Even if you haven’t heard of DUMBO, you’ve probably seen the neighborhood on TV or even on social media. It is home to one of the most famous street views of the Manhattan Bridge, and, if it’s a clear day, you can even see the Statue of Liberty from the same location. But DUMBO offers a lot more than just nice views of the Manhattan Bridge and NYC. So if you’re looking to make a Brooklyn move, consider checking out this waterfront neighborhood!
What Does DUMBO Stand For?
Unlike other NYC neighborhoods that simply shorten and smoosh together words (SoHo = South of Houston, TriBeCa = Triangle Below Canal Street), DUMBO is an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. But don’t be fooled by the name, DUMBO is located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. In fact, it’s pretty much the first neighborhood you will enter if you decide to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from the Lower East Side in Manhattan.
Variety of Housing Options
Due to its close proximity to Manhattan and scenic views, DUMBO has become one of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, so expect higher rents. Plus, the entire neighborhood was designated as a historic district, which has only increased the cost of housing further. Still, if you want some amazing waterfront views and the charm of old school Brooklyn, complete with cobblestone streets, then there’s really no other place like DUMBO.
Apartment Size & Layout
| Feature | Converted Factory Lofts | Modern Condos |
|---|---|---|
| Average Size | 1,000–2,400 sq ft | 708 sq ft (average for Brooklyn) |
| Typical Layouts | Open-plan, mezzanines, double-height ceilings, exposed brick | Closed or semi-open floor plans, modern finishes |
| Bedroom Count | Studios to 3+ bedrooms, flexible spaces | Studios to 2 bedrooms (some 3-bedroom units) |
| Ceiling Height | 12–20+ feet | 8–10 feet |
| Windows | Large industrial-style windows, arched/steel-framed | Standard-sized, double-glazed |
| Flooring | Original hardwood or polished concrete | Hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate |
| Amenities | Central A/C, in-unit laundry, elevator access, historic charm | Central A/C, in-unit laundry, fitness center, modern appliances |
| Price Range | $1.4M–$7.99M | $500K–$1.5M |
If you’re planning to move to DUMBO, you can find a variety of housing options. In the past, the area was one of the most important manufacturing districts in NYC. As such, a lot of apartments are converted from factories, so you can expect open-floor plans and large windows. Of course, that’s not all DUMBO offers. There are also plenty of newer condos and brownstones to choose from, with many of the newer buildings offering stunning views and state-of-the-art amenities.
So whether you’re looking for a loft, pre-war, or a high-rise, there’s definitely a place for you. Just be sure you can afford the price tag, as DUMBO is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in New York City.
Fast Commutes
Whether you work in Manhattan or Brooklyn, DUMBO is a great location for commuting, as you have access to the A, C, and F lines. Getting to Midtown takes around 15-20 minutes, and you can easily get to Park Slope or Downtown Brooklyn in around the same time. If you prefer a more scenic commute, consider taking the NYC Ferry, which will take you to the Financial District in less than 5 minutes or to 34th Street Landing, which will take around half an hour.
And while having a car in NYC isn’t the norm, if you do happen to have one, you can get to Midtown in about 15 minutes or less, depending on traffic. You might be better off if you keep driving to the outer boroughs. While Brooklyn is certainly well-connected when it comes to public transportation, it might require a lot of train and bus transfers to get to the more remote areas. And if you want to go to Queens or Staten Island, chances are you’ll need to go into Manhattan first. However, if you drive, there are easy ways to access both locations via bridges, expressways, etc.
