What it's like to live in Williamsburg, a New York City neighborhood that's coming back to life as COVID-19 restrictions ease

Erin McDowellMay 21, 2021, 01:40 IST

Domino Park is one of the busiest and most beloved locations in Williamsburg.Erin McDowell/Insider

I've lived in Brooklyn, New York, for almost two years, but just recently moved to the Williamsburg neighborhood.
Regarded as one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, Williamsburg has a lot to offer.
I decided to take a tour of my own neighborhood to show my personal experience of living in Williamsburg as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

In its earliest days, Williamsburg was recognized as part of Bushwick and was called "Bushwick Shore," due to its location on the edge of the East River.

A map of Williamsburg. Google Maps

It's impossible to preface what it's like to live in Williamsburg without acknowledging it as one of New York City's most gentrified neighborhoods.

Apartment buildings in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

The average rent in Williamsburg is still high, despite the coronavirus pandemic causing rent rates to fall citywide.

An apartment building in Williamsburg. Erin McDowell/Insider

Williamsburg has become a destination for people from all over the New York City area to shop, dine out, and enjoy the local nightlife attractions.

A busy street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

The L, G, J, M, and Z lines will take you from Williamsburg to other parts of the city and Brooklyn.

Bedford Avenue subway station in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

I took a walk through Williamsburg and saw an interesting mix of buildings both new and old.

Buildings in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

Outdoor dining has become a flourishing business model in Williamsburg.

An outdoor restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

If you're looking for a classic New York slice, there's also a Joe's Pizza in Williamsburg.

Joe's Pizza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

There are also a number of newer chains, like Sweetgreen and Dig, in the center of Williamsburg.

Sweetgreen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

There's also a number of food trucks that offer inexpensive yet delicious options.

Erin McDowell/Insider

Lines of people would stretch out the door of Williamsburg's local Whole Foods Market at the height of the pandemic, but it's now less busy.

Whole Foods Market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

In the heart of Williamsburg, there are a number of boutiques and vintage shops, but there are bigger chain stores too.

A boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

Domino Park, which opened in 2018 on the original site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, has undergone changes as a result of the pandemic.

Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on May 17, 2020. JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images

Today, Domino Park is one of the busiest locations in the neighborhood.

Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on May 16, 2021. Erin McDowell/Insider

As you walk through the park, you can clearly see how Domino Park's industrial roots were incorporated into its design.

Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on May 16, 2021. Erin McDowell/Insider

Domino Park offers a number of attractions for visitors, including this taco restaurant designed by the people behind Shake Shack.

Tacocina in Domino Park. Erin McDowell/Insider/Jessica E./Yelp

Signs around the park still promoted mask-wearing, despite relaxed guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

A view of the East River and Manhattan skyline from Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

As I walked along the waterfront of the East River, I ran into a quaint ice pop stand called "Mom & Icepops."

An ice pop stand at Domino Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin McDowell/Insider

My roommate, who decided to tag along on my walking tour of our neighborhood, and I both really enjoyed our ice pops.

My roommate and I both bought ice pops from a local vendor. Erin McDowell/Insider

One of the best parts about living in Williamsburg is the proximity to lower Manhattan and the gorgeous views of the East River.