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Brownstones, an omnipresent form of urban living in the Northeast, are distinguished from other rowhouses by their versatile and adaptable facades made of dark-colored soft sandstone. In the 19th century, brownstones gained popularity for their natural and romantic look, aligning with the ideals of the time when New York residents aimed to rival older European capitals. These brownstone buildings exude an aged character, and their facades, with the help of ornate embellishments, make them appear older than they actually are.

However, maintaining brownstone can be challenging due to the stone's porous and layered composition, necessitating regular upkeep. Some brownstone buildings have replaced their stone facades with brownstone-colored veneers. To ensure the soundness of a brownstone building, it is recommended to have an engineer assess it for potential water penetration issues.
Brownstone row in Fort Greene Brooklyn

In this article:

115 West 120th Street
115 West 120th Street Harlem
136 Manhattan Avenue
136 Manhattan Avenue Central Park West
261 West 132nd Street
261 West 132nd Street Harlem
549 West 149th Street
549 West 149th Street Hamilton Heights
850 Saint Nicholas Avenue
850 Saint Nicholas Avenue Hamilton Heights
Today, brownstone buildings can be found in various areas of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and some smaller pockets in The Bronx and Queens. They are often cherished for their original details and spacious interiors. While some brownstones have been divided into multi-family buildings, there's a growing trend of restoring them to grand single-family homes, though this has greatly contributed to the displacement of prior residents.

The best brownstone homes seamlessly blend the building's innate prewar charm and details with modern appliances and amenities, offering today's buyers the best of both worlds. Many brownstone buildings lie in historic districts and from the outside, the stately rows represent more than just a building material; they embody an idea of community and a picturesque neighborhood, evoking a sense of warmth and charm.

Below is a curated list of newly listed brownstone buildings on the market, with asking prices below $5 million.

Manhattan

261 West 132nd Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

136 Manhattan Avenue, #NA (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

850 Saint Nicholas Avenue, #TH (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

115 West 120th Street, #Building (Compass)

549 West 149th Street, #House (Coldwell Banker Warburg)

Brooklyn

541 Decatur Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

433 Monroe Street, #House (Serhant LLC)

1113 Bergen Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

697 Jefferson Avenue, #NA (Corcoran Group)

Stunning Stuyvesant Heights brownstone with private elevator

221 Macdonough Street, #TH
$2,995,000

Bedford-Stuyvesant | Townhouse | 4 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths
221 Macdonough Street, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

263 Madison Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

139 Vanderbilt Avenue, #TWNSE (Corcoran Group)



357 11th Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)



242 Gates Avenue, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)

287 Hoyt Street, #NA (Corcoran Group)

142 Saint Marks Avenue, #NA (Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales LLC)