East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
About East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
East Williamsburg is a neighborhood in the northwestern section of Brooklyn. The exact boundaries of East Williamsburg are often disputed. But generally, the neighborhood is bounded by Flushing Avenue to the south, Meeker Avenue to the north, Bushwick Ave to the West, and Newtown Creek to the East. East Williamsburg is surrounded by Greenpoint to the north, Bushwick to the south, Maspeth, and Ridgewood to the east and Williamsburg proper to the west.
East Williamsburg is a quieter, more industrial section of Brooklyn in comparison with its sister neighborhoods – Northside and Southside Williamsburg. It’s a gritty, artist community with easy access to other popular areas like Bushwick and Bed-Stuy. The eastern portion of the neighborhood is covered by the East Williamsburg Industrial Park, an area that is capitalized by warehouses and factories. It’s full of young artists and creative professionals who like its ambiance and affordability compared to surrounding areas.
History of East Williamsburg
In the 18th Century, Bushwick was already an established settlement. The area that is now East Williamsburg was mostly unsettled scrub brush known as Cripplebush. All that brush was cleared by the British during the Revolutionary War. In 1800, the area now known as Williamsburg was purchased and developed, then incorporated as a village in 1827. Williamsburg was subdivided into three districts known as the North Side, the South Side, and the New Village. The New Village is what is now East Williamsburg and at the time was a German enclave. Williamsburg became incorporated into the city of Brooklyn in 1845. Over the following decades, East Williamsburg became a working-class, industrial area that housed Puerto Rican and other Latin American residents.
Demographics of East Williamsburg
There are approximately 137,000 people in the greater Williamsburg area. According to the 2010 census, only about 34,000 of those residents lived in East Williamsburg. Of those residents, approximately 56% identify as white, 26% identify as Hispanic and 10% identify as black. It tends to be a neighborhood of young people and the median age is around 25. It’s been more immune to the gentrification that has happened in the other sections of Williamsburg. It’s a middle-class neighborhood and the median income is approximately $58,000 per year.
Transportation in East Williamsburg
There are several transportation options available to East Williamsburg residents. The L train of the New York City subway stops at Grand Street, Montrose Avenue, and Morgan Ave. The J and M trains make stops at Flushing Avenue, as does the G train. The B57, B60, Q54 and Q59 MTA buses also make stops in the neighborhood. Plus, The Kosciuszko Bridge and the Grand Bridge connect East Williamsburg with Queens.
Housing in East Williamsburg
Housing in East Williamsburg is a mixture of refurbished factory lofts and squat two to three-story apartment buildings. There are also a few modern developments here and there with refurbished luxury apartments. One notable residence is the McKibbin Street Lofts – two five-story lofts that house approximately 400 tenants between both buildings. Much of East Williamsburg is still industrial and residences can be found in tight-knit clumps along major roads like Grant Street or Morgan Ave. It’s largely a neighborhood of young professionals and college students looking for affordable units that are close to the action.
Neighborhood Life in East Williamsburg
East Williamsburg is a gritty, artists neighborhood with a hip, industrial ambiance. There are several hip bars and breweries in the neighborhood like Our Wicked Lady on Morgan Ave or Interboro Spirits & Ales on Grand Street. Brooklyn Steel is a live music venue in East Williamsburg that hosts performances from popular acts. Bordering neighborhoods like Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, and Williamsburg proper offer even more in terms of restaurants, bars, and shopping. East Williamsburg has a youthful, artistic energy that is demonstrated in the graffiti and street art pieces found throughout the neighborhood.
Similar Neighborhoods to East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Real Estate Trends in East Williamsburg
Real Estate in Williamsburg tends to get cheaper the farther into the borough you get, so East Williamsburg is the most affordable area. The median price of a home in Williamsburg is around $900,000. But, property near the waterfront is closer to $1 million and above and property in East Williamsburg is closer to $800,000 and below. Property values in Williamsburg have plateaued over the past five years, with values only increasing by 0.2%. East Williamsburg has not fully transformed like it’s the western counterparts and therefore you can find a hidden gem. But overall, it’s still a popular and desirable neighborhood and the real estate values reflect that.
The Truth About East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
How Safe is East Williamsburg?
East Williamsburg is safe. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 90th Precinct of the NYPD who has reported a steep decline in crime since the 1990s. Although Williamsburg was considered a dangerous area in the ’80s and ’90s, the neighborhood has undergone a lot of changes in the past few decades. Today, it’s one of Brooklyn’s most desirable neighborhoods. East Williamsburg has a slightly higher rate of crime than Southside and Northside Williamsburg. Residents should be careful walking at night because many areas are dark and somewhat isolated. But overall, it’s a safe neighborhood.
Are the Schools in East Williamsburg Good?
The schools in East Williamsburg are limited. It’s more of a neighborhood of young adults than families with children. But the PS 147 Isaac Ramen School and PS 169 are in East Williamsburg and offer elementary school. The MS 582 The Magnet School for Multimedia, Technology, and Urban Planning is also in East Williamsburg and offers middle school. Plus the Grant Street Campus High School and the Williamsburg Charter High School are both in East Williamsburg and cater to high school students.
Popular Eateries in East Williamsburg
Things to do in East Williamsburg
Hang out in Cooper Park, a 6-acre park with basketball courts, a tennis court, a dog run, and a playground.
See a show at Brooklyn Steel, a live music venue that was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone.
Have a drink at the Well, a former warehouse turned into a craft brewery on Meserole Street
Check out the House of Yes, a performing arts venue and a dance club on the border of East Williamsburg and Bushwick
Go Axe Throwing at Mad Axe on Bogart Street
Head over to Williamsburg to go shopping on Bedford Ave or see the art murals in nearby Bushwick
Is East Williamsburg Dog Friendly?
Yes, East Williamsburg is very dog friendly. Many of the spacious, converted lofts give pet owners enough room to let their furry friends roam free. Plus, there is a dog run in Cooper Park. The gritty, industrial streets are mostly quiet, making them great for taking pups for a walk on a mild Sunday morning. Also, there is a pet store on Graham Avenue.
Is East Williamsburg Good for Cycling?
Yes, East Williamsburg is a good neighborhood for cyclists. Many buildings in the neighborhood encourage cycling and give residents space to store their bikes. There are also several Citi Bike stations throughout the neighborhood. The streets tend to be quieter and less congested than in Northside Williamsburg or other parts of Brooklyn and the sidewalks are often less populated. Bikers often appreciate the raw ambiance of East Williamsburg and love traversing the quiet streets on a fall day.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
There are considerably fewer shops and restaurants in East Williamsburg than in Northside or Southside Williamsburg
Factory lofts and squat apartment buildings are the primary housing in the neighborhood. Those looking for a preserved rowhouse or brownstone should look in Clinton Hill or Park Slope