megagirl

Hamilton Heights runs from about 135th Street to 155th Street, and it's considered a part of Harlem. This means it is largely a tough area. Rents are low because that generally reflects the demand for this area. Apartments though may be large. Groceries and other goods are cheap because of the area -- people will buy what they can afford. I am not too familiar with this area. But I do know it's somewhat North of Columbia University. A lot of New York's tougher spots are undergoing revitalization but the process is generally slow. If you are interested in living here I would bring a car and drive around. Sometimes there may be particular blocks that may surprise you. I don't know of any however.

The pluses are that the area offers reliable transportation via train and bus. Gypsy cabs may also abound in addition to the traditional yellow cabs. Street vendors are popular up here. You can probably find some great buys but you won't find the quality of goods that you can find on the East Side. There's just a different demand here.

Great food does exist though. So if you are adventurous do explore during the day.

Manhattan Valley is a West Side neighborhood fairly close to Columbia University. It starts at 96th Street and runs up to 110th Street. This is a very pleasant area. The buildings are large pre-war masses that are quite beautifully built. Lots of the streets have personality and character and there are lovely little restaurants, bars and shops strewn about. Shopping is great on 96th Street, on the street itself as well as Broadway. It always seems bustling with activity. There is a movie theater there that plays foreign movies as well as holds concerts. Nightlife is largely centered around bars but given the presence of the university (Columbia University) there is also lots of intellectual activity in the area as well. Barnard College and Barnard Bookstore are great to visit. And there are fabulous schools in the area for children because of Teacher's College. You can't go wrong here. It's very safe, is lovely to walk through, and there are doormen buildings here too if you prefer a bit of luxury.

If you visit the area, don't miss paying a visit to the Cathedral of St John the Divine -- a bit more East but worth the walk. Central Park is also in the same direction so you can also pay a visit to the park as well.

Some neighborhoods make you say Wow, and others seems like byways to get to other neighborhoods Turtle Bay is a byway for me. Although I think the United Nations is impressive as an institution and as a complex, the surrounding neighborhood doesn't do anything for me. Yes it has nice buildings (not gorgeous) and yes you can probably find a good buy here and there, but I would say if you walked West you'd find more excitement, more fun, more pizzazz. Of course it is quite close to Grand Central Station which is a plus, and you can find great eating and drinking places here. But that can be said for much of New York.

Salons are plentiful and the small eateries seem a bit too spaced apart for my liking but that's just me. Transportation is available and the area is relatively clean, but it just lacks something for me. You can of course walk over to the river should you want to take in some beautiful views. I would actually recommend that as that is definitely something I would head for down here. There's just not much here that catches my fancy. Perhaps if it was on the West Side it might attract my attention more. :-)

Yorkville runs from 72nd Street to 96th Street along the East Side. It's lovely to go up this way and just stroll around. There are lots of doctors offices up here, but a lot of professionals also live here. The apartments are generally large and because the more easterly ones mean more of a walking distance to the train, you can often find good bargains the more east you go.

The buildings here have character though and some areas are spellbinding. There are trees scattered about, a rarity in some parts of the city. Lovely little enclaves of shops can be found. I always recommend however walking the avenues since this is where most of the foot traffic is, and hence, most of the good shops. You just can't go wrong. The well-to-do live here but so do hardworking middle class people who have scraped and saved to live here.

There are lovely buildings with doormen and elevators but many people who live more easterly live in pre-war walkups. These apartments may have more space but they also may require walking up 4 or more sets of stairs! If you have a good heart and don't mind sweating then this may be the place for you to find a place to live.

Kips Bay is a small neighborhood on the East Side of Manhattan that runs from 23rd to 33rd Streets or thereabouts. Since it's the East Side we New Yorkers generalize by saying it's more stuffy as compared to the West Side. Shops are just more geared toward organic foods, sunglasses, boutiques and the like, whereas the West Side just seems more down-to-earth. But who can really say. It may just be the attitudes. This area is lovely -- this I can say. It's clean, nice to walk through, and generally pleasant to the eye. You can find some really nice apartments over here, although they may be a little pricey. There is a nice movie theater in the area so that's certainly a plus. Restaurants are plentiful and unlike other areas that are further uptown, Kips Bay is very reasonably priced.

You can find some fun bars, and if you walk to the river you can catch some great views especially on the Fourth of July when they do the fireworks.

