Ironically, it’s become trendy to rag on Williamsburg and those who live there. Frankly – it’s annoying. Not to mention pretty ignorant, based little on actual experience, and most on judgmental observations. Much of which are second hand. Pretty much anyone who lives here, and god forbid rides and bike and wears dark color clothing – is automatically designated a “hipster”. It’s the grammar school mentality of picking on people different from you/or what you are used to and it’s getting old.

Growing up in New York, I would move through and hang out in different neighborhoods as I got older. In college – I loved the West Village. After college – I was always in the East Village/Lower East Side. A few years ago, I started gravitating more towards Williamsburg for the food, and overall vibe I felt when going out for a drink. Despite the
rent being insanely high in certain areas, eating & drink here is relatively inexpensive compared to Manhattan. Not to mention there is SO much to choose from, that I rarely feel the need to venture elsewhere. Before I moved, and since being here (now a year) – I’ve always found myself among a great company of people. Smart, intelligent, funny, and creative. Have I met douchebags? Of course, but they exist in every part of the city and I don’t feel there are a higher number in Williamsburg. I’ve met people who have now become really great friends. Even met my gf in the building in which I live! Not to sound dramatic, but my life became infinitely better, and I am much happier a person since I took up residence here.

There is something for everyone. From a nightlife scene that is loud & crazy, to something more subdued and quiet like a cozy wine bar. Beer gardens, to cocktail lounges that serve inventive (yet affordable) drinks. There are still people who have lived here decades – and I currently live in an area (Technically I’m in East Williamsburg) with a pretty big Italian American community. Biking down Graham and its side streets, I often hear little old ladies speaking Italian to one another. There’s this guy who sometimes sits outside blasting Italian music. It’s charming. On a related note: Savinos Quality Pasta has AMAZING fresh pasta and sauces (the vodka sauce is incredible) for dirt cheap and Il Passatore restaurant serves mouth watering delicious dishes. Both, I can get to within 5 minutes. Rent is cheaper here than Williamsburg proper, but more than Bushwick and some areas of South Williamsburg. I feel completely safe walking around – and like being away from the busier and more crowded Bedford ave area.

On weekends – I am perfectly content biking around all day. Brunch – then along the Williamsburg Waterfront to relax and take in one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline, or simply walking along Bedford going in and out of shops. At night – I can see a movie 8 minutes away from my apt at Nitehawk Cinema – which has become my favorite movie theater in all of NYC. There are some great music venues and one of my favorite concerts (The Foals) was at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. If I want to go into Manhattan in the E.Village/LES – it’s a quick ride over the Williamsburg Bridge. If I rode the subway (I bike everywhere) – The L gets you into the city in 10 minutes. Another favorite mode of transportation I love taking especially if it’s rainy – the Ferry! Gets me to my job in DUMBO in 10 minutes, and Wall Street or 34th – in 15/20.

I truly enjoy showing Williamsburg to those who are not familiar with the neighborhood and it’s changed the minds of many who had a preconceived notion of what it’s like here. I welcome any and all questions from curious minds.

The neighborhood isn’t perfect, but what nabe is? High rent prices are driving people out into Bushwick, Clinton Hill & South Williamsburg. There are areas that are still not completely safe, and certain sections are pretty ugly but I feel the positives outweigh the negative. Even if I decide to one day move to a nearby hood – I would definitely find myself hanging out here often. There are just way too many places I have yet to try and things to do.

I love the proximity to the city, yet every time I ride down the ramp, and turn the corner of S 4th, heading up Roebling, I feel a sense of calm come over me, because I’m home.