Locals are attracted to the area’s small town vibe and affordable prices
For many Fort Hamilton homeowners, the appeal is less about their specific residence and more about the neighborhood itself. This south Brooklyn enclave is known for its longstanding community, tree-lined streets and waterfront land. Combined, these aspects create a homey feel that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the city. Susan Chung, an associate broker at Compass, has lived and worked in the area for 15 years. “I was attracted to this part of Brooklyn because it’s technically urban but has a suburban, residential vibe,” she says. “It’s not the trendiest of neighborhoods. It’s older and not very transient because it's farther from the city. People settle here.” Prewar co-ops like 351 Marine Ave. make up a large portion of Fort Hamilton’s housing stock. The 1931 brick-clad building offers studio to two-bedroom apartments at a reasonable price point well below other coastal areas in north Brooklyn or Manhattan. And from the building’s corner location, residents can find the convenience of an urban city within what feels like a charming suburb.
More than 100 units with varying finishes and price points
As expected in a prewar building, units within this six-story midrise. have a broad scope of finishes. Original or long-ago-updated apartments often have closed floor plans and some variation of basketweave or penny tile in the kitchens and bathrooms. “A lot of the homes in this area have really good bones, but they need a lot of upgrading,” Chung says. “So, for people who have the means to renovate, invest in their homes and settle down, these spacious, well-made units are a big appeal.” The co-op at 351 Marine Ave. certainly falls into this category, evidenced by recent renovations that meld contemporary updates with the building’s prewar character. For example, a redesigned unit might feature sleek black cabinetry, white subway tile and an open great room, but it will still have the unit’s original arched doorways and exposed brick walls. Ceilings reach 9 feet and owners often add air-conditioning units to their double-hung windows. Select southeast-facing units have views of the water and Verrazzano Bridge.
Studio and one-bedroom apartments typically cost between $230,000 and $350,000, but brand-new renovations can raise prices to $500,000. Proving that turnover is limited, the last two-bedroom unit to hit the market sold for $575,000 in 2021. Shareholders are allowed to have cats, but dogs are not permitted in this co-op. Prospective buyers should know that gifting is allowed, and subletting is typically approved after one year of residency.
Amenities are limited to a laundry room and rentable storage units
The co-op’s lobby reflects the Art Deco period in which it was built: the English stucco walls have an antique, brushed-on look; gold-toned moldings trace the low ceiling; and sconces are the only light source in the otherwise dim space. Residents, including the co-op’s live-in super, must use their key fob to enter before taking the elevator to their floor. While in-unit washer/dryers are not permitted, a shared laundry room is located in the basement alongside generously sized storage cages, which can be rented for as little as $50 per month.
Waterfront parks are the main draw, but commerce is available too
Residents can find restaurants and businesses — like gyms, markets and salons — along Third, Fourth and Fifth avenues, the area’s main commercial arteries. In fact, there are two small businesses, a pharmacy and a barbershop, within the building, facing Fourth Avenue. One block north, elementary- and middle-school-aged children may attend the private St. Patrick Catholic Academy. But the area's main attraction is roughly three blocks south: the waterfront green space with stellar views of the harbor and Verrazzano Bridge. John Paul Jones Park is known for its grassy lawns and meandering footpaths, while Shore Road Park has athletic facilities and a waterfront promenade that’s popular with runners and bikers. Dyker Beach Park, with its public, 18-hole golf course, is slightly farther but still within walking distance of the co-op. As a nice perk for the community, the park is the only city course that offers free lessons to young golfers.
Long commutes to Manhattan and limited parking can make travel difficult
Brooklyn’s first (or last) stop on the R train is located three blocks north of the co-op at 95th Street and Fourth Avenue. From there, residents can reach Lower Manhattan in 45 minutes to an hour. Another option for Manhattan-bound commuters is the express bus, which stops several blocks south along Shore Road. Local buses are also available along Fourth Avenue. While those with cars may struggle to find adequate parking in the neighborhood, drivers can take the Belt Parkway, Gowanus Parkway or Verrazzano Bridge for travel throughout Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
74/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
88/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Bay Ridge Promenade
5 min walk
Bike Trails
Trails
John J. Carty Park
5 min walk
Basketball
Tennis
Trails
Shore Parkway Greenway
1 min drive
Tom McDonald Triangle
2 min drive
Picnic Area
Trails
Russell Pederson Playground
3 min drive
Basketball
Soccer
Tennis
Dan Ross Playground
3 min drive
Playground
McKinley Park
3 min drive
Dog Park
Tennis
Trails
Patrick O'Rourke Playground
4 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Shore Road Park
4 min drive
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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