Bushwick Ave, Williamsburg

The large majority of Bushwick Ave runs through the neighborhood of Bushwick, not Williamsburg. But, a lot of people (in real estate) are starting to call the western part of Bushwick, "East Williamsburg," in order to make moving there a bit more palatable. And, in a way, I suppose it is a bit of an extension of Willburg because the people who made Williamsburg cool have been pushed further and further east on account of ever rising rent in the neighborhood. Bushwick is still dangerous, in my opinion. Or, at least more so than the major parts of Wiliamsburg.
Bushwick Ave is one of the bigger streets in Bushwick and it's definitely starting to come into it's own. But, I don't think it's there yet. There are a couple of great places on the street such as Vaudeville Park and the Tradesman. And, the restaurant Il Passatore is great and quite cheap. There's a very hipster sort of vibe to the street since most of the newcomers are young and often arty. But, it doens't quite yet have the energy that Graham has which is only a few blocks away. There aren't as many people out on the street at night and that's always a big worry for me. And, there's not a plethora of things to do on the street just yet. But, I think there will be soon.
On the plus side, the rent is really cheap compared to Williamsburg. And, a lot of the apartments are massive by New York standards. And, Bushwick is close to two L train stops so hopping into Manhattan is easy -- though it's about a twenty five minute ride to Union Square. It's not a bad street to live on, but I think it's still a little sketchy for my taste. If I were a young guy, I would have no problem living here.
vaudeville park
il passatore
tradesman

Hipsters may have rehabilitated Williamsburg and Park Slope, but they've got a far bigger challenge on their hands in the form of Bushwick. While many Brooklynites, including artsy types seeking low-income housing, have made valiant efforts to sing the praises of Bushwick as the "next big thing," the area is unfortunately still a casualty of urban blight; for many, the area is still synonymous with drug and gang violence (especially around Troutman Street). That said, going to (or even living in) Bushwick is not an automatic ticket to Danger-ville. The urban renewal going on in Bushwick at the moment may yet gentrify the area in the manner of other, similar, Brooklyn neighborhoods, and the most hardcore hipsters will swear by the underground cultural and artistic events dotting the scene. If you're willing to risk a mugging or two, and intrigued by the prospect of genuine bohemia, then by all means, give Bushwick a chance, but families with children who can afford other options may wish to look elsewhere.

Bushwick residents who double as car owners know this street well, as it is one of the major arteries through the area. It is also home to the local library and a car wash that also changes car fluids - most notably oil. If you get an oil change there you also get a free car wash, though it's not always easy to manhandle your way into the car wash line after having some fluids changed. And there is no other exit besides the wash, so don't expect a quick turnover time.

On the Bushwick side of the street there are some residencies on this street that look as though they were just built, and I believe some of them are for retirees. This is a main drag, but there is not much in the way of nightlife here. El Rey restaurant on the corner of Bushwick and Flushing often offers live music.

The Williamsburg side of Bushwick Ave is home to a couple of local hots spots, my favorite being Boulevard Cafe, which makes a mean hummus sandwich. Across the street is the local installment of the organic store Millennium Market.