Quiet and laid back today, Red Hook was once one of the most active ports in the nation. Primarily home to longshoremen and other dock workers originating from Europe, it lost its tempo in the second half of the 20th century. As a result, low rents and abandoned warehouses presented itself as an attractive opportunity for others. At first, various artists and other creative souls were a part of the first wave that inhabited this old neighborhood. Later on, small businesses looking for affordable commercial space did the same. Today, startups and tech firms are quite common, making it one of the most diverse communities around. With an interesting post-industrial architecture and relatively affordable prices, there is plenty of reasons why you should live in Red Hook, NYC.
What is it like to live in Red Hook, NYC?
The best way to describe Red Hook is to say that it is a small community in a big city. Even so, it has a particular old-school vibe that many people find appealing. Venturing past red-brick warehouses, storage depots, and remains of the old industry will give you a familiar feeling. It’s like taking a trip to the past times using the “pitted cobbles of the old road”. And at the end of that road, you will be surprised by the amazing look of the waterfront, parks, and unusually modern stores. With spectacular views of the harbor, Red Hook is one of the most unique neighborhoods to move to. Eventually, you can easily find a way to properly assess your needs before the move happens with the help of usantini.com.
A brief turbulent history of Red Hook
- 1636 – the Dutch founded Red Hook, naming it after its red clay soil and its corner or point-shaped peninsula. “Roode Hoek” was the original name.
- 1776 – a year when Fort Defiance is built during the Battle of Brooklyn.
- 1840 – complex system of canals and basins in Red Hook are built, and by 1920 it was one of the busiest freight ports in the world.
- 1960 – a bad year for Red Hook when containerization shipping replaced traditional shipping. Because of this, many businesses and jobs are relocated.
- From 1970 to almost 1990 – Red Hook was infamous part of the Brooklyn thanks to increasingly high crime rates.
- 2012 – the year when hurricane Sandy hit Red Hook, flooding the buildings and streets and damaging much on its way.
Up to today, despite all the troubles and periodically bad reputation, Red Hook is constantly rebuilding and advancing. It grows into one of the most interesting and authentic parts, great for those who plan on living in a big city like NYC.
Attractive Red Hook housing options
It is home to the Red Hook Houses, undoubtedly one of the largest public housing undergoing in NYC. But that’s just a part of it. You can find many single and multi-family housing options around, great for growing kids. Also, there are numerous apartment buildings, lofts, and even some luxury housing options. Whose prices, unfortunately, affect the median prices and gives us unrealistically high median reports. In a half industrial and half residential place where sales are rare, it is quite common. But, with better research, and comparison to the rest of NYC, you can make a more attractive bargain. Even though a little over $2,900 for a two-bedroom apartment is somewhat a regular offer. So do your homework first, before you find a crew to transport all your belongings to your new address.
The feel that gives this community an essence
Despite its near proximity to Downtown Brooklyn and Financial District, Red Hook gives a sense of isolation. However, it gives this section of the city a certain feel many people find appealing. That small-town spirit, and a tight community where everyone knows each other, is a good thing. Especially for families with kids. The relaxing remoteness, far from the oppressive urban jungle, with open skies and plenty of walking space, can be truly irresistible.
Friendly and resilient people are the reason to live in Red Hook
Many will say that the change is the narrative of Red Hook. A part of the story that makes it what it is. And whether those changes are for good or bad, it seems that people here never give up. They are friendly, persistent, and care for each other. Even after the disastrous consequences of Superstorm Sandy, the local population starts rebuilding once again.
If you want to be part of this vibrant neighborhood, people are quite interesting and more than enough reason to do it. Since everyone talks to each other, it’s common that even the restaurant owners know every local by the name. If you are a creative soul looking for a place to fit in, Red Hook might be the perfect place for you. Just don’t forget that you might need a place to store your equipment. Consider renting a storage unit for all items that create clutter. It can be quite beneficial for your moving budget.
Restaurants and modern shops
Because it’s surrounded by water from three sides, those moving from afar might assume that Red Hook doesn’t have everything it needs. But, residents can satisfy all their needs without even leaving the neighborhood. There are many modern amenities, from convenient bodegas to large grocery shops in Red Hook. Ikea, Fairway, Brooklyn Slate, and Eria Basin are just some of the popular names that reside here. And even the popular NYC food scene is widely spread here.
- The Red Hook Lobster Pound, known for its loaded lobster rolls.
- Hometown Bar-B-Que, a meat paradise.
- The Good Fork, diverse place serving food from East and West cuisines
- and many more, including wine and chocolate producers.
Overall, a variety of different people can tell you numerous reasons why you should live in Red Hook, NYC. By the same token, it’s that variety that makes this place unique and attractive. From young single people to families with kids, everyone finds their fair shares of the good life in Red Hook. In the same manner, it’s a place where both artists and hipsters enjoy. In fact, that clash of opposites is what makes this place so enticing.