Neighborhood Overview

Williamsburg has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations in NYC, evolving from an industrial neighborhood to a trendy residential and commercial destination. The 2005 waterfront rezoning catalyzed massive luxury development along the East River, while the interior retains a mix of walkups, townhouses, and the Hasidic community in South Williamsburg.

Common Property Types

New waterfront luxury condos and rentals, older walk-up apartments, two-family rowhouses, converted warehouse lofts, and some remaining manufacturing buildings.

Typical Building Ages

Rowhouses and tenements from the 1890s-1920s in the interior. Industrial warehouses from the early 1900s. A massive wave of new construction from the 2005 rezoning onward, with glass towers lining the waterfront.

Common Violations

Construction violations from ongoing development, illegal conversions in older buildings, short-term rental violations, HPD housing code violations in older walk-ups, and facade/structural issues in industrial conversions.

Property Tax Information

Wide range. New waterfront condos face high assessments while older buildings benefit from Tax Class 2 caps. Some new developments have 421-a exemptions with phase-out schedules.

Zoning Information

Waterfront: R6, R6A, R8A with C2 overlays from the 2005 rezoning. Interior: R6, R6B on residential streets, M1-2 and M3-1 in remaining manufacturing areas. Mandatory inclusionary housing in certain areas.