DUMBO is weird. It’s this tiny, cobblestoned slice of Brooklyn that feels like a movie set, mostly because it literally is one for half the people walking around with tripods. If you’ve been looking at apartments there, you’ve definitely seen 60 Water St Brooklyn. It’s that sleek, glass-heavy building right next to the Manhattan Bridge. Most people see the rooftop view and just stop thinking. They see the floor-to-ceiling windows and reach for their checkbook. But living in a landmark district in a building owned by Two Trees Management isn't just about the aesthetics. It’s about the noise, the wind, and the reality of paying a premium to live in one of the loudest, most beautiful corners of New York City.
Honestly, 60 Water St Brooklyn is a bit of a polarizing spot for locals. On one hand, you’re steps away from Jane’s Carousel and the Empire Stores. On the other, you’re basically living inside a giant megaphone for the Q train. If you can't handle a bit of grit with your luxury, this isn't the place.
The Architecture vs. The Neighborhood Reality
Designed by LEESER Architecture, the building is actually quite clever. It’s got 290 units, and they aren't all just cookie-cutter boxes. Some have these crazy private terraces that look like they belong in a Bond movie. But let's talk about the elephant in the room: the bridge. The Manhattan Bridge is loud. Not "city loud," but "I have to pause my Zoom call every four minutes" loud.
Two Trees—the developers who basically built modern DUMBO—knew this. They put in heavy-duty double-pane windows. When they're shut, it’s remarkably quiet. You’ll see the train rattling past, but you won’t hear the screeching metal. But open that window for a breeze in June? Forget it. You’re part of the infrastructure now. You’ve got to decide if that trade-off works for you.
Many residents mention that the light is the real selling point. Because of the way 60 Water St Brooklyn is positioned, you get this reflected glow off the East River that makes even a messy living room look like a gallery. It’s hard to find that in the cramped corridors of Brooklyn Heights or the shadows of Midtown.
Space and Layouts: Not Your Average New Build
New York apartments are getting smaller. We all know it. However, the layouts here feel surprisingly intuitive. You aren't walking straight into your kitchen island.
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The kitchens are pretty standard high-end fare: Caesarstone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and those soft-close drawers that make you feel richer than you actually are. Most units have oak hardwood floors. They're light, which helps with the "airy" vibe.
- Studio units: Usually around 450 to 550 square feet. Tight, but the high ceilings keep them from feeling like a coffin.
- One-bedrooms: These are the bread and butter of the building. Perfect for couples who actually like each other.
- Two-bedrooms: Often come with those coveted "home office" nooks that everyone realized they needed in 2020.
That Rooftop and the "DUMBO Tax"
Let’s be real. You’re looking at 60 Water St Brooklyn because of the roof. It’s a 10,000-square-foot landscaped deck designed by James Corner Field Operations. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they’re the ones who did the High Line.
It’s spectacular.
You get a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s the kind of place where you take people you’re trying to impress. But there’s a social cost. In the summer, it can get crowded. It’s a vibe, for sure, but if you’re looking for a quiet place to read a book, you might have to time it for a Tuesday morning.
The "DUMBO Tax" is a real thing. You’re paying for the zip code. You’re paying for the fact that you can walk to Time Out Market in three minutes. You’re also paying for the tourists. Living at 60 Water St Brooklyn means navigating crowds of influencers every time you want to go to the pharmacy. It’s a trade-off. Some people love the energy; others find it exhausting after six months.
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Logistics: Getting Around and Staying Fed
Transportation is... okay. You’ve got the F train at York Street, which is notoriously deep underground and often feels like a subterranean sauna. Then there’s the A/C at High Street. They’re fine, but they aren't the most reliable lines in the system.
Honestly? Take the ferry. The DUMBO ferry landing is right there. It’s $4 and change, you get a breeze, and it’s the most civilized way to get to Wall Street or 34th Street.
When it comes to food, you're spoiled.
- Westville: It’s right in the building. It’s the ultimate "I don't want to cook" fallback. Great kale salads, even better burgers.
- Celestine: Just up the street for when you want to feel fancy under the bridge.
- Ignazio’s: Everyone argues about Grimaldi’s vs. Juliana’s, but Ignazio’s is the local secret for a solid pie without the two-hour wait.
The Management Factor: Who is Two Trees?
You can't talk about 60 Water St Brooklyn without talking about Two Trees. They aren't just a landlord; they basically own the neighborhood. This is a double-edged sword. On the plus side, they are incredibly professional. The building is clean. The doormen are generally great. Repairs happen fast because they have a massive staff on-site in the neighborhood.
On the downside, they know exactly what the market can bear. Don't expect a bargain when your lease renewal comes around. They keep a tight grip on their portfolio. But for most residents, the trade-off of having a responsive management team in a city where most landlords are ghosts is worth the premium.
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Things People Get Wrong About This Building
People think it’s all "tech bros" and "trust fund kids." Sure, there’s some of that. But you also have a lot of designers, architects, and people who work in the nearby Navy Yard. There’s a legitimate creative energy in the building that feels more "Brooklyn" than some of the newer, soul-less glass towers in Long Island City.
Another misconception: that it's too noisy to sleep. If you're on the lower floors facing the bridge, yeah, it's loud. But the higher you go, or if you're on the Water Street side, it's actually pretty peaceful. The sound of the city becomes more of a hum than a roar.
Navigating the Decision
If you’re serious about moving to 60 Water St Brooklyn, do yourself a favor: visit at 6:00 PM on a Thursday. See the commuter rush. Hear the bridge when the trains are running at peak frequency. Walk the halls.
Check the specific unit’s proximity to the elevators. In a building with 290 units, being right next to the lift can be a high-traffic nightmare. Also, ask about the "amenity fee." It’s a standard NYC annoyance, but you want to know exactly what you’re paying for the gym and the roof access before you sign.
Essential Next Steps for Prospective Renters
- Audit the noise: Visit a unit specifically during a subway pass. Stand by the window. Open it, then close it. Decide if you can live with that delta.
- Check the grocery situation: DUMBO is a bit of a "food desert" for normal grocery stores. You’ve got Foragers, which is expensive, and Wegmans is a bit of a hike at the Navy Yard. Plan your shopping logistics before you move.
- Verify the pet policy: They are generally pet-friendly, but there are often weight and breed restrictions that aren't always explicitly listed on the public flyers.
- Look at the "No-Fee" listings: Two Trees often lists directly on their own site. Avoid the "broker babble" on third-party sites and go straight to the source to save a few thousand bucks on the front end.
Living here is a lifestyle choice. You're choosing to be at the center of the world's most photographed neighborhood. It's vibrant, it's expensive, and it's loud. But watching the sun set over the Manhattan skyline from your own roof deck makes a lot of those annoyances disappear pretty quickly.