Williamsburg has undergone one of the most exciting real estate transformations of any area in New York City. Williamsburg’s garages and warehouses have been converted into amazing industrial lofts, which rub shoulders with new high-rise condos.

More The area is divided in half into North Williamsburg and South Williamsburg by Grand Street. In North Williamsburg there is the Mason-Fisk building, a new brick loft condo conversion at 72 Berry which offers a virtual doorman, a shared roof terrace, central air conditioning, washer-dryer hookups, and floors made of Douglas fir. In South Williamsburg, 238 South 3rd is a condo which boasts wide-plank pine floors and stainless steel appliances in blowout loft configurations. In the 19th Century Williamsburgh (yes, then it had an “h,”) was its own city and home to businessmen such as Charles Pfizer. In more recent times, the availability of large loft spaces available for sale and for rent has made Williamsburg something of a draw for artists and musicians. You can catch bands at the Music Hall of Williamsburg (formerly NorthSix) or Public Assembly, and there’s nightly jazz at Zebulon Café. If it’s visuals you want, head over to an art gallery housed in a converted garage. Carnivores will enjoy the porterhouse at Peter Luger’s in Williamsburg, called by many the best steakhouse in New York City. Every July, Williamsburg’s “dancing of the Giglio,” an Italian feast, transforms the area around North 8th into a 5th Century Italian village. Less