Moving to Red Hook, Brooklyn: A Guide to the Waterfront Neighborhood
Tucked along Brooklyn’s waterfront, Red Hook combines industrial grit with creative energy and a close-knit, small-town feel. It’s a place where cobblestone streets lead to artist lofts, brownstones, and some of the city’s most talked-about food and cultural spots. Whether you’re drawn here for the views of the Statue of Liberty, the lively arts scene, or the slower pace compared to other Brooklyn neighborhoods, Red Hook offers something different.
In This Guide
Why People Move Here
Neighborhood Snapshot
Red Hook Pros & Cons
Things to Do in Red Hook
Red Hook FAQ
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Red Hook Neighborhood Snapshot
Adjacent Neighborhoods Carroll Gardens / Columbia Waterfront / Gowanus (northeast), Cobble Hill / Carroll Gardens (north), Upper New York Bay (west & south), Gowanus Canal (east)
Boundaries Roughly bounded by the Gowanus Expressway and Carroll Gardens on the northeast, Gowanus Canal on the east, and the Upper New York Bay on the west and south
ZIP Codes 11231 is the primary ZIP code for Red Hook, Brooklyn
Median Rent About $3,500 as of August 2025 (StreetEasy)
Median Sale Price About $1,700,000 (StreetEasy)
Transit F / G lines at Smith–9th Streets or Carroll Street (walking distance), B61, and NYC Ferry
Walk Score 90, with a relatively low transit score of 74 (Walk Score)
Typical Buildings Converted warehouses, loft buildings, brownstones, walk-ups, mixed-use structures, public housing, more information available via ACRIS
School Zoning Red Hook falls within NYC School District 15 which includes Gowanus, Red Hook, Park Slope, and parts of surrounding neighborhoods
Why Are People Moving to Red Hook?
Red Hook has a character unlike anywhere else in Brooklyn. Once defined by shipping terminals and warehouses, the neighborhood has transformed into a creative hub with an unmistakable small-town feel. The waterfront offers sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty, while blocks of cobblestones lead to independent shops, art spaces, and some of the city’s most celebrated food destinations.
Creative spaces — Lofts and studios inside former warehouses attract artists, makers, and entrepreneurs.
Family-friendly homes — Brownstones and smaller residential pockets provide space and charm.
Strong community ties — Neighbors support one another, with active local organizations and independent businesses.
Waterfront living — Access to Valentino Pier, harbor views, and a quieter atmosphere than other parts of Brooklyn.
Local flavor — From iconic sandwich shops to experimental art venues, Red Hook offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
Slower pace — Limited transit and tucked-away streets give Red Hook a small-town feel within the city
Is Red Hook, Brooklyn a Good Place to Live? (Pros and Cons)
Red Hook’s character is what makes it special, but it also comes with quirks. If you’re weighing a move here, these are the pros and cons you’ll want to know.
Pros of Living in Red Hook
Waterfront Views & Open Space — Valentino Pier offers stunning harbor views and room to breathe compared to denser neighborhoods.
Strong Community Vibe — With independent businesses, local organizations, and grassroots art spaces, Red Hook has a close-knit feel.
Food & Culture — From Defonte’s legendary sandwiches to Pioneer Works’ exhibitions, Red Hook is a destination for food and the arts.
Unique Housing — Loft conversions and historic brownstones create living spaces you won’t find in most of NYC.
Less Congestion — Without direct subway access, Red Hook is quieter than many Brooklyn neighborhoods
Cons of Living in Red Hook
Transit Challenges — No direct subway stop; most residents rely on the B61 bus, Citi Bike, or ferries.
Flood Risk — As a low-lying waterfront neighborhood, Red Hook faces greater vulnerability to storm surges and flooding.
Limited Amenities — Fewer grocery stores, schools, and services than more central neighborhoods.
Price Pressure — Rents and sale prices have climbed in recent years, especially for waterfront lofts and new developments.
Isolation Factor — For some, the lack of subway and distance from central Brooklyn/Manhattan can feel cut off.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Red Hook?