This is not really a place for tourists in my view -- not enough to do, but it's a great place to visit if you have the time and have seen every other neighborhood in New York City.

I had to look up what area this is and I am a New Yorker! It ranges from 53rd to 59th Street on the East Side. Oh, NOW, I know which area they are talking about. This is over by the Queensborough Bridge. I wouldn't necessarily brag about living here because who wants to live near that bridge. But I suppose it's GOT to be the bomb if they say so. This area to my recollection is not all that wonderful but I guess if the prices say it is then you just go along with it. I have seen a few cute shops over this way, one that features miniature dogs which were incredibly cute which I am sure are super popular among this Sutton Place dwellers. The area itself is exclusive so it's generally well maintained and not a place that most people visit. Like I said, I didn't even know it existed.

However, I do know there are lovely restaurants on this side of town, quaint lounges, fabulous shops for those who need another blouse, another pair of shoes, another pair of sunglasses. But for the most part, it's not an area that says WOW to me. Maybe I'm crazy. Or maybe I just have great taste. :-)

I went to the Cloisters once in Inwood and that was a wonderful experience. It's funny for a New Yorker to take a train, and venture into upper Manhattan and find that the world doesn't end at Harlem but continues on. I have rarely taken the train up that way although I assumed the land continued on. The Cloisters is an old Monastery which has been preserved and actually is quite an oasis to visit. You should visit if you can. Friends who live in Inwood love it for the convenience in terms of apartment size. Apartments are bigger and affordable but you do have to take the train everyday (if you commute south) through Harlem. Not my favorite scenery.

Transportation is easy and convenient though, nevermind fast, and you are near one of the best universities in the world (Columbia University) so that can't be all bad. In terms of shopping and nightlife, Inwood offers great shopping but if you are looking for nightlife or anything more Manhattan like it's best to come downtown. Inwood has its benefits but nothing rivals lower Manhattan.

For places to eat, my friends like the Caribbean Hut and the Inwood Buffet. Look hard enough though and you can find culinary treats for all in this quaint part of Manhattan that offers great buys.

Most people associate Tribeca with one of its most notable residents -- Robert DeNiro, who started the Tribeca Film Festivals. Now that they are well known, people often flock here and admire the lovely cobblestone streets, such as Greenwich, Washington and Harrison Streets. Details like this make this neighborhood a lovely place to stroll through especially during the nicer months. Living here though is definitely for those who can afford it. Given the loft spaces, the rich often feel like they have the space they need both in square footage and in privacy. Transportation is easily accessible, and cabs abound. Things are very pricey in this area but if you are looking for bargains you can always venture in minutes to another part of town. It's best to stroll the streets, admire the architecture, the restaurants and bars, and absorb the personality that is solely Tribeca.

It can be a bit quiet here for some, so you may just want to stay for a short bit and mosey along, but you will definitely get some nice pictures.

Take note that traffic can be a monster in this area due to the proximity of the Holland Tunnel which takes commuters over to New Jersey, but if you don't mind a little bumper to bumper traffic (should you venture there by car) then no matter. You will have a blast of a time regardless.

Harlem begins somewhere around 110th Street or so and ends at about 155th Street. I have never gone all the way up but having lived up by Columbia University, I have ventured as far as 125th Street for some soul food at Sylvia's and experienced wonderful morsels of Southern cuisine.

Another place that I have gone to visit is the Apollo Theater which is where Luther Vandross was discovered although as I hear it he was booed his first time out. Harlem used to be a music hot spot for jazz and was really hopping back in the day. Rents are affordable but safety and crime are still big concerns. Of course, there are some really wonderful doorman buildings about but you have to look a bit to find something that really suits your needs in an area you feel secure in. The lower portion of Harlem is nice as it's by Columbia University which offers everyone a nice venue to visit. It's campus is not to be missed. Shopping in Harlem offers lots of bargains but you won't find many high end goods. The best shopping avenue is 125th Street I hear.

The area is accessible by both train (which goes above ground once it's at 125th Street) and buses of course that run along Broadway and Columbus. Great restaurants abound though. They may be on the small side, but you can get great deals on food, and often they are gotten in places you will want to flock back to.

