We're headed a bit further along the F-Train this time into the heart of Brooklyn to meet Nico! Nico sits about 4 feet away from me in my office and was happy to sit and talk all about his home, Cobble Hill!
Cobble Hill is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. A small neighborhood comprising 40 blocks, Cobble Hill sits adjacent to Brooklyn Heights to the north, Boerum Hill to the east, Carroll Gardens to the south, and the Columbia Street Waterfront District to the west. It is bounded by Atlantic Avenue (north), Court Street (east), Degraw Street (south) and the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (west). Other sources add to the neighborhood a rectangle bounded by Wyckoff Street on the north, Hoyt Street on the east, Degraw Street on the south, and Court Street on the west.
All about Cobble Hill by Nico
Is it friendly for people new to the city (is it safe throughout the day and night)?
It's safe for sure! It is generally a friendly area and has a neighborhood-y feel. It's what really sets the area apart from other neighborhoods in New York.
It's friendly for people who are new to the city, but, depending on how old you are, and whether you're looking for the busy Manhattan lifestyle, this might not be the place for you. It's most closely aligned to the Upper West Side if you were to compare it to a neighborhood in Manhattan.
Why do you like (or dislike) living in the area?
The neighborhood atmosphere is the most appealing part of the area. There are lots of families and lots of older folks who make for a friendly and inviting place to live.
A few of our neighbors have lived in the area since the 80s and love my dog!
The F train is nearby, which is really convenient and if it is not working you can walk up to Borough Hall where you can take the 2,3,4,5 and R trains. It's also not too far from Barclays Centre!
There are also lots of fun new and different things nearby in Gowanus for example. Brooklyn Boulders for climbing for example, and other cool things like archery, axe throwing at Kick Axe and lots more.
Brooklyn Bridge Park isn't too far away as well!
Young families also like the area for the good schooling options nearby
Would you say it was a cheaper neighborhood, an average-priced neighborhood, or an expensive neighborhood?
If I were to compare it to the rest of NYC, I'd say it was a more expensive neighborhood. At this point, it is starting to compare fairly closely with prices in Manhattan.
How would you describe a clichéd person living in the area and how do they live?
Strollers. Lots of strollers and small, young families attached to them
It's historically an Italian and French neighborhood (with a great Bastille Day celebration).
Primarily it's new families and older people.
What is your favorite bar in the area to go with friends?
There are lots of restaurants on Smith St & Court Street and a few bars on Smith Street if you want to stay out later at night. Court St is a bit more family-friendly.
La Vara is a really good southern Spanish (w/ Jewish & Moorish influences) restaurant.
Hibino – Is a great Japanese restaurant as well.
It's more of an area for restaurants than it is for bars. Carroll Gardens is just adjacent to the south and there are lots of good Italian restaurants there as well!
Do you have a favorite spot to go alone or quietly with others (venue or not)?
Cobble Hill Park is a lovely calm square in Cobble Hill, I don't go there all that much but I know people do and love it.
Really I just normally sit on my roof but I can't really invite other people to do that..
Do you have a favorite café or deli and what is your order?
The one that everyone talks about is Shelsky's on Court Street but I don't really have a regular order.
Out of 10 how would you rate the neighborhood for: Overall? Kids? Going Out? Quiet Living? Food? As a tourist?
Overall: 8
Kids: 9
Going Out: 6
Quiet Living: 7
Food: 8 – Including Carrol Gardens next door
As a tourist: 4 or 5 – No.
In a few words, how would you sum up the neighborhood?
Strollers. Townhouses. No-tall-buildings.
Anything else you’d like to add about the area?
Nope. I don't think so!
All About Neighborhood Champion, Nico
How do you describe yourself in one sentence?
I'm a late 30s married guy originally from the ‘burbs.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city (outside of your neighborhood)?
Leave the city. Upstate New York. Hiking, skiing, boating, general outdoor activities.
Haha I do like Cobble Hill too!
Where do you call “home” and where are you “from”?
I call Northern New Jersey home and I guess that's where I'm from too.
Now’s your chance to promote whatever you want (your business, your hobby, your cool idea, or something you love)
Nothing at the moment, come back to me later.
Nico cannot be found online at @ninecobras. “I've not really posted anything thought”.
From America Josh
Thanks, Nico for taking the time to swivel your chair around and tell me all about Cobble Hill! I look forward to being invited over for dinner soon.
Introducing Neighborhood Champions!
Other Champions: Meet Erin from Long Island City, Meet Rachael from FiDi/Seaport, Meet Edwina from Williamsburg, Meet Scott from Greenwich Village, Meet Josh of Alphabet City
Getting to know a neighborhood in New York is one of the most interesting and fun parts of living here. Building community, understanding the nuances of streets, bars, cafés, and cultures, and knowing what’s cool (and what’s not) makes you feel like you’re really part of the city. So, I want to hear about yours!
So. Are you my next Neighborhood Champion for your neighborhood? If so, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll arrange a time to meet!