Job Opportunities
You don’t have to commute to Manhattan to find a great job. DUMBO is home to more tech companies than any other neighborhood in Brooklyn. In fact, it is home to 25 percent of NYC-based tech firms with 500 tech and creative companies within a 10-block radius. In the early 2000s, many startups made their home in DUMBO due to the relatively cheap commercial rents, large open spaces, and talented workforce – most famously, Etsy, the e-commerce site focused on crafts and vintage items. Other larger companies include:
- Biolite – off-grid energy products
- Amplify – an educational company to create core and supplemental curricula for K-12
- Paperspace – cloud platform
- KISI – cloud-based access control and security platform
- Andros – Healthcare provider network management solution
Number of Tech Companies
| Company Name | Industry / Focus | Employees / Size |
|---|---|---|
| Etsy | E-commerce, crafts & vintage marketplace | 1,000+ employees (global) |
| Biolite | Off-grid energy products | 50–100 employees |
| Amplify | Educational technology, K–12 curricula | 200–300 employees |
| Paperspace | Cloud computing platform | 50–100 employees |
| KISI | Cloud-based access control & security | 50–100 employees |
| Andros | Healthcare provider network management | 20–50 employees |
| Various Startups | Tech & creative, multiple industries | ~500 companies in a 10-block radius |
Nowadays, rents aren’t so cheap, but many companies continue to open up shop in the area as more and more people move further into Brooklyn. Many companies are also offering a hybrid or remote arrangement for their employees, so you can pop over to a co-working space instead of going into an office or hanging out in Brooklyn Bridge Park while taking your meeting. Of course, if you can’t find a job in DUMBO, there are plenty of opportunities in Manhattan.
Family Friendly
If you can afford DUMBO, it’s one of the best places to raise a family. Despite its proximity to Manhattan and the fact that it’s a tourist destination, it still manages to offer a quiet and small-town vibe. It is also home to a few excellent schools for younger children, including PS 307, which is a STEM school, and DUMBO GAN for preschool.
Family Amenities
| Amenity | Type / Feature | Age / Suitability | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pirate Ship Playground | Outdoor playground, climbing, swings | 2–12 years | Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 |
| Main Street Playground | Slides, swings, open play area | 3–10 years | Main Street & Washington Street |
| Pier 1 Playground | Waterfront playground, slides, and climbing nets | 3–12 years | Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 |
| PS 307 (STEM School) | Elementary school, STEM-focused curriculum | Grades K–5 | DUMBO, Brooklyn |
| DUMBO GAN | Preschool, early learning | Ages 2–5 | DUMBO, Brooklyn |
| Brooklyn Bridge Park Education Center | Educational programs, environmental learning | All ages | Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1 |
| Adams Street Library | Public library, kids’ programs, storytime | All ages | DUMBO, Brooklyn |
Of course, it’s not just about the schools. DUMBO also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as:
- Several playgrounds, including the Pirate Ship Playground, Pier 1 Playground, and Main Street Playground
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Education Center
- Jane’s Carousel
- Adams Street Library
If you have foodie children, then there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants, including Sugarcane, which offers kids’ Sushi.
Lots of Amenities
Even if you don’t have children, DUMBO is still a great place to live. Whether you’re an art lover or a foodie, there’s something for you to enjoy, such as:
- Time Out Market – Want to enjoy some of your favorite eats in one place? Then check out the Time Our Market, which features 24 different restaurants. You can also catch a show or event before or after you eat.
- The Brooklyn Flea – open every Saturday, the Brooklyn Flea is one of the more popular flea markets in NYC. You can browse a variety of vintage clothes, records, stop by a delicious food stall, and more.
- The Archway – previously used by the NYC Department of Transportation to store scrap metal, the location was transformed into a public space where you can catch a variety of events, including live music, dance parties, art workshops, and more
- Brooklyn Bridge Park – this 85-acre park provides the best views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge in all of NYC. You can lounge about on the grass or check out the other attractions, including Jane’s Carousel.
- St. Ann’s Warehouse – previously a tobacco depot, this location offers some top-notch theater and music performances. Unlike your standard shows on Broadway or even BAM, many of the shows are experimental and envelope-pushing, so you can be sure you’ll be in for something new and exciting.
- Grimaldi’s – the pizza spot that all the tourists flock to! Despite that, the quality of the pizza is still amazing, and it’s a perfect example of the famed thin-crust NYC pizza.
Move to DUMBO
If you can afford to rent, DUMBO is a great place to live. It offers residents a tight-knit community vibe while still offering amazing amenities and easy access to Manhattan. If you plan on moving to DUMBO, make sure to call trusted Brooklyn movers like NYC Great Movers! We’ll help customize a plan to fit your budget and needs.
