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Installation Guide

Fort Hamilton

Army Brooklyn, New York

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Fort Hamilton

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

The neighborhood immediately surrounding Fort Hamilton, with classic Brooklyn rowhouses, a vibrant dining scene, and a surprisingly suburban feel for NYC.

5–10 min to main gate

UrbanWalkableHistoric

Staten Island (Annadale / Tottenville)

Southern Staten Island offers suburban single-family homes at relative NYC affordability, with a short ferry or bridge commute.

20–35 min to main gate

SuburbanFamily-friendlyMilitary community

Dyker Heights / Sunset Park

Adjacent Brooklyn neighborhoods north of Fort Hamilton with strong Italian and Chinese immigrant communities, excellent food, and moderate housing.

10–15 min to main gate

UrbanWalkableHistoric
Schools

New York City Department of Education (District 20)

NYC DOE District 20 covers the southwest Brooklyn area surrounding Fort Hamilton. School quality varies; many military families pursue specialized or charter school options.

What families should know

  • Fort Hamilton High School is the local zoned high school and has a JROTC program
  • NYC offers specialized high school options (Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech) accessible via exam
  • District 20 has several well-regarded elementary schools including PS 105 and PS 176
Things to Do

Life around Fort Hamilton

Outdoors

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Promenade

Walk or jog along the waterfront with iconic views of the Verrazzano Bridge, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.

Dining

Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitano

One of New York's oldest and most celebrated pizzerias in Coney Island — a pilgrimage-worthy slice of NYC history.

Entertainment

Coney Island

Legendary beachside amusement area with rides, the original Nathan's Famous hot dogs, and miles of Atlantic Ocean beach.

Outdoors

Brooklyn Bridge Park

85-acre waterfront park under the Brooklyn Bridge with piers, playgrounds, kayaking, and stunning Manhattan views.

Shopping

Industry City

Converted industrial waterfront complex in Sunset Park with independent shops, food halls, art studios, and weekend markets.

Attraction

Fort Wadsworth (Gateway NRA)

Historic military installation on Staten Island open for tours, with stunning views of the Narrows — a fascinating military history site.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Fort Hamilton

Home Prices

$650,000–$1,100,000

Typical Rent

$2,400–$3,800/mo

Fort Hamilton sits in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. BAH is the highest in the Army, but out-of-pocket costs remain significant. Many families opt for Staten Island or New Jersey for more space.

Popular neighborhoods: Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Annadale (Staten Island)

Buying near Fort Hamilton with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Fort Hamilton?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246