Union Sq West, Gramercy Park

Union Square West only runs the duration of Union Square. It's Broadway to the north and University to the south. So, there's not a lot to Union Square West but there is a lot going on in this little chunk of land. Union Square West is the busiest part of Union Square. It's where the entrance to the subway is and there are multiple trains that congregate at Union Square so there are always a jillion people moving through this station. There's also a Green market that runs almost year round on the west side of Union Square so trying to navigate this side is kind of a nightmare because of all the market meanderers.
There are some pretty cool buildings on Union Square West but all of the businesses are pretty much catered toward tourists: and there are a lot of them around here.
The building on the corner of 17th and USW used to be a very popular massage parlor in the 19th century. There's now a very popular Starbucks on the ground floor . . . and, I'm sure you can get a massage in there if you ask nicely. There's a place called Republic next door that is actually really good for a Union Square place. It's not too expensive either. Most of the buildings on this street are from the 19th century and they're really beautiful. It's kind of jarring when you see things like a Puma and American Eagle store on the bottoms of them. But, that's New York for ya. There's a horrible place called Coffee Shop that has way too loud of music for a diner right at 16th. A lot of models and faux trendy people hang out here. I hate to admit it, but I've been here a number of times for brunch and I'm always sad that I went. It's just cheesy but a lot of people seem to like it. I prefer Heartland Brewery just up the block. And, yes, Heartland is a chain that is completely catered to tourists. But, if I have to go somewhere in Union Square, I'll pick this place over any of the others.
The apartments on Union Square West are insanely expensive and I wouldn't want to shell out that kind of money to live here. It's always really crowded, loud and dirty. And, there are just way too many tourists and sidewalk lurkers for walking out of this area to ever be pleasant. You can find a lot of cool apartments in much cooler areas for this price tag so I would pass on living here. Walking here, though, is pretty unavoidable.