Neighborhood Guide
New York City, city and port located at the mouth of the Hudson River, southeastern New York state, northeastern U.S. It is the largest and most influential American metropolis, encompassing Manhattan and Staten islands, the western sections of Long Island, and a small portion of the New York state mainland to the north of Manhattan. New York City is in reality a collection of many neighborhoods scattered among the city’s five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island—each exhibiting its own lifestyle.
Chelsea
Chelsea is a bustling neighborhood in Manhattan popular for its art galleries, fine restaurants, off-Broadway theaters, entertainment, shopping, and exciting attractions. It is one of the oldest parts of NYC that has kept its original name and is located between 34th street and Greenwich Village on the West Side. Until recent years, Chelsea was said to be the heart of the Garment and Flower districts.
The region began as farmland in the early 1800s, becoming more commercial later that century with the coming of an above ground railroad, which would later become The High Line. This elevated public park, featuring wildflowers, greenery, and outdoor art installations, is the ideal place to take in breathtaking views of the city. A few steps away from The High Line is the delightful Chelsea Market, which is a food and retail marketplace with a diverse range of options.
The historic Chelsea Hotel, located on West 23rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, is a designated NYC landmark and a favorite sightseeing spot. This hotel is known for some of its famous tenants, including many famous artists, writers and musicians, such as Diego Rivera, Allen Ginsberg, and Patti Smith.
In addition to seasonal art openings, Chelsea also regularly has weekend flea markets to peruse and NYC’s most modern, state-of-the-art sports complex. Chelsea Piers is a large complex where you can ice skate, drive golf balls, hit inside batting cages or bowl. It also features a health club and several sports leagues.
Chelsea is known for its unique architecture. East of Ninth Avenue, the spacious and stylish loft warehouses overlook stunning landmark townhouses, prewar co-ops and new luxury high-rise buildings. Those who enjoy more traditional architecture will appreciate Historic Chelsea's Cushman Row, located between Ninth and Tenth Avenues on 20th Street.
Midtown West
Many consider Midtown West to be the heart of New York City. It is the center of business, entertainment, shopping, and tourism in Manhattan and has undergone a major renovation since the mid 1990's. Extending from 34th to 59th Street between Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River, this bustling neighborhood is filled with life and many New York City tourist destinations. Times Square, the Theater District on Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center are all found in Midtown West. Real estate development has been the main part of the renovation as many luxury high-rise building have been built in the area. This is a very attractive place to live due to its location. The ability to walk to work, and the great nightlife that Midtown West enjoys, are only two of the many reasons why this area meets its residents' every need.
Midtown East
The lively neighborhood of Midtown East offers a variety of comfortable living options, as well as plenty of attractions, entertainment, and nightlife. Located between 42nd and 59th Streets, and between 5th Avenue and the East River, this area boasts beautiful views of the city skyline and waterfront along with iconic buildings, such as the art deco Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, and the United Nations Headquarters.
In the center of Midtown East is Grand Central Station, a historic architectural landmark of public transportation lined with shops and restaurants including the Grand Central Oyster Bar and Campbell Apartment cocktail bar.
Bryant Park is this region’s go-to place for fun outdoor activities, such as yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings, and picnics, while ice skating is offered in the winter. The 5th Avenue strip, every shopper’s paradise destination, with Tiffany and Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue is only steps away.
Every style of home is available in this district from new luxury high-rise buildings to townhouses to prewar apartments. Renters have their choice of elegant and upscale apartments in the Beekman area, located between 49th and 51st Streets from First Avenue to the East River. There are also reasonably priced studios and one-bedroom apartments located closer to First and Second Avenues.
Financial district
The Financial District, birthplace of New York City and the nation, is one of the most historic and intriguing neighborhoods in the U.S. Full of winding, cobblestone streets and historic buildings, the Financial District sits on the Southern tip of the island. It is now undergoing major restoration and is again considered one of New York's City's special gems. Wall Street is the focal point of this neighborhood - a narrow street that is home to the New York and American Stock Exchanges. South Street Seaport is also a very popular destination. It boasts many shops, restaurants, bars and antique ships that have been converted into floating museums. During the day, the Financial District is as busy if not busier than any other neighborhood in the world; however, at night, there is a lot of peace and quiet.
In 1995, the Mayor started an Economic Revitalization Program in the neighborhood that began with 5,000 new apartments and the prospect of 7,000 more. Many of the older, large office buildings have been converted to residential space with spectacular views of the water and the Statue of Liberty. The neighborhood has emerged as an around-the-clock community for working, living and entertaining. It offers an elegant residential neighborhood, world-class cultural institutions, and a center for music, dance and visual arts events.
West Village
The West Village is as charming and colorful as any neighborhood in New York City. This stylish area still bears resemblance to its early days as a small country village with its quaint medley of narrow cobblestone streets. Making up the western part of Greenwich Village, these storied streets tell the tales of the avant-garde and bohemian greats of the mid-20th century. However, today writers, artists, intellectuals, actors, and students continue to flock to this iconic district, as well as many professionals and families.
Due to its rich history and culture, many people have been drawn to the area. Christopher Street, the oldest street in the West Village, is a notable destination, home to the historic Stonewall Inn, the site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay and trans-rights liberation movements. The street is lined with even more gay-centric bars, along with shops and stores, as it is the epicenter of the LGBT+ experience in NYC.
The West Village is also known for the culmination of exquisite jazz clubs, such as Café Bohemia and the Village Vanguard, having featured renowned musicians Miles Davis and John Coltrane throughout their illustrious careers. While there may be less jazz clubs open now than back in the music genre’s heyday, the legendary Village Vanguard remains standing, along with a few others, as well as music venues catering to folk, the blues, hip-hop, and rock music, such as The Bitter End, Village Underground, and Cafe Wha?
With its quiet streets, low-rise townhouses, and delightful abundance of cafes, shops, small theaters, boutiques, bodegas and music clubs, there’s something for everyone in the West Village. Nestled along the Hudson River, new luxury residential buildings offer captivating views of the river as well as the city. Given all this treasured history paired with modern-day attractions, it's easy to see why this is one of the city's most popular neighborhoods to settle in. Situated between Seventh Avenue and the Hudson River, the West Village stretches from 14th Street to Canal Street.
Upper West
Ever since Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's depiction of the Upper Westside came to life in the legendary Broadway musical "West Side Story," the area has flourished into a neighborhood rich with the cultural opportunities and diverse experiences that define living in Manhattan. Bursting with entertainment, fashionable stores and gorgeous architecture, the neighborhood attracts a wide variety of residents, visitors and garden-variety wanderers. Charming townhouses, well-appointed co-ops and desirable condos with park and river views tend to be some of the most sought-after residences in the city. You'll also find distinguished prewar brownstones lining the blocks west of Broadway and stunning landmarks that cast shadows along the western edge of Central Park. Two of the most architecturally distinguished buildings on the west side, the impressive Dakota and the Italian Baroque San Remo, with its looming twin towers, are both located on Central Park West.