Hell's Kitchen has long recovered from its reputation as a Manhattan slum to become a great residential nabe. Some folks in the area have tried to re-brand this nabe “Clinton,” but locals are holding on to the “Hell's Kitchen” name (it's so much cooler, eh?). The area's apartment blocks
This nabe centers around its namesake pedestrian plaza and park, Union Square. Every day, Union Square Park brings people together from all over the city. Artists set up their crafts and musicians perform next to the huge subway station. Down a few steps is the wonderful Union Square farmers
The Flatiron District was renamed in 1985 after the famously triangular Flatiron Building. The area includes Union Square–where skateboarders, political protesters, and big box stores present a bustling diorama of city life–and Madison Square, the hub of Manhattan's tech start-up scene. Both of these open public spaces provide
Chinatown is one of a handful of Manhattan nabes that retains the historic character for which it is famous. A great place to explore, Chinatown offers hole-in-the-wall restaurants, open air fish markets, and tiny shops. Most of the apartment buildings in Chinatown are tenement-style, and many are over 100
An iconic NYC nabe, Little Italy is composed a few bustling streets packed to the brim with colorful decorations, vendors toting their wares, and tons of authentic restaurants with a slightly kitschy vibe. Little Italy certainly is a little nabe–its borders have been shrinking lately, giving way to Chinatown
Nolita, short for “North of Little Italy,” is a small, downtown nabe that blends relatively seamlessly into neighboring SoHo and the Lower East Side. The nabe is most well known for its designer boutique shopping. While not as touristy and hectic as SoHo, Nolita is still a
Gramercy is a beautiful and quiet nabe centered around Gramercy Park, a well-kept gated square not open to the public. Gramercy's architecture consists of a mix of pre and post-war co-ops and brownstones. Gramercy is a quietly luxurious contrast to the hustle of nearby Flatiron and Midtownnabes. Its
This pocket nabe in the East Village gets its name from the single letter monikers of its avenues. Renowned for being a grittier bohemian enclave in the already super-bohemian East Village, Alphabet City was once home to thousands of struggling artists and musicians. Currently overflowing with trendy bars and
SoHo, short for “South of Houston Street,” has long been transformed from an historic warehouse district into the city's destination for high-end shopping and residential lofts. SoHo is home to celebrities and because of this reputation and the shopping, the streets are packed with tourists on the weekend. However,
The East Village has long been a destination for American Bohemia. Recently, it has acquired a hefty downtown price tag but still retains its eclectic and creative roots. Every New York subculture–from yuppie to punk and hipster to hip hop–is celebrated in this inexhaustible grid of drinking, dining,