House of the Day: $1.2 Mil in Boerum Hill?
This place jumped out at us from the Craigslist morass because we’re not used to seeing “$1.2 million” and “Boerum Hill” in the same sentence. So what’s up with this place? First of all, it’s only three stories, so that explains a good deal of the seemingly low price. Other than that, we can’t figure…
This place jumped out at us from the Craigslist morass because we’re not used to seeing “$1.2 million” and “Boerum Hill” in the same sentence. So what’s up with this place? First of all, it’s only three stories, so that explains a good deal of the seemingly low price. Other than that, we can’t figure out why the price tag’s not a couple hundred grand higher. It’s got the original architectural details and the location, too. Enlighten us, please.
Lovely Two Family Townhouse [Craigslist] GMAP
I lived in this neighborhood on this same block back in 1997. Now grant it that was 10 years ago but that block although primarily brownstones, is sandwhiched between 2 housing projects. Warren street breaks off on it’s own for that block and you basically can’t get to houses on that section of the street without passing either of the two projects. I would never buy anything on this block no matter how relatively inepensive. In the 5 months I lived in that neighborhood I was jumped by kids, mugged at gunpoint, and sexually harassed by the men that used to hang out on the corner. It didn’t matter what time of day or night it was it was always a problem.
I also heard gunshots, fights and there were numerous incidents where people were yelling and fighting on the street. If you think Boerum Hill is a nice place to buy and start a family look somewhere else than this block because it is just a matter of time before some incident will happen to your family. I’m not trying to scare anyone off but those projects are not going to change despite the people that live in those projects that don’t want trouble there is still violence. It only takes one bad incident to impact your life.
This section of Warren street is dangerous. Don’t let a broker tell you otherwise. I remember when I looked at the apt in this neighborhood the broker actually had the nerve to walk me through the project gardens in the afternoon and say they were “safe” projects. Being young and naive to New York I believed him and had bad experiences. Now you might be thinking I was just some “green” caucasian woman that stuck out like a sore thumb in this neighborhood and you know better but that is not the case. Live here at your own risk!
BRENDA: Another Benjamin Moore recommendation is CREAM YELLOW (2155-60). Very reliable in a range of light conditions — it’s soft but bright too. We used it in a north-facing room where it really helps warm up the atmosphere, also in our hallway that is sometimes quite bright and sunny, sometimes not. It’s available in one of those little sample pots.
A friend who lived on Wyckoff said that the smell from the canal would sometimes waft over, which may depress housing prices. Can’t confirm b/c never went over there when she lived there, but it makes sense given the (relative) proximity.
you guys are missing the point, all hail joe berman – the original brownstoner.
brenda : comment submitted under the “something spiritual happens” post.
My favorite color for low-light interiors now is a “greige”, a medium grey that’s brownish. It feels modern. Goes well with both mod pieces and antiques. I’ve had it on the walls for over a year now and love as much now as the day I painted it. Nice color I don’t get sick of. I had a yellow room once in CA but it was a lemony yellow. No golds, yuck, sorry if offends anyone but I really hate golds and mustards on walls no matter what kind of light you have.
I rented on this block from 2002 to 2005. I loved the neighborhood, but would never have bought on that street. I did feel relatively safe, but twice my husband came home late and heard gun shots, then saw teenagers dropping to the ground a few feet away. In fact, we heard gun shots frequently. Also, there were a lot of unstable, angry looking people, usually high, who walked up and down the street using loud, terrible language. My evening meals were often interrupted by a loud conversation of F*** this, F*** that . .. We once saw two women shoot up on the sidewalk in front of our apartment. Trash littered the street constantly. The corner at Bond and Warren reeks of urine and there is constant drug activity in that spot. Maybe it will change? But I doubt it. Nevertheless, I do miss Boerum Hill very much and wish we could have afforded to buy in that nabe (just a different block).
totally unrelated but, Brenda, my old house is pictured on your blog. I just did a little inner squeal.
Brenda, get a sample of Chestertown Buff from Benjamin Moore in a flat finish, you will love it! I have it the front parlor of my brownstone and it is lovely.