Washington Heights (or Fort Washington, which no one says anymore) runs from a place called Hamilton Heights to Inwood. If you speak Spanish, you will find the Heights friendly indeed. A large Dominican community has enriched the community with its culture, language and food, and has inspired many latin music clubs to open there. So if you love latin dancing, you may find yourself heading to Washington Heights with a bunch of friends, as the prices there are also very affordable for both admission and drinks.

The buildings there are mostly old style tenements and rents are fairly affordable. Maintenance in such buildings though tend to be an issue unless the rents are on the higher end of the scale. Transportation is convenient, but crime tends to be an issue as well. Food is a great attraction as Spanish food is to die for especially in the Heights so run with your tastebuds in tow if you are craving some rice, black beans and tostones.

Shopping is plentiful and affordable as well. But for touristy type spots lower Manhattan is more attractive and fun. Upper Manhattan can be a bit rough in spots so you may want to venture there in the day with some friends if you are seeking to explore this area.

Some places have an air about them that makes you want to stay. This is one of those places. The West Village extends from 14th Street down to Houston along the West Side and is comprised of a bunch of small angular streets that are lovely to stroll along. Great in the summer time, the West Village just oozes small town, edgy, artsyness. Two of my favorite streets to walk down are Bleecker and Commerce and when you go you will see why. They are just pretty, cozy streets that offer distractions for the eye. This is a lovely place to go with a special someone if you want to just walk and talk, and share a brilliant experience with. The Cornelia Street Cafe is here at West 4th and Bleecker. You will simply adore its food, as well as the musical and poetry shows they hold in their very packed, shoulder to shoulder seated space downstairs. You want to see how close New Yorkers are willing to sit, go visit and view one of their shows. I loved it! Saw a jazz show and sat up front -- so close to the stage I am sure the saxophonist was blowing my bangs as he played but I never had a better time!

West Village is easy to get to, clean and so full of personality. Don't pass it up especially if you love food and drinks. They have the best of both worlds!

The thing I have always loved about Soho is its artsy personality. They are very much into details there. The cobblestone streets lend a wonderful ambiance to the area, as do the many art galleries. You may not be able to afford an original piece of art here but you will surely love strolling the many streets and absorbing the culture and personality that is very Soho. You will see many well dressed men and women walking about and drinking in fine restaurants. The air is very classy and restrained. The area is well maintained, clean and pricey. Don't confuse Soho with the Village as these are considered on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Both neighborhoods have artists as their residents but the philosophy is different. You can see it in the streets themselves. One is very unconscious and the other very self-conscious.

Soho provides the tourist with a wealth of refined culture. So if you are looking for a fine meal, wonderfully tailored couture clothing or some original art, this is the place to head. Living here is exclusive to those who have the means to dwell in the lofts and high priced condos. But still it's a lovely place to visit and stroll through. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed.

Roosevelt is one of those places that is a bit quirky. It's technically part of Manhattan but is located on its own little island. To get there you can take a tram. I find this fairly scary so I have never been myself. I believe you can also get their by car but tram is the most popular form of transport. The most popular thing about Roosevelt Island are the concerts that take place there every so often. Big concerts that draw a lot of attention. Other than that though, there is very little going on there. It's middle class, not very exciting and it good for the family that wants access to Manhattan without having to deal with the hustle and bustle.

Roosevelt Island is more affordable than other places in Manhattan because of its lack of convenience. If you don't mind having to commute by tram for instance, well then it might be a good option for you. Not much is going on there, and I've never really heard of a great night life. Being a Native New Yorker I have no real desire to go there and honestly probably never will. From what most people tell me I am not missing much.

Do catch a concert there though if you can. Concerts are always great fun and offer the chance to get a sense of what the island is all about without living there.

NoHo is a centrally located neighborhood in Manhattan which begins at Houston Street and runs North to 14th Street. It's only a few blocks wide but is comprised mostly of really expensive loft apartment buildings. It's a very artsy, ritsy area which can be enjoyed for what it is -- a great place to stroll, but for the average person it is a not so great place to shop. Prices are just way over the average person's head. The area is as Green as you can get. New businesses in this area really strive to be Green and to meet the expectation of their residents which are mostly professionals who have been working hard all their lives and have stored up quite a bit of savings. They can afford to spend the extra money on Green materials and they like to see it in the businesses they patronize such as yoga studios and the like.

