Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Downtown Brooklyn vs Washington Heights

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Brooklyn|Manhattan

Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn

Washington Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Washington Heights has the lower median sale price at $518K vs $830K in Downtown Brooklyn.

Commuters have more transit options in Downtown Brooklyn, which is served by 8 subway lines compared to 3 in Washington Heights.

Median Sale Price
$830K
$518K
Median Rent
$5K
$3K
Active Listings
129
174
Avg Days on Market
46 days
48 days
YoY Price Change
-9.5%
-5.3%
Monthly Sales Volume
11
18

Detailed Comparison

MetricDowntown BrooklynWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$830,000$517,500
Median Condo Price$1,395,000$400,000
Median Co-op Price$877,953$517,500
Median Rent$4,780$2,963.5
Active Listings129174
Rental Inventory688412
Days on Market4648
Price Cut Share10.1%13.2%
Monthly Sales Volume1118
YoY Price Change-9.5%-5.3%
YoY Rent Change+8.4%+11.6%
YoY Inventory Change+38.7%-1.7%
Subway Lines2 3 4 5 A C F R1 A C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Downtown Brooklyn moved -9.5% over the past year, compared to -5.3% in Washington Heights. Both markets have seen price softening, with Downtown Brooklyn declining more sharply over the measured period.

Neighborhood Profiles

Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn features a mixture of historic brownstones and modern high-rise architecture. The area is built around major transit hubs, including LIRR access and multiple subway lines. Residents benefit from green space in Brooklyn Bridge Park and prominent local landmarks.

View Full Market Report

Washington Heights

Washington Heights is a well-connected neighborhood known for its dramatic topography and stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. Home to the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park, the area offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The real estate market is characterized by large, pre-war cooperatives that offer significant space for the price, making it a popular choice for those seeking value and community.

View Full Market Report

Transit Access

Downtown Brooklyn

2345ACFR

Court St (R) — 0.1 mi

Borough Hall (2 3 4 5) — 0.1 mi

Jay St-MetroTech (A C F R) — 0.2 mi

Clark St (2 3) — 0.3 mi

High St (A C) — 0.4 mi

Washington Heights

1AC

181 St (1 A) — 0.4 mi

175 St (A) — 0.4 mi

168 St (1 A C) — 0.5 mi

163 St-Amsterdam Av (C) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Downtown Brooklyn for sale

View all Downtown Brooklyn listings

Washington Heights for sale

View all Washington Heights listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Downtown Brooklyn cheaper than Washington Heights?
Washington Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $517,500 vs $830,000 in Downtown Brooklyn. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Downtown Brooklyn or Washington Heights?
Downtown Brooklyn has access to 8 subway lines and Washington Heights has 3, making Downtown Brooklyn the stronger option for transit access. Washington Heights has 3 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Downtown Brooklyn or Washington Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Downtown Brooklyn and Washington Heights both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Downtown Brooklyn or Washington Heights?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Downtown Brooklyn and Washington Heights gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

More Comparisons

Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

Call Milton WhatsApp