What You Need to Know Before Moving to Williamsburg, Brooklyn

What to Expect in Williamsburg

The Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY has become one of the most popular places for young professionals to live. Williamsburg provides a slightly slower pace of living compared to other neighborhoods in New York City. The neighborhood has established itself as a trendy, hip neighborhood located right across the East River from Manhattan. Its streets are lined with chic boutiques and popular restaurants.

Residents can travel across the Williamsburg Bridge by car, bike, or foot and will arrive right in the Lower East Side. Residents also have the option to take the ferry into Manhattan with ferry terminals located in North Williamsburg and South Williamsburg. If the bridge or the ferry doesn’t interest you, the neighborhood has an extensive subway system with stations on Bedford Ave, Metropolitan Ave, Lorimer Street, Marcy Ave, Hewes Street, and Broadway that take passengers into Manhattan with stops at locations such as Atlantic Avenue, Grand Central Union Square, and Wall Street. The closest subway lines to the neighborhood are G, J, L, and M trains.

The average rent for an apartment in Williamsburg is upwards of $3,500 but can range anywhere from as low as $2,000 to as high as over $4,000.

Best Activities in Williamsburg to Keep You Busy

Even with the slower pace, Williamsburg is known for its great nightlife and activities that are guaranteed to keep you busy. Williamsburg’s music scene draws many visitors to the area. Many of the arts here are Indie-influenced. Brooklyn Bowl is unlike any bowling alley you’ve ever seen. Here, you can beat your friends at a game of bowling or jam out to some of your favorite artists. You also may have seen Williamsburg as the backdrop of many on screen productions. If you are looking to sit back and relax and enjoy a show, head over to Nitehawk Cinema, a dine-in movie theater, showing a mix of independent films and cult classics.

Another great part about Williamsburg is the amount of green space residents have to enjoy. For those who are looking to take in the fresh air, check out McCarren Park. At McCarren Park, you can find baseball fields, basketball courts, a pool, running tracks as well as dog-friendly spaces. Domino Park is another outdoor space located along the East River in Williamsburg. At Domino Park you can grab some friends to play a game of beach volleyball or bocce ball, take in the scenic views of the city from the elevated walkway, or just relax by the fountain.

If you are interested in improving your cooking skills or just want a fun thing to do with your friends, visit Brooklyn Kitchen where you can take part in cooking classes. The Williamsburg Mall, an industry building turned shopping center, is another great place to spend your day. Williamsburg Mall is filled with local vendors and artists so you are guaranteed to fall in love with their products.

Rowhouses in Williamsburg, Brooklyn” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by eli.pousson

Best Restaurants and Bars in Williamsburg

The neighborhood has been a trendsetter for much of the other neighborhoods near NYC and that includes with their cuisine. Bedford Avenue is one of the most popular areas of Williamsburg with stores and restaurants lining the avenue. For coffee lovers, check out Qahwah House coffee shop located on Bedford Ave offering coffee with Arabian flair. Butler Bake Shop and Espresso Bar which serves up delicious food for breakfast and lunch. 

King Co Imperial offers modern Chinese dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Peter Luger Steak House serves aged beef in a German beer hall atmosphere. If you are in the mood for Italian cuisine, Lilia is a must visit. Located in what once was an auto-body shop, Lilia offers homemade pastas and other delicious Italian fare. Llama Inn is a Peruvian restaurant located on Withers Street serving some of the best tapas in town. Fette Sau is one of the most popular places for BBQ in the area.

Williamsburg is also home to many chic and trendy bars and breweries. Radegast Beer Hall is Brooklyn’s first authentic beer garden. Not only do they offer draught and bottled beers, but they also offer lunch and dinner options. Brooklyn Brewery offers a range of beers from classic to bold experiments. Night of Joy is a bar offering specialty cocktails. During spring, summer, and fall, its roof patio is the place to be. Pete’s Candy Store will guarantee a memorable night out with friends. Here, you can take part in trivia contests and listen to live bands and poetry readings while grabbing a drink or bite to eat.

With its trendy and pop-culture vibes, you will surely be exposed to new experiences and cuisine. There’s no doubt you will fall in love with all Williamsburg has to offer from its water view parks to its hipster flair and everything in between. It is the perfect place for young professionals looking to experience city life without being in the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Check out the latest rooms available in Williamsburg!

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