Great places to eat at are Great Jones and Il Bucco. It's a great place to stroll through in the summer. Each part of Manhattan has its own personality and NoHo is of no exception.

Transportation is great here so if you are lucky enough to find digs here you will find it easy to get around. The area is very well maintained and you will feel safe and at ease when walking around here at night. Just be careful when venturing outside this particular area. NoHo offers tourists a respite from the craziness of uptown so if you need a break from the hustle and bustle spend a day here and rejuvenate.

The best thing about Murray Hill is that it's so close to a lot and yet it has it's own quiet demeanor. Running from about 42nd to 34th Street on the East Side, you can find quite a number of quaint apartments in pre-war walkups, or even lovely condos in hi-rises with doormen. The area accommodates a lot of tastes and also is close to some very business epicenter which includes Grand Central Station. If you are interested in adopting pets, you will also be close to the Bide a Wee pet shelter, and there are tons of shopping to be had along Fifth Avenue and the other avenues as well. The area is fairly well known for its cafes and shake shops. There are also a number of shops that cater to tourists so you can find places that sell cameras and other types of electronics here. The Empire State Building is also within walking distrance from this area, and although it's not as exciting as being in Rockefeller Center uptown, the Empire State Building still retains its charm, and being as tall as it is you will still enjoy the panoramic views at the top.

If you are looking for "fun fun" then consider a short walk across town to the West side where things are more affordable and where there is a lot more variety with respect to shops and things to do, especially in Times Square, which is the epicenter for tourists and shoppers.

Murray Hill is quiet relatively speaking so those looking for a more low key NY experience will like it here. Those seeking a party atmosphere will be disappointed.

The Meatpacking District to me was always some place I passed in the car on my way to other parts of town. One can tell you are in the Meatpacking District because it still looks very much like a place where this type of activity would take place. The buildings are all very factory-like looking, some with bays for trucks to pull in, where they used to load and unload their goods. Nowadays though the area is becoming a whole new scene with upscale type bars and restaurants. The prices at some of these places are off the charts and its the "in" thing to be seen there paying over $15 for a cocktail or exorbitant prices for a meal. But just like other parts of NY is the experience that most want, and if you want an eclectic one, then this is the place to be.

Some wonderful restaurants to check out are the Fatty Crab on Hudson Street, the Fig & Olive on 14th Street, and the Old Homestead Steakhouse on 9th Avenue. This area is not really for the stroller, but since you are close to the water you can always walk over and catch some equisite views of the river if you so choose.

If you're at the intersection of Broadway and 23rd Street you will notice a pretty small park where people go to sit, take retreat from their jobs at lunch time, or relax while taking a jaunt around town. This area is called Madison Square. It wasn't always this nice, but recent efforts have tried to keep the park in a much nicer state for residents to enjoy. This is not where the Madison Square Garden complex is located however. That's further uptown at 32nd Street. Rents down this way are much more affordable than further uptown, and eateries and groceries are much more affordable too. You can find some nice places to stroll if you have the time, but this area will not dazzle you like others. There are some businesses down here but they tend to be on the small side and the area is more known to be residential with some commerce woven in. It can feel a bit industrial in places. There are some lofts to be had but they will be much more expensive than the average apartment.

There is some good nightlight possibilities nearby with Gotham Comedy Club on 23rd Street and tons of little restaurants about. Transportation is also very convenient here, so you will be able to zip about to the rest of the city in no time especially if you hop on the train.

The Lower East Side is generally the area of Manhattan from Canal up through 14th Street. It includes such places Little Italy and Chinatown -- two of my favorite spots especially for eating authentic cuisine. Not the most pretty parts of the city, this area is generally known for great little cafes and restaurants. There's lots to do and you're always in close proximity of places like Washington Square Park, Bowlmor (a great bowling alley for adults) or the Tenement Museum, which gives you a great indepth view of the conditions immigrants lived under when moving to New York in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

There is great shopping to be had here especially along 14th Street, and comparatively speaking this is one of the more affordable areas. Close to transportation (trains and buses), you can shoot anywhere you want in the city and always come home on the express train since 14th and Canal are main stops.

If you are a bar drinker there are great bars to visit like Good Beer on 9th Street and Drop Off Service on Avenue A. If you like performance art the Nuyorican Cafe in Alphabet City is a must to visit. It's in-your-face poetry that is loud and fun to watch.

