Surrounded by Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus and Park Slope, Boerum Hill is an upscale neighborhood, characterized by its beautiful brownstones. The term "Hill" is somewhat misleading as the area is entirely flat, built on farmland and former marshlands surrounding Gowanus Creek. The neighborhood is a diverse mix of older and more established professionals, families and couples looking to settle down outside of Manhattan.
Boerum Hill was named for the Dutch family who occupied and farmed the land. Before then, it was referred to as North Gowanus. When gentrification began to occur in the 1970s, the neighborhood was rechristened Boerum Hill, setting it apart from what was then the industrial Gowanus area.
Today, Boerum Hill is an affluent area with three-story row houses that attract young families. Its close proximity to the Atlantic Terminal and laid-back vibe are big draws for Manhattan workers in search of a convenient commute. Famous residents - both past and present - include: Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, Kerri Russell, Sandra Oh and Ethan Hawke.
One of the area's top schools, Brooklyn High School of the Arts, was established in 2000. The commercial hub of Boerum Hill lies at Smith Street's "Restaurant Row" and in Atlantic Avenue's design district. Residents enjoy visiting the Invisible Dog Art Center, strolling through the streets, or taking a leisurely bicycle ride.
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