What’s Up? DUMBO

What’s Up? Dumbo! This new neighborhood guide highlights one of Brooklyn’s popular neighborhoods for residents and tourists.

Key Information About Dumbo

Continue reading to learn some basic facts about this New York City neighborhood.

Population

42,517 people; population density 47,101 people per square mile (Brooklyn: 34,917 people per square mile)

Adjacent Neighborhoods

DUMBO resides on the East River and has a couple of neighborhoods along its border, including Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, and Vinegar Hill.

Public Transit

F (York St.), A/C (High St.); East River Ferry (Fulton Landing)

Street art
Street art in DUMBO

Whatโ€™s Here?

Art meets technology on the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, a family-friendly neighborhood that is both historic and cutting edge. Located along the Brooklyn waterfront, just one subway stop from lower Manhattan, DUMBO feels like a tucked-away gem, yet itโ€™s quite accessible.

See the city from a fresh perspective by walking or biking across the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge, or ride the water ferry (the East River Ferry to Fulton Landing also stops at Governor’s Island, Wall Street, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and E. 34th St. in Manhattan).

Head to Grimaldi’s, a legendary pizzeria where the line is always out the door, or celebrate a special occasion at The River Cafรฉ, a posh waterfront restaurant. Order a perfect iced coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Co. Stop by the irresistible Jacques Torres Chocolate shop for decadent bonbons, cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Visit the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, a summertime hot spot located by the Fulton Ferry Pier, which offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

Types of Buildings

While high-rise apartments and luxury condos are increasingly attractive options in DUMBO, the neighborhood also remains true to its roots. Its spacious artistsโ€™ lofts as well as old-fashioned warehousesโ€”now convertedโ€”havenโ€™t lost their charm.

Obligatory shot of awesome apartments
Obligatory shot of awesome apartments

Neighborhood History

An industrial area in the late nineteenth century, the western part of the neighborhood was called Fulton Landing. As factories closed and the neighborhood grew more residential, in the late 1970s, many artists sought out its large, affordable, live-in loft studios. Residents then christened the neighborhood DUMBOโ€”an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpassโ€”hoping that the odd, seemingly unmarketable name would keep it the best-kept secret in Brooklyn.

Iconic
Iconic

Things to Do in DUMBO

Today, DUMBO is known for its many tech start-ups as well as art galleries, fantastic eateries, and unique shops. Catch an innovative theater performance or a concert at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Immerse yourself in classical music at Bargemusic, a one-of-a-kind floating concert hall. Nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts a wealth of activities, from biking and boating to outdoor movies and yoga classes, from Janeโ€™s Carousel to a Pop-Up Pool in the summer.

Even the shopping in DUMBO is awesome
Even the shopping in DUMBO is awesome!

Donโ€™t miss the DUMBO Arts Festival โ€” a three-day, indoor-outdoor cultural extravaganza (free and open to the public) that takes place every fall, featuring art installations and exhibitions, open studios, interactive art, and live performances.

Editor’s Note: We updated this article to enhance readability.ย 

 

lawrence
lawrence
Lawrence part of the RentHop Data Science team with over a decade of experience in the real estate industry. In addition, he is a software developer and quantitative analyst with over 12 years of experience in software development and quantitative modeling. Lawrence merges two of his passions together to help renters across the nation with their home search.

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