Williamsburg NYC has long been one of the most up-and-coming, trendy neighborhoods in not just Brooklyn, but all of New York. The neighborhood provides a wide array of shops, bars, restaurants, event spaces, coffee shops, and has an awesome, energetic vibe to it. It’s bound by Greenpoint in the north, Bedford-Stuyvesant to the south, Bushwick to the east, and Fort Greene and the East River to the west.
History
PC: Bowery Boys History
At the end of the 18th century, Richard M. Woodhull, a real estate speculator, purchased the land that is known today as Williamsburg and had it plotted and laid into city blocks. He planned to develop the area in order to attract New Yorkers to suburban life.
While it seemed like Woodhull’s vision would never grow into fruition in the first few decades, it was finally a possibility when the Wallabout and Newtown turnpikes made the area more accessible. From there, the township grew rapidly, incorporating in 1827 as a village.
The area was later annexed as a part of the City of Brooklyn’s East Village. After that, the area grew at a remarkable rate, with commerce, culture, and industry flourishing within the area.
At one point after Brooklyn was made one of the five boroughs of New York City and the Williamsburg Bridge was erected, Williamsburg was the most densely populated city not just in NYC, but in the entire country.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Williamsburg has undergone several identity changes. Serving as a hub for artists and creatives in the 1980s and 90s, steep rises in property values and new developments have made the area more attractive to those seeking out premium residential space in Brooklyn.
Accessibility
PC: Frugal Frolicker
Williamsburg NYC is one of the more accessible neighborhoods in Brooklyn, serving three different subway lines. Within the neighborhood, you’re always a stone’s throw away from a stop that serves the L, G, J, M, and Z trains.
Lifestyle
PC: The Jewish Voice NY
Williamsburg NYC is definitely the place to be in Brooklyn. While rising real estate costs have made the area more attractive to professionals, artists, creatives, and people from all walks of life claim Williamsburg as their home. This cross-cultural environment creates one of the most unique neighborhood vibes in Manhattan.
The neighborhood is lined with tons of music venues, bars, restaurants, recreation areas, and much more. Grab a brew at the Brooklyn Brewery or catch a concert at one of the several venues that call his neighborhood home.
Restaurants
PC: Food ‘n’ Festivities
While many neighborhoods have their own distinctive cultural influence on their cuisine, Williamsburg NYC is a veritable hodgepodge of styles and cuisines. The one constant is that all of the quaint, chic eateries are sure to have Instagrammable food and a cute environment. Some of our favorites are Lilia, Traif, St. Anselm, Meadowsweet, and Peter Luger Steak House.
Cost
PC: Bozzuto
As one of the premier neighborhoods in Brooklyn, the real estate prices in Williamsburg are on the higher end. Still, you have to consider all of the value that’s coming with that price tag, as new businesses, restaurants, developments, and other venues that add value to the neighborhood are emerging every day. A 2-bedroom condo will run you $1,380,500 on average, whereas rent for the same unit will run you around $3,200/month.
Final Verdict
PC: Explore Brooklyn
Williamsburg NYC is definitely not a great neighborhood for those looking for a quiet sanctuary. However, if you’re looking for a place that provides endless entertainment, food options, and a thriving culture and energy, Williamsburg may be for you. Check out a concert or grab a drink at one of the neighborhood’s awesome bars, and you’ll get a good sense of whether Williamsburg’s vibe and culture is the right fit for you.
