Williamsburg Neighborhood Review - Brooklyn Moving Guide

The quintessential Williamsburg neighborhood guide. PropertyNest has compiled need-to-know information. Learn why people are moving to this neighborhood and find exciting places to eat, drink, and play. Explore getting around, local parks, nightlife and much more
Williamsburg
Editors Rating (3 stars out of 5)
5.6 Overall
Average Rent Prices 3
Public transportation 5
Schools 6
Lifestyle 9
Crime 5

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.

Willamsburg Photo by John Price

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.

Average Rental Prices in Williamsburg

Studio$2,716
1 Bed$4,100
2 Beds$5,628
3 Beds$4,750
4 Beds$5,995
PropertyNest Real Estate Data As of June 2023

Average Sales Prices in Williamsburg

Studio$2,299,999
1 Bed$1,098,000
2 Beds$1,650,000
3 Beds$2,800,000
4 Beds$3,575,000
PropertyNest Real Estate Data As of June 2023

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.

Williamsburg, Photo by Rutger Geleijnse

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.

Bus lines
TypeNotes
BusesB13, B24, B43, B44, B46, B48, B54, B59, B60, B61

Subway lines in neighborhood

  • M

    IND Sixth Avenue Line

  • G

    IND Crosstown Line

  • L

    BMT Canarsie Line

  • J Z

    BMT Nassau Street Line

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.

Local Schools in Williamsburg
SchoolsNotes
Brooklyn Latin SchoolPublic - Grades 9-12679 students - 12 student/teacher
Brooklyn Preparatory High SchoolPublic - Grades 9-12501 students - 13 student/teacher
Conselyea Preparatory SchoolPublic - Grades 6-8497 students - 15 student/teacher
El Puente Academy for Peace and JusticePublic - Grades 9-12243 students - 16 student/teacher
Green School an Academy for Environmental CareersPublic - Grades 9-12275 students - 15 student/teacher
High School Of Enterprise Business And TechnologyPublic - Grades 9-12983 students - 16 student/teacher
Is 318 Eugeno Maria De HostosPublic - Grades 6-81608 students - 15 student/teacher
Jhs 50 John D WellsPublic - Grades 6-8229 students - 13 student/teacher
Juan Morel Campos Secondary SchoolPublic - Grades 6-12690 students - 11 student/teacher
Lyons Community SchoolPublic - Grades 6-12518 students - 15 student/teacher
Ms 582Public - Grades 6-8241 students - 11 student/teacher
P.S. 257 John F HylanPublic - Grades PK-5661 students - 10 student/teacher
Progress High School for Professional CareersPublic - Grades 9-121099 students - 19 student/teacher
Ps 132 The Conselyea SchoolPublic - Grades PK-5704 students - 15 student/teacher
Ps 147 Issac RemsenPublic - Grades PK-5299 students - 12 student/teacher
Ps 16 Leonard DunklyPublic - Grades PK-5244 students - 13 student/teacher
Ps 17 Henry D WoodworthPublic - Grades PK-5322 students - 11 student/teacher
Ps 18 Edward BushPublic - Grades PK-5190 students - 11 student/teacher
Ps 196 Ten EyckPublic - Grades PK-5332 students - 10 student/teacher
Ps 250 George H LindseyPublic - Grades PK-5717 students - 15 student/teacher
Ps 319Public - Grades PK-1142 students - 9 student/teacher
Ps 380 John Wayne Elementary SchoolPublic - Grades PK-5657 students - 13 student/teacher
Ps 84 Jose De DiegoPublic - Grades PK-6687 students - 11 student/teacher
School for Legal StudiesPublic - Grades 9-12594 students - 18 student/teacher
Williamsburg High School for Architecture and DesignPublic - Grades 9-12593 students - 16 student/teacher
Williamsburg Preparatory SchoolPublic - Grades 9-12683 students - 19 student/teacher
Young Women's Leadership School of BrooklynPublic - Grades 6-12385 students - 18 student/teacher
Beginning with Children Charter SchoolCharter - Grades K-8403 students - 16 student/teacher
Williamsburg Collegiate Charter SchoolCharter - Grades 5-12330 students - 12 student/teacher

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.

Crime statistics

Crime rate: 6 out of 10
Approximately 19.0575 crimes (felony) per 1000 residents
Low Medium High

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.

Ruth Shin
About the author

Ruth Shin is the Founder and CEO of PropertyNest. She shares in-depth insights on real estate, personal finance, and home improvement drawing from her experience as a licensed real estate agent, editing personal finance publications, and managing many home renovation projects. Ruth graduated with a BA from Hunter College in Writing, History, and Special Honors.