If you're the type of person that likes to be in the thick of it all, then Midtown is the place to be. This is where you will find Times Square and a bulk of the businesses that drive the commerce of the city. Large business buildings, theaters, tons of shops along the avenues, eateries, clubs -- you name it, it is all here and more. You could spend the whole day here just visiting the many different stores. Apartments are available but are extremely expensive especially the more central the location. The area is typically quite clean because of the prominence of tourists, and there are many hotels which afford a nice diversion. The Marriott in Times Square for instance features the only revolving restaurant and is a nice place to bring tourists who will appreciate the view! Other places that are fun to visit are the Toys R Us also in Times Square which features an indoor ferris wheel, and Caroline's on Broadway which is one of the oldest and most prominent comedy clubs in the country.

One can always find interesting places to eat along the side streets or visit a museum or two. The Metropolital Museum of Art is along 52nd Street and offers a great escape from the NY summer heat. Lots of transportation here as this is where tons of people come to work every day. Because of that, lunch specials in restaurants abound to draw commuters. Take note, that summers and Christmas time are quite busy. Radio City Music Hall is often busy with concerts but during Christmas it features its famous show with the rockettes.

If you can though make sure you visit the skating rink at Rockerfellar Center and stroll along Fifth Avenue if only for the window shopping.

The one thing that stands out in my mind about Little Italy as a native New Yorker is the food AND the San Gennaro Street Festival (zeppolis, sausage and pepper heros are the best). This neighborhood is a quaint little place that really reminds you of what old New York must have looked like. Lots of tenements abound here, and its proximity to other places like Chinatown, make it a fun place to visit for tourists. If you haven't been, it's always a recommended stop in my book, especially because the food is just that good. If you are free during the summer be sure to head down to Mulberry Street off of Canal and you will find many good things to eat there. Whether you are looking for homecooked Italian style meals or specialty food stores, you can find them all here.

The neighborhood is well kept and for NY the prices are reasonable if you can find something available. Keep in mind anything in NY in terms of apartment space is usually quite tight. Transportation is usually not an issue with all the buses that run along the avenues.

Places you may want to try on your next jaunt to Little Italy: Ray's Pizza or Lombardi's Pizza.

While this is home to a lot of NY residents, this section of Manhattan is also home to many doctors. If you don't come here for the nightlife, then you are probably here for the museums or the doctors such as plastic surgeons. They abound here nestled in among the old beautiful doorman buildings, brownstowns and hi-rise condo buildings. This is a wonderful neighborhood to stroll through. Museums such as the Guggenheim and the Museum of Natural History are nearby so if you are looking for a great place to visit that is close to Central Park, this is a nice option. Boutique hotels also abound here, and you will pay a pretty penny to be near this area, which has nice eateries, bars and lounges. It's a quiet place at night, but there's something to be said about quiet in a big city like this. Buses run along the park going up and down, but trains are fewer on this side of town. So you might want to cab it if you find yourself in need of getting somewhere fast. Or catch a horse and buggy if you want down at 59th street if you have time to kill. This neighborhood is pricey but definitely worth a visit especially in summer! It's named after the renowned hospital in its midst, Lenox Hill Hospital.

Whether you want a tattoo, piercing, framed piece of artwork, great culinary meal, some sexy lingerie or an edgy haircut the Village has it all. Peruse the record shops which now have CDs and DVDs, the many vintage clothing stores, the lil cafes or bakeries, or the book shops. Favorite spots of mine are the Pink Pussycat Boutique, Unos Pizzeria, Jekyl & Hyde and the numerous Indian restaurants that abound there. Great haircuts can be found at Astor Place, and there is just a great neighborly feel here .. so much so you may never want to leave. The Village Halloween Parade cannot be missed. If anything you will have to schedule a trip there just to see it. New York University is down this way as is Washington Square Park. Great spots to visit and stroll past. It is easy to get to by train and it's a great place to hangout on the weekend with a group of friends. If you have out of towners, it's usually a great eye opening experience for newbies who want to get a sense of NY's edgy side.

The Village is a place of great pizza, affordable prices when it comes to rents (although they will still be expensive compared to the other 5 boroughs of NY), and a sense of non-materialism. People are more concerned with art and individualism. Check out Ray's Pizza and give your taste buds a blast of a good time!