For a relatively small neighborhood, Red Hook has a big reputation for culture, food, and waterfront views. Local highlights include:
Valentino Pier — a community favorite for fishing, picnics, and unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty.
Pioneer Works — a cutting-edge art and performance space housed in a massive industrial building.
Defonte’s Sandwich Shop – Serving legendary Italian sandwiches since 1922.
Steve’s Key Lime Pie — a sweet staple of the neighborhood.
Sunny’s Bar — a beloved, historic dive that embodies Red Hook’s spirit.
Red Hook Arcade — play refurbished and original arcade games with a view of the harbor.
Red Hook FAQ
Is Red Hook, Brooklyn a good neighborhood?
Yes, if you like a quiet, small-town feel blended with artful energy. Residents enjoy waterfront views, independent businesses, and community-driven spirit. In September 2025, Time Out named Red Hook the coolest neighborhood in NYC and ranked it among the world’s coolest for creativity, community, and character.
How much does it cost to move to Red Hook?
If you’re thinking about making Red Hook your new home, the main cost will be housing.
Median Rent: About $3,500/month for a one-bedroom.
Median Home Sale Price: Roughly $1.7 million as of late 2025, with condos on the lower end and townhomes/luxury waterfront properties well above $2M.
Other Costs: Utilities, groceries, and dining are in line with nearby Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.
How much does it cost to hire movers in Red Hook?
Hiring movers in Red Hook generally costs the same as other Brooklyn neighborhoods, and depends on the size and distance of your move. For a free custom rate, fill out our moving estimate request form.
Do Red Hook apartments and lofts require a COI?
Often, yes. Many brownstones, warehouses-turned-lofts, and newer buildings ask movers to furnish a Certificate of Insurance naming the building/management before granting elevator time or loading access. Cool Hand Movers issues building-ready COIs at no extra cost and coordinates directly with management to meet requirements.
How do you get to Red Hook without a subway?
Most residents use the B61 bus (Van Brunt/Columbia corridors) and the NYC Ferry South Brooklyn route, which includes a Red Hook/Atlantic Basin landing; there’s also Citi Bike throughout the area. The closest F/G stations (Carroll St or Smith–9th) are a ~15–25 minute walk depending on where you’re headed.
Is Red Hook safe at night?
Overall, yes, residential streets are quiet and active, though industrial areas can be less lively after dark. Safety here is comparable to nearby neighborhoods, with livelier residential blocks near Van Brunt and quieter industrial waterfront stretches after dark.
What is Red Hook famous for?
Red Hook is best known for its waterfront views of the Statue of Liberty, its industrial history, and its role in Brooklyn’s shipping era. Red Hook is also home to the largest public housing development in Brooklyn, the Red Hook Houses, and has become a celebrated mix of resilience, creativity, and community.
“Cool Hand offered the best rate (I checked with a half dozen movers in advance), and had clear and prompt communication in advance.
We got a pack and move, and they showed up on time, did the packing job quickly and efficiently (carefully wrapping all fragile items). They showed up the next morning at 9am and got to work, and completed a full move in about 5 hours. Couldn’t recommend these guys highly enough.”
Cool Hand Movers’ Red Hook Roots
Red Hook isn’t just where we work — it’s where Cool Hand Movers started. This neighborhood gave us our beginning, and we still dispatch crews from our Red Hook location every day.
Being based here means we know the streets, the buildings, and the community inside and out. Whether it’s navigating cobblestones on Van Brunt Street or relocating artist lofts, our team brings local expertise that only comes from being part of the neighborhood.
Looking for movers who know Red Hook as well as you want to? Get a Red Hook moving quote today.
We’re also proud to be part of Red Hook’s small-business and nonprofit community:
Red Hook Business Alliance — connecting local businesses across the neighborhood.
Red Hook Initiative — supporting youth and residents of the Red Hook Houses.
Red Hook Art Project — providing free arts education and mentoring for kids.
Red Hook Star-Revue — the local paper amplifying community voices.