Introduction
Cobble Hill is an enviable place to live. Its shady blocks are lined with pear and oak trees, beautiful 19th-century townhouses, and candlelit corner restaurants. Once considered the poor-man's Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill feels less grand and more approachable than its neighbor, though price tags now negate any real distinction. Just a few subway stops from Manhattan, it draws well-heeled families and young professionals. Here, you'll find the standard Brooklyn accoutrements of craft beer, independent bookstores, sunny cafés and stoop sales. Nearly the whole neighborhood is a historic district, guaranteeing the survival of its top attribute: a strong sense of place.
Transportation
Cobble Hill is roughly bounded by Atlantic Avenue to the north, Degraw Street to the south, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the west, and Smith Street to the east. The area is served by the F and G trains, running along Smith Street, and the B57 bus on Court and Smith Streets. For those on the northern end of the neighborhood, it's also an easy walk to Borough Hall and the 2, 3, 4, 5 and R trains. Depending on where in the neighborhood you live, the walk to the subway can take up to 10 minutes.
Livability
Cobble Hill is very comfortable, offering residents a life that's as close to small-town as one can get in a big city. Streets are quiet and there's rarely much traffic. It's a great place for kids, who make a killing on Halloween at homes bedecked with spider webs and elaborately carved pumpkins. Children also benefit from the new Brooklyn Bridge Park a short walk away. Pier 6 playground is a popular park attraction. Also, the summer ferry to Governors Island leaves from Pier 6..
At the center of the neighborhood is Cobble Hill Park, a friendly gathering place with shaded benches, bursting flower beds, and a busy little playground. Sports lovers can go to Brooklyn Bridge Park, which has soccer fields and skating, or Prospect Park, which is larger but three miles away. To play a good game of fetch with your dog, you'll have to make your way to north Brooklyn Heights or Prospect Park.
