Greenwich Village is the most typically “New York” neighborhood in New York. A historical center of Bohemian culture just a short subway ride from midtown, “the Village” manages to retain its artistic character despite its high-traffic, well-traveled streets.
Extending North to South from West 14th Street to West Houston Street and West to East from Avenue of the Americas to Broadway, Greenwich Village’s prime location and great feel may not come cheap but it does provide an unforgettable experience.
Accessibility: Greenwich Village has excellent transit links to the rest of New York. For vertical travel, the (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, B, D, F, M, A, C, E) subway trains provide a range of easy options. For horizontal travel, the (L) train cuts through the north border of Greenwich. The (M8) bus gives horizontal travel above ground while the (M1, M2, M3, M5) buses provide vertical travel. In general, Greenwich Village residents are also in a great position to walk: most of lower Manhattan is well within walking distance and Greenwich is a beautiful neighborhood to wander through.
Lifestyle: From the beautiful Washington Square Park to the surprising little squares where the village grid meets the Manhattan grid, the Village has a quirkily cool, artistic feel. It is a fun, exciting neighborhood that feels more manageable than the stereotypical New York rush. The presence of students from NYU, Parsons School of Design, and Cooper Union really adds to the neighborhood’s atmosphere. Whether it be the student-friendly bars and eateries on Macdougal Street, or the eclectic theater Off-Broadway or Off-Off-Broadway (yes, that really is a thing), the students’ influence is everywhere.
Restaurants and Bars: Eateries abound in this student neighborhood. Locals highly enjoy Josie Woods Pub throughout the week while NYU students command weekend takeovers. Other bars include Off the Wagon, a hit in the Village Bar Crawl, and Half Pint. Greenwich Village is also home to the trendy vegan eatery, By Chloe (expect a line out onto the street) and GMT Tavern,. Whatever your preferences, stopping for brunch, lunch, or dinner at West 3rd Common is a must.
Cost of Living: These beautiful shops and eateries come at a higher price tag than the rest of Manhattan, with prices comparable to TriBeCa and SoHo’s. With the median rent standing at $3,500, many will find the cost to be fairly high. However, what you get for your money worth it. The Village is a bustling neighborhood with fantastic diversions that range from exotic new eats to a pianist busking on a baby grand in Washington Square Park. Whether you’re a student attending NYU or a long time fan of the arch in Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village has something for anyone.