Williamsburg: Best Brooklyn Neighborhood for Families & Young Professionals

Once upon a time, Williamsburg was thought of as just a commuter neighborhood. Though it is still a great place to live for a quick and easy commute, Williamsburg has more to offer than its transit hub. Brooklyn itself has changed a lot the last few years. Although it still has a free-spirited, hipster vibe, gentrification projects have made neighborhoods like Williamsburg brighter, safer and more livable for all.

Of all the neighborhoods in Brooklyn, why move to Williamsburg? Despite its party hard reputation, Williamsburg is safe and family-friendly with a strong sense of community and lots of things to do! Plus, transit is still great, even if the neighborhood has grown to be more than that. And just between us, the neighborhood’s reputation holds true; there is almost always something going on in the area. In another words, living in Williamsburg is perfect for anyone who has just moved to New Yok City for work or school.

Safe and Family-Oriented Neighborhood

Williamsburg is a different place than it was in the past. Once associated with crime, Williamsburg is one of the top five safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. As of 2022, Williamsburg sits at number four in Brooklyn’s official safety rankings. Also, the Williamsburg Family Health Center is located in the middle of the neighborhood. They provide a wide array of services, and easy access to healthcare is an important part of safety, especially for families with young children.

Schools are another important consideration for families. Williamsburg has plenty of highly-rated public and private schooling options. There are even Montessori and religious options for little and middle schoolers. For the older kids, charter schools are Brooklyn's choice.

There are many child-oriented businesses in the area too, including KidSuper, Smoochie Baby and Wild and Free Urban Kids. With so much of Williamsburg being kid-friendly, and kids, in general being quite expensive, one has to wonder what it costs to rent a family-style apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Family size is defined as any apartment for rent with two bedrooms or more.

The average two-bedroom apartment for rent in Williamsburg, Brooklyn goes for about $3500 per month. In a dual-income household, that is very affordable. For three-bedroom apartment rentals and four-bedroom apartment rentals in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the monthly cost ranges from $4000 to $7000 per month and typically comes with a plethora of amenities like air conditioning, garbage disposal, parking, utilities, and welcoming pets.

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Not everyone looking for apartments for rent in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a family though. An increasing number of Williamsburg residents are young or single. Naturally, there are many attractions that cater to these locals as well. Unwind with a drink at any one of Williamsburg’s cocktail or wine bars. Locals are particularly fond of Sauced or The Four Horsemen. For the beer drinkers, Skinny Dennis is the go-to beer hall for beer lovers all over Brooklyn. For some foodie fun, try taking a cooking class at Hudson Table. They teach basics and elevated dishes that are sure to impress any guests.

Williamsburg offers unique cinematic experiences for movie lovers too! Nitehawk Cinema is a dine-in movie experience serving up high-end eats (think truffle popcorn) with indie films and an occasional cult classic. An even more unique cinematic experience can be had at Spectacle Theater. The one-room micro theater was once a bodega. They show international indie films for only five dollars per person.

For the greenspace fans, Williamsburg holds McCarren Park, which hosts a year-round farmers market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are also dog-friendly areas, a playground, a running track, and two sports courts. For a more Instagram-worthy exercise experience, take a walk or bike ride across the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s less crowded than the better-known Brooklyn Bridge, with the same breathtaking views!

A Note on Transit

Although Williamsburg has outgrown its reputation of being merely a transit hub, it’s still worth talking about. Everybody commutes, after all. Williamsburg has four nearby subway stations, six bus stops, Citi Bike rental options, and easy access to the East River ferry route that takes riders directly into New York’s Financial District, located in midtown Manhattan. Route times, stops, fees and other information is available in the MTA Trip Planner or the HopStop app. Renters do not need to worry about finding an apartment for rent near a transit stop. The transit system is so robust that there is easy access from anywhere in Williamsburg.

Many solo renters assume that Williamsburg’s redevelopment makes it an expensive neighborhood to look for an apartment rental. But, like the rest of Brooklyn, Williamsburg is one of the more affordable neighborhoods to find an apartment rental in. In fact, there are options for studio apartment rentals and one-bedroom apartments for rent under $1000 per month. And, for those with roommates, any apartment rental under $2000 per month is a great option, as the shared cost will always be less than $1000 per month per person.

Williamsburg has grown and changed over the years. Today, it is a vibrant family-friendly neighborhood with a high safety rating. There’s lots to do and explore for people of all ages and interests. Plus, Williamsburg maintains Brooklyn’s reputation for affordability, while being a stone’s throw from Manhattan and the Financial District.




ApartmentLove | Apartments for Rent in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

With thousands of listings across the United States, ApartmentLove will find your perfect apartment for rent in Brooklyn, NY, from Williamsburg to SoHo. Find your next apartment today!

Published: November 28, 2022