From hipster haven to upscale neighborhood, Williamsburg is a playground for young professionals and families.
Williamsburg has a below average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for New York City.
Williamsburg is a Brooklyn neighborhood that was ground zero for New York's hipsters (think skinny jeans, bushy beards, and beanies); in recent years they've been largely pushed out by professionals looking for something cool but (slightly) more affordable than living in Manhattan. It's got a younger population and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and stores catering to this audience.
There are different sections with different vibes within the neighborhood. A number of glass high rises have shot up in recent years, particularly along the East River waterfront, to house the newer residents fleeing Manhattan. In the southern part of Williamsburg you've got some of the older, established ethnic enclaves and many of the artists who came out here when it was cheaper. In contrast to both these areas, Williamsburg has also been home to a large Hasidic Jewish population since the 1940s. There are often culture clashes with their newer neighbors.
Williamsburg is bordered on the north by Greenpoint, on the east by East Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Ridgewood, Queens, on the south by Bedford-Stuyvesant and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and on the west by the East River.
Commute:
Wall Street: 4 miles / 15-35 minutes by car / 25 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 5.5 miles / 25-55 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 9 miles / 30-60 minutes by car / 45 minutes by transit
Downtown Brooklyn: 2.2 miles / 10-20 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit
Williamsburg LOCAL schools
Williamsburg Local Flavor 
One of the early micro-breweries on in the U.S., this cool spot offers tours of the brewery and hosts almost daily events.
A popular destination for softball, volleyball, soccer, handball, and other games, or just sunbathing and walking dogs.
What started in a beer storage closet is now a tiny kitchen with six stools, serving huge donuts, two-napkin smoked pork sandwiches and salty, crispy fried chicken.
Barcade is a combination bar and arcade with a focus on classic video games and American craft beer. Basically, you can get drunk and play Space Invaders.
This steakhouse was established in 1887, back when Williamsburg was full of German immigrants. It's been rated the top steakhouse in New York for years and has earned itself a Michelin Star.
Since its founding in 1987, this music venue has spawned a mini entertainment empire. Today this original location still hosts musical acts each week.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @yonijrj, @TeriTynes, @JasonPersse, @erin, @PatrickGruban, @beerboommovie, @1jojomon, @lilythainyc, @pitapalace, @akkayaaysenurr, @dieselbk42, @hustlersparlournyc, @cko_williamsburg, @alexiscanhazcamera, @theatremutt, @joegreenpoint, @yshr8, and @sayme321 for your great photos of this neighborhood!
