Bushwick Ave, Williamsburg

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.

This is a main street with a lot offer. You'll find a big library, some fast food chains like KFC, and some shopping. The Salvation Army is here, and tends to have great prices and unique finds in New York City. It's also not a bad place to supplement some items for your home! It is very convenient and filled with activity and there are a lot of people out and about on this street. You'll also find 2 stop on the L train on this street, (Grand Street and Montrose Avenue). All in all, this street is a good one to get started in in this section of Brooklyn.