Williamsburg Neighborhood Review - Brooklyn Moving Guide

You'll find famous Williamsburg, Brooklyn, wedge between Greenpoint and the Brooklyn Navy Yard along the East River.

In this Williamsburg neighborhood review, we'll look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.

While Williamsburg was not the first neighborhood that displaced artists escaped to (see DUMBO), it certainly became the very definition of hipster life in the early 2000s and made Brooklyn synonymous with PBR, the beard and bun combo, plaid shirts, and artisanal anything.

Williamsburg has come a long way from even those days as hipsterdom becomes priced-out or institutionalized.

These days you'll find luxury developments, Whole Foods, Starbucks, highly-rated restaurants, major music/concert venues, the hottest brunch spots, and a slew of beautiful high-end hotels near McCarren Park.

While some art galleries remain in Williamsburg, the vast majority have either closed down or moved into East Williamsburg/Bushwick, where a good chunk of the artist/artisan community has moved to.

That said, Williamsburg is still the very definition of energy in Brooklyn.

People move here for the close proximity to the city (including views of the city), the events that take place spring and summer, and the year-round nightlife and great dining and entertainment options.

The reasons people are visiting and moving here are namely places Brooklyn Bowl, Music Hall of Williamsburg, and the Brooklyn Brewery.

The local hotels like The Wythe Hotel, The William Vale Hotel, and the Williamsburg Hotel also contribute to the happening nightlife.

The revamped parks along the river which include the McCarren Park, East River State Park, Bushwick Inlet Park, and Domino Park provide lots of R-and-R for the Brooklynite.

Despite heavy gentrification and commercialization of the area, Williamsburg has managed to retain much of its Hispanic and Hasidic communities.

Fun Fact: Willis Carrier, an engineer from Buffalo, NY, invented air conditioning in 1902 for a print shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Real Estate in Williamsburg

Real estate in Williamsburg is booming, as it has been for some time now, with the trendiest neighborhoods in New York City calling this area home. The popularity of Williamsburg can be attributed to its convenient location just across the East River from Manhattan, providing easy access via the L train at Bedford Avenue station.

Apartments in Williamsburg come in all shapes and sizes, with plenty of options available to suit any budget. Lofty loft-style apartments provide spacious interiors and stylish finishings, while smaller one-bedroom residences are perfect for young professionals or those looking to downsize.

Many apartments also come equipped with modern amenities such as updated appliances or high-tech features like keyless entry systems and Wi-Fi access, while modern high-rise buildings offer even more luxurious amenities such as rooftop pools, private terraces, and gyms.

Residents of this trendy neighborhood can take advantage of the plethora of dining options that range from classic American comfort dishes at local bars and eateries to international fare from restaurants. Shopping is also plentiful, with an abundance of independent stores along Bedford Avenue and larger retailers like Uniqlo on North 7th Street.

Public Transportation

The L train is the very lifeblood that is pumped into the Williamsburg area from the city, and the reason why the spillover has extended to areas like East Williamsburg, Bushwick, and now Ridgewood, Queens.

As the L train prepares to shut down the tunnel into the city, people are scrambling towards the J/M/Z line.

The G may be helpful to some who might be able to take it to downtown Brooklyn or Long Island City and transfer to the city.

There are ferries that do go directly from Williamsburg to different points of Manhattan. The neighborhood is also very bike-friendly with dedicated bike "greenways" along Kent and bike lanes elsewhere.

The neighborhood's close proximity to the Williamsburg Bridge also makes a biking commute into the city very convenient.

Public & Charter Schools in Williamsburg

Williamsburg falls into District 14, which provides a huge number of choices, some of which are highly rated.

There are a few notable schools in the area, like P.S. 132, The Conselyea School, P.S. 196 Ten Eyck, and P.S. 319, which all have Pre-K programs.

Williamsburg also houses one of the best high schools in the city--the Brooklyn Latin School, which provides an academically rigorous curriculum and competitive atmosphere and also brags a 99% graduation rate.

A few other schools to note are Brooklyn Preparatory High School and Brooklyn Arbor School, which remains a favorite among parents who are believers in the school's founders.

Restaurants & Dining in Williamsburg

If you’re looking for the next Instagram-able gluten-free meal to enjoy within the confines of a rustic industrial hangout, then look no further!

In Williamsburg, you can take your pick of unique cuisines that are sure not to disappoint - whether it’s New York City’s #1 Zagat-rated steakhouse Peter Luger, some good ole’ Southern fried chicken and biscuits at The Commodore or a French bistro adorned with an indoor “garden” room and roof deck at Juliette.

These are just a few honorable mentions, but the choices really are endless in Williamsburg. Some of the borough's best eating spots reside here.

In the warmer months, the Williamsburg Smorgasburg is literally a foodie’s heaven on earth, with over 100+ food vendors within a block radius serving different cuisines.

Located on the Williamsburg waterfront, customers get to enjoy the luxury of trying the many tastings in Brooklyn while taking in the awesome views of the Manhattan skyline.

How Safe is the Williamsburg Neighborhood?

When it comes to safety, Williamsburg is generally considered to be one of the safer neighborhoods in New York City.

According to recent studies and reports from local law enforcement agencies, crime rates have been on the decline in Williamsburg in recent years.

Violent crimes such as assault and robbery are much lower than the average in other areas in NYC.

Property crimes such as burglary and theft are also significantly lower than the citywide average.

In addition to being safer than many other areas in NYC, Williamsburg also has a strong community presence that works hard to keep the area safe for all residents.

Local organizations like the Community Board 1 provide resources and services for residents that may be dealing with issues related to public safety.

The organization works closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that police patrols are increased in areas where there may be more criminal activity reported.

Furthermore, several non-profits provide free programs designed to reduce gang violence and drug trafficking.

Overall, Williamsburg is considered a safe place for people who call it home or visit there frequently.

While it is always wise to remain vigilant when venturing out into unfamiliar areas of any large urban center like New York City, those who frequent this neighborhood should feel relatively secure knowing they are surrounded by an active community working together towards keeping everyone safe from harm's way.