US News

WILLIAMSBURG REAL ESTATE GOING THROUGH THE ROOF

While Hasidic Jews in Williamsburg continue to protest an influx of yuppies and hipsters, neighborhood rentals and sales prices continue to climb.

According to a recent survey by the Real Estate Board of New York, Williamsburg average sales prices rose 19 percent in the last 12 months to $327,533, making it one of Brooklyn’s fastest growing areas.

The average one-bedroom Williamsburg apartment runs about $275,000 – still cheap by comparison to the average downtown Manhattan one-bedroom pad, which The Corcoran Group puts at $473,000.

With Brooklyn fast becoming the new Manhattan – and Queens turning into the new Brooklyn – it stands to reason that Williamsburg could eventually reach the status of a Chelsea or TriBeCa.

“Part of its appeal is that these are not Manhattan prices,” board member Michael Slattery said.

“It’s becoming a very hot neighborhood, and no protest is going to stop it,” said Douglas Elliman senior vice president Dolly Lenz.

Besides the high prices they bring, local clergy and residents have railed against their new neighbors’ supposed liberal lifestyle.

“The morality [of the yuppies/ hipsters] is not acceptable to our people,” said one rabbi. “It’s dangerous for our children.”