Gramercy Park is a small tiny area that runs from about 14th Street to 23rd Street on the East Side. Housing is lovely, expensive and hard to come by. Lots of families live here, families with high incomes as I never could seem to afford to live there. There is a small park that is fenced and only those with a key can get in I am told. Lots of people can be seen strolling their little dogs in this neighborhood. Most people would die to live here if they could, it's just out of the means of most. The area is clean, well tended to and the schools are top notch. Lots of professionals live here especially those who work in NY or who have their own businesses. There are a number of apartment complexes here that are quite attractive and seem like private enclaves. Stores tend to be pricey though.

It's a lovely place to visit and stroll through. There are some really nice boutiques and eateries. Transportation abounds so you can shoot up and downtown from here. Not much to do otherwise though. In the summer, street festivals are frequent so I would keep an eye out for those along the avenues.

The Fashion District has never been my favorite place to visit. It's just ho hum. Yes, you can find some very interesting shops there if you are into design. Materials, buttons, ribbons, rugs, furs, etc. abound here, but they are typically in shops targeting businesses not consumers. Wholesale is typically their game here so tourists might find it very off putting, boring and a waste of time. You can walk along the main avenues of Broadway and find interesting shops and places to eat, but overall the area is really geared toward business and nothing else. Those looking for housing would be better off looking in another area as this area is quite pricey. There are not a lot of grocery shops that are affordable here so you would probably be miserable.

Good thing is Manhattan is so walkable you can walk several blocks in any direction and typically find yourself in another neighborhood. Transportation abounds, the neighborhood is pretty safe, but there is little to do in form of entertainment. Street festivals can be found sprinkled about in the summer months along the avenues providing some relief from the otherwise boring nature of this neighborhood.

Anyone who wants to see a sign of life should walk along the main avenues instead of the side streets.

The Financial District offers tourists a lot of excitement. There is the New York Stock Exchange as well as lots of other landmarks to see, like the Federal Reserve Bank and the new World Trade Center Memorial. Great shopping is a must at Century 21 which is directly across the old World Trade Center site. The area itself is compact. There are a lot of little streets, some of which are very narrow and others that no longer allow cars down them. You can get a sense of the old New York by looking at these streets. Eateries abound and so do lunch specials considering the hoards of people that have to eat here everyday. But on the weekends, this place becomes very quiet. It's great for tourists who may want to roam around when there is less foot traffic. Everything is easy to get to because you're at the bottom of Manhattan and it's narrower. All the streets are named which makes it confusing. You can get disoriented and not know whether you are going east or west. Great venues nearby are the South Street Seaport which has a mall and a bunch of shops as well as ships that can be visited/boarded.

Area is very secure since attacks so you needn't worry about that. Lots of security and police abound.

If there is one thing I recommend in Spanish Harlem is it's food! From 96th to 116th street along 5th Avenue, one can find some great spots that offer some mouth watering Spanish food at reasonable prices. The area is also good for shopping for economical things. Close to Central Park you also have access to the greenery of the park but be sure not to go in at night. New Yorkers know better than to venture in after dark. The area is economical for those looking for an affordable place to live but given the local poverty, it's not the nicest places to live. Don't get me wrong, people will be friendly, but if you are looking for ritzy this is not it.

You may be able to find some really nice buildings along the borders of the area, some with doormen. These are the best bets for professionals as they will be competitvely priced. Transportation abounds so you will be able to zip to any part of the city.

Closest points of interest: Cathedral of St John the Divine (beautiful, a must see!), Columbia University's campus, and Tom's Restaurant (the facade is used in the opening of Seinfeld)

Spanish speakers will feel right at home here in this part of the city. You can also find great food specialty stores for latin cuisine.

The Civic Center of Manhattan is not what pops out to me when I think of NYC. But it's there! We all have to go there as residents sometime if we have to serve our time on a jury. It's a named street area so it's confusing. And the buildings are huge and well, ugly. You may be able to take a nice tourist picture of one of the court buildings with its many stairs but that's about it. If nothing else it is located in an area that is close to other areas, like the South Street Seaport which houses the old Fulton Fish Market.

The Civic Center offers a great place to be employed. If you are lucky enough to work there you may want to live nearby so that your commute is a dream. This area is DEAD on the weekend, so if you don't mind that and having little shopping around then this may be the area for you. Many New Yorkers don't consider this a great place to go and it can get hairy with all the traffic and people on foot rushing off to court, so try to avoid this area if possible and go somewhere more fun like Times Square!

