BROOKLYN

Clinton Hill Neighborhood Guide

A young, upscale, and upbeat neighborhood in the heart of Brooklyn, Clinton Hill offers a vibrant energy amid the historic homes and beautiful brownstones that line the streets. This north-central section of Brooklyn offers residents, commuters, and tourists convenient access across town or across the river to Manhattan. 

Nestled between Fort Greene and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill contains brick row houses, contemporary apartment buildings, and freestanding estates — structures built over time revealing a diverse dimension to the neighborhood’s architecture. Parks, playgrounds, and quiet tree-lined streets contribute to Clinton Hill’s charm and character. The community conveys a college-like feel with its academic footprint inclusive of St. Joseph’s College and the Pratt Institute. 

The affluent area’s entertainment hub spans Myrtle Ave and DeKalb Ave, a radius surrounded by small boutiques, wide avenues, and cobblestone streets. The insurgence of incredible restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops affirm Clinton Hill’s reputation as an up-and-coming foodie scene. With its entertaining nightlife, casual atmosphere, and artistic expression, Clinton Hill offers an exciting, youthful vibe amid a diverse culture and culinary haven.

Clinton Hill Real Estate Stats

An Abbreviated History of Clinton Hill

Originally occupied by the Lenape tribe, Dutch and French Huguenot settlers eventually purchased and inhabited the land in 1670. Over the next century and on through the Revolutionary War, the Dutch continued to build up the area extending down to the East River, offering scenic views of the East River and New York City. 

Known as “The Hill” for the Brooklyn area’s highest elevation, Clinton Hill was named after New York’s 6th Governor, Dewitt Clinton, who served during the 1820s. By 1840, Clinton Ave and the neighboring Fort Greene had evolved into an aspirational area for wealthy Brooklynites to reside and restore. They would commute to Manhattan by stagecoach and the Fulton Ferry then return home to their remote retreat away from New York’s tight quarters and endless action.

After the Civil War and through the 1880s, Clinton Hill was renovated with row houses that depicted the neighborhood and attracted successful professionals. As more merchants and businessmen relocated to Clinton Hill, the area became known as Brooklyn’s “Gold Coast” with residential development engineered by a respected oil baron, Charles Pratt. He founded the private university Pratt Institute, in 1887, which remains a central landmark today. In conjunction with famous architect Montrose Morris, Pratt constructed an array of mansions across the area. By the 1940s, Robert Moses’ urban renewal initiative replaced many of the huge homes and brownstones with elegant, accessible apartment living. However, the brownstones were restored in the 1970s and remain an attractive aspect of Clinton Hill today. 

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

What to expect

Clinton Hill Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Once the country’s premier naval shipbuilding facility, the land was decommissioned and sold to New York City in 1966. Its legacy remains and continues to inspire today’s society with its framework of urban manufacturing and innovation. The waterfront complex spans 300 acres and offers tours, public events, and a glimpse into everyday industrial projects. The structure is built of ample office space, swank restaurants, art exhibits, and installations. 

Constructed in 1887 and considered one of architect Francis Kimball’s finest works, this fascinating cathedral conveys glorious Gothic Revival architecture. The Baptist megachurch consists of a 2,200-member congregation and offers various social and educational programs. 

Founded in 1916 by the Sisters of St. Joseph’s, the University enrolls about 1,200 students engaged in liberal arts programs and the development of intellect, integrity, and social responsibility. Its diverse academic culture coincides seamlessly with Brooklyn’s nearby Academy of Music, Public Library, and Museum of Art. The Clinton Hill campus consists of seven buildings, an outdoor theatre, and over 500 faculty members. Its unparalleled professor-to-student ratio enriches St. Joseph’s standard of excellence and its repeated recognition as one of America’s best colleges.

This shady plot renovated in 1997 features two playgrounds, fountains and sprinklers, checkers and chess tables, and lush landscaping. It sits upon the old mansion of legendary Clinton Hill business mogul and typewriter manufacturer, John Thomas Underwood. 

Introduced in 1887, this private university offers students an acclaimed curriculum covering engineering, design, architecture, liberal arts, and sciences. Its 25-acre campus is a sight to see with lavish gardens, outdoor recreation, and a stunning sculpture park. 

This 7,300 square-foot creative space was restored in 2008 and today concentrates on community, imagination, and theatrical expression. A former auditorium for Sunday School and church events, it now represents a unique performance venue of Theatre, Education, and Outreach.