Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill and Red Hook sit next to each other near the Brooklyn waterfront, but the homes are very different. Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens are mostly brownstones and row houses. Red Hook mixes row houses with converted warehouses and larger buildings near the water. Here is what to plan for in each.
Brownstones and front gardens
Both Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens have city historic districts: the Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Cobble Hill Historic District in 1969 and the Carroll Gardens Historic District in 1973 (NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission: Brooklyn historic district maps). Many Carroll Gardens row houses sit behind deep front gardens, so the walk from the curb to the door is longer than on most Brooklyn blocks.
- Measure the garden gate and the path, not just the front door. A wide dresser has to fit through all of them.
- Clear the garden path and the stoop the night before.
- On the upper floors, measure the turn at each landing. We take apart beds, tables and other large pieces and put them back together.
- Tell us about low railings, fragile plants or a narrow gate, so the crew can protect them.
Which streets the truck uses
A moving truck has to follow New York City’s truck routes. Under the city’s traffic rules, a truck with a stop in Brooklyn may leave the truck route only at the intersection nearest its stop, go the most direct way to the door, and then return the most direct way to the nearest truck route (NYC Rules: adopted truck route rule, 34 RCNY 4-13, effective October 4, 2026 (PDF)). The Brooklyn list was last updated on October 4, 2026 (NYC DOT: truck route changes effective October 4, 2026 (PDF)).
Court Street is a listed truck route only north of Atlantic Avenue and south of Hamilton Avenue. The part that runs through Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens, between Atlantic and Hamilton Avenues, is not on the list. Smith Street is listed only north of Atlantic Avenue and at its southern end near 9th Street. Listed routes nearby include Atlantic Avenue, Hamilton Avenue, Columbia Street, Clinton Street (from Hamilton Avenue to Bay Street), Hicks Street (from Hamilton Avenue to Nelson Street), Van Brunt Street (from Degraw Street to Beard Street) and 9th Street (NYC Rules: adopted truck route rule, 34 RCNY 4-13, effective October 4, 2026 (PDF)). On the brownstone blocks, the truck leaves the nearest listed route at the closest intersection and takes the most direct way to your door.
Moving to or from Lower Manhattan
Many moves here start or end in Lower Manhattan, and the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel connects the two. MTA Bridges and Tunnels lists a height limit of 12 feet 1 inch for the tunnel and prohibits all hazardous materials in it (MTA Bridges and Tunnels: truck and commercial vehicle information). Truck height matters, so the crew plans the crossing ahead. Use up or properly dispose of things like propane tanks, gas cans and paint thinner before the move. For the Manhattan end, see our Lower Manhattan moving guide.
Red Hook: the waterfront and flood questions
Red Hook is low-lying and close to the water. In New York, every residential lease must say whether the home is in a FEMA floodplain and disclose prior flood damage the landlord knows about, with a notice that a standard renter’s insurance policy does not typically cover flood damage (New York State Senate: Real Property Law section 231-B (flood disclosure in leases)). You can check an address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (FEMA: Flood Map Service Center).
If you are moving into a converted warehouse, ask about the freight elevator, the loading entrance and the allowed hours, the same way you would in a high-rise. Keep stored boxes off ground-level floors, and choose a dry place if you need storage between moves.
Before moving day
- Check the alternate side parking calendar for your date (NYC DOT: alternate side parking calendar).
- Change your address with USPS (USPS: change your address).
- Pack a first-night box and keep keys, documents and medicine with you.
Questions we hear
Can a moving truck drive down Court Street in Carroll Gardens?
Only to reach a stop there. Court Street between Atlantic and Hamilton Avenues is not a listed truck route, so the truck leaves the nearest route and goes the most direct way.
Is Carroll Gardens a historic district?
Part of it is. The Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the Carroll Gardens Historic District in 1973 and the Cobble Hill Historic District in 1969.
Does my Red Hook lease have to mention floods?
Yes. Under New York Real Property Law section 231-B, residential leases must disclose floodplain status and known prior flood damage, and include a flood insurance notice.
How do I get a written estimate?
Call (646) 588-1374 or use the quote form on our home page. The estimate is free and in writing.
Free written estimate: call (646) 588-1374 or use the quote form on our home page. Family business since 1999 · Licensed and insured · U.S. DOT No. 967970 (MC-432549) · NYSDOT 34875 · NJPM 000930 · Company facts
More Brooklyn moving guides
- Fort Greene and Clinton Hill Moves: Brownstones, Stoops and Historic Blocks
- Moving in Sunset Park: Row Houses, Hilly Blocks and the Third Avenue Truck Route
- Moving in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District
Official sources
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission: Brooklyn historic district maps
- NYC Rules: adopted truck route rule, 34 RCNY 4-13, effective October 4, 2026 (PDF)
- NYC DOT: truck route changes effective October 4, 2026 (PDF)
- MTA Bridges and Tunnels: truck and commercial vehicle information
- New York State Senate: Real Property Law section 231-B (flood disclosure in leases)
- FEMA: Flood Map Service Center
- NYC DOT: alternate side parking calendar
- USPS: change your address
Rules and city services change. We checked the official links on this page on October 11, 2026; please confirm on the linked page before you book.