I thought it might be a little interesting to do a compare and contrast in my Neighborhood Champions series. Everyone has a different opinion of where they live and I thought that it would be good to see how Williamsburg stands up to a second review – this time wandering a bit further East!
Williamsburg is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, bordered by Greenpoint to the north; Bedford–Stuyvesant to the south; Bushwick and East Williamsburg to the east; and the East River to the west.
East Williamsburg is a name for the area in the northwestern portion of the borough of Brooklyn in New York City, United States, which lies between Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and Bushwick
Jillian runs The Joy List, an amazing resource for those of you looking for events that you can “go to by yourself and leave with a new friend”. Her mission is to make New York, and eventually the world, a less lonely place! Once you've read this, you should definitely sign up for her weekly newsletter of awesome events!
All about East Williamsburg by Jillian
Is it friendly for people new to the city (is it safe throughout the day and night)?
I used to live on East 4th and Avenue D, and had more than one experience of being followed through the streets. East Williamsburg definitely feels safer!
Why do you like (or dislike) living in the area?
I like how quiet the streets are, and that every store is local. There aren’t really any chains around, other than drug stores. I also love that I can walk 15 minutes in either direction and be in Williamsburg or Bushwick.
However, I don’t like how far away I am from prospect and Central Park!
Would you say it was a cheaper neighborhood, an average-priced neighborhood, or an expensive neighborhood?
I think it’s an average priced neighborhood. You can definitely find cheaper spots in Bushwick.
How would you describe a clichéd person living in the area and how do they live?
Ha, everyone in my apartment is the Williamsburg cliche: freelance writer, videographer, and digital nomad.
What is your favorite bar in the area to go with friends?
I like Duck Duck! During the week it’s never crowded, and if you don’t drink like me you can get a seltzer with bitters for two bucks. Plus there are couches and plenty of spots to have group conversations. The weekends, on the other hand, it’s totally packed. If you don’t want to be in a space where people are drinking, check out Ambrosia Elixirs.
Do you have a favorite spot to go alone or quietly with others (venue or not)?
Yoga to the People for sure. I love that I almost never know anyone in my class. Plus, it’s donation based!
Do you have a favorite café or deli and what is your order?
The tuna sandwich from the Lorimer cheese shop is ridiculously good. So is their lemon poppyseed loaf.
Out of 10 how would you rate the neighborhood for: Overall? Kids? Going Out? Quiet Living? Food? As a tourist?
Kids: 6
Going out: 7
Quiet living: 9
Food: 8
Tourist: 6
In a few words, how would you sum up the neighborhood?
Solopreneur paradise
All About Neighborhood Champion, Jillian
How do you describe yourself in one sentence?
Community builder, author, and tall girl
What is your favorite thing to do in the city (outside of your neighborhood)?
Anything on The Joy List 😉
Where do you call “home” and where are you “from”?
I call Brooklyn home! I’m from Fairfield, Connecticut.
Now’s your chance to promote whatever you want (your business, your hobby, your cool idea, or something you love)
The Joy List is a weekly newsletter of events that you can go to by yourself and leave with a new friend. Everything that we promote has a facilitated moment of connection. Our mission is to make New York, and eventually the world, a less lonely place.
From America Josh
Jillian can be found at @thatjillian on Instagram, or @joylistnyc on Instagram, LOVES a chat, and she's single!
Jillian is a superhero in connecting people and I can only look up to her as I grow America Josh into something that hopefully makes the world a little bit more friendly for people who move to America… by connecting people to things like TheJoyList!
Introducing Neighborhood Champions!
Other Champions: Meet Nico from Cobble Hill, Meet Erin from Long Island City, Meet Rachael from FiDi/Seaport, Meet Edwina from Williamsburg, Meet Scott from Greenwich Village, Meet Josh of Alphabet City
Getting to know a neighborhood in New York is one of the most interesting and fun parts of living here. Building community, understanding the nuances of streets, bars, cafés, and cultures, and knowing what’s cool (and what’s not) makes you feel like you’re really part of the city. So, I want to hear about yours!
So. Are you my next Neighborhood Champion for your neighborhood? If so, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll arrange a time to meet!
