and MS447 - The Math and Science Exploratory School for the young ones

• Parks: Take your pick from Boerum Park, Sixteen Sycamores Playground, the community-run Hoyt Street Garden, North Pacific Playground, Wyckoff-Bond Garden, and David Foulke Memorial Garden. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the outdoors

• Community Associations: The Boerum Hill Association (BHA) and Hoyt Street Association are essential to community life. They organize everything from stoop sales to block parties to political rallies to the maintenance of our community gardens.

• Events: The BHA hosts the yearly plant sale, potluck holiday party, and biennial house tour. There is also The Longest Table event for good conversations, a shared meal, and the chance to foster community connection.