DUMBO

Not that long ago, those living Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass were artists looking for cheap loft space. But now, DUMBO is one of the most sought-after and pricey areas in Brooklyn.

There's now life on nearly every corner of the 25 Belgian-block streets, which now offer a natural-foods store, clothing boutiques, hip bars, upscale trendy restaurants and wine and flower shops, not to mention famed chocolatier Jacques Torres.

Condo conversions, including lots of lofts, have attracted many who are looking for unobstructed views of Manhattan.

One building of note is J Condominiums. The tallest building in DUMBO, the 33-story tower was complete at the end of 2007, with prices topping out at just under $3 million.