Buried at the bottom of Brooklyn, the peaceful waterfront neighborhood of Red Hook has become a desirable residence for those looking for somewhere quiet with a lot of character.
History
PC: Brownstoner
Red Hook has been a part of Brooklyn since the district’s creation in the 1600s, and in 1636, it was officially settled by the Dutch colonists of New Amsterdam.
Red Hook was named for its red clay soil and the point of land that reaches into the New York Bay. From the 1880s to today, the people who live in the eastern part of the neighborhood have referred to it as “The Point.”
In the 1840s, successful entrepreneurs started building ports on a part of the Erie Canal, which included the Atlantic, Erie, and Brooklyn Basins. By the 1920s, Red Hook had become the busiest freight port in the world.
Accessibility
PC: Red Hook Waterfront
Subway stops are sparse in Red Hook, as the closest trains are the F and G at either the Carroll Street or Smith-Ninth Street stations. The bus service is also limited, but popular in Red Hook. The B61 bus offers service from Hamilton Avenue, and eventually connects with the Smith-Ninth Street station.
IKEA also provides a complimentary shuttle service that runs to the Smith-Ninth Street, Fourth Avenue-Ninth Street, and Court Street-Borough Hall subway stops daily every half hour. This service is also available to non-shoppers.
Aside from this, IKEA also has a water taxi that runs from the bottom of Manhattan to the IKEA and Red Hook Docks.
Lifestyle
PC: Brownstoner
Red Hook is a quiet seaside Brooklyn community set against old shipping ports and the waterway. The lack of transportation to this area means this is truly a village inside a city. Red Hook residents spend their time biking or walking around the water or enjoying a quiet evening with friends at a local restaurant.
This neighborhood still retains much of its waterside feel, featuring many rustic seafood restaurants and a strong maritime vibe.
Restaurants
PC: Red Hook Waterfront
Delicious seafood is a staple in Red Hook. To start, you should try Red Hook Lobster Pound, which is famous for their fresh lobster rolls. We suggest the Connecticut lobster roll, which is chunks of meat drenched with butter rather than mayonnaise. Next, we suggest the Brooklyn Crab. This favorite features crab pots, which are basically buckets filled with crab, and perfect to split with someone special!
If you aren’t a fan of seafood, Red Hook offers every other option too. One of the best is Hometown Barbecue, a local joint that serves savory pit-smoked meat and delicious craft beers.
Cost
PC: Brownstoner
Red Hook is one of the more cost-effective parts of the city to live in, as a studio or 1-bedroom apartment runs at about $1,900-$2,000 per month, and 2-bedroom apartments are priced around $2,800.
When purchasing in Red Hook, you can also get more for your money. A 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom apartment sells for around $2,500,000.
Final Verdict
PC: Chris Goldberg
Red Hook is perfect for those looking for a quiet escape from the rush of New York City. This quaint waterside area perfectly fits that description with a range of quirky bars and restaurants and a peaceful neighborhood vibe. If you’re looking for a reserved place that still has character, Red Hook is for you!