Of course law students and visiting lawyers might find this area exciting! :-) City Hall is also here so if you're looking to get hitched get in line to get your license!

Although I myself didn't raise kids in Chelsea, I know many people who have. I have ventured to Chelsea on occasion to go to school (there are many trade schools in the area) as well as to visit Gotham Comedy Club on 23rd Street, a main stop on the subway train. Given its access to trains and buses, Chelsea is convenient for the person looking for a great commuting location from uptown or who wants to have access to luxury living. There are a number of buildings in the area which are very ritzy with doormen which are known to be very safe. The area itself provides a lot of entertainment. And cabs can be hailed easily. Apt rents are ridiculous but if you can find an affordable one it most likely will be a walk up.

There is great shopping if you are willing to stroll about. And you can find great extra curricular activities at Chelsea Pier, even golf driving! Amazing. Only in New York. If you are a runner you will simply love running along the river. It's a drug for those who run. Go check it out. It even accommodates cyclists now. Just be sure not to get hit if you are on foot. There is a lot of people traffic at times and you can't assume everyone will avoid you.

Ask most people where the Bowery is, and they may say, What? Honestly, it's a term not used by many New Yorkers that I know of. It's a sliver of a neighborhood between the East Village and East 4th Street. The Bowery Poetry Club is probably the most well known spot there, at least for me. They offer live webcasts from there, so even if you can't visit physically you can attend a live show there online. How cool is that! Bring NY into your living room tonight. In terms of the neighborhood, it's affordable. It's really not a stand out kind of neighborhood, but if you're looking for an artsy type place that you can manage financially then look here. It may not be dazzling but it's close to the Village so it has that going for it!

There is a neighborly feel that tends to exist in any part of the Village so I think most people who want a more 'small town' feel would do best here. If you want to get lost in the crowds venture uptown and stay on either the West or East sides. Buildings in the Bowery will tend to be older and of the smaller variety. Spaces will tend to be small and cramped.

Positives: You won't be too far from Chinatown and Little Italy.

Battery Park is located at the bottom of Manhattan. It's where you can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty or roam around the financial district. Many financial workers live in the Battery Park area because of its proximity to Wall Street and great places like the South Street Seaport. The rents are expensive, but if you're making big bucks and want the convenience then this is the place to move. It suffered a lot after 9/11 because of its proximity to the WTC but it's come back in terms of prices. You can find a lot of things to do in the city, and Battery Park offers the transportation to dart uptown. It may be rather dead on the weekend because of the lack of financial activity but that's what some people really love as well.

It's clean, and offers tremendous views. Schools are top notch, but there isn't a lot of cozniess about this area besides the park of course. Lots of traffic abounds during the week, but it offers quick access to get across the river as ferries abound, as do trains via the subway.

Note: The new memorial to the World Trade Center disaster has made foot traffic even worse in the area because of the hordes of people visiting. You may want to make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes because you may need to dodge a lot of people.

Morningside Heights is a best kept secret for those who live uptown. Near Columbia University, it offers lots of apartments of various types which are rather spacious, but at a more affordable rate than downtown because of its proximity to Harlem. While the university and neighborhood is rather close to Harlem you wouldn't know it. Central Park is not far away and on the other side is Riverside Park (a glorious strip of a park with mature trees that runs all the way down to 79th street or thereabouts).

Morningside residents have a pick of a number of eclectic restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to the students from the university. Poetry readings and such may abound. The Cathedral of St John the Divine is a local church which any tourist should visit as it's massive and gorgeous. One should be careful about walking at night just because it's the city. You need to be careful wherever you are.

Apartments are a great buy here if you can afford them. Doormen buildings are preferred as they usually have elevators. Walkups will not only require toting yourself up stairs but usually won't have AC either. This is a lovely area. Be sure to walk the campus of Columbia University. It is not to be missed!

Many years ago, Times Square was dingy, dirty and a place many New Yorkers tried to avoid at all costs. Porno and drug dealers abounded until the mayor at the time took an interest and cleaned it up. Now it's a lovely, glitzy spectacle that draws millions of visitors. Movie theaters, shows, restaurants, lots of shops, snack stores, comedy clubs -- you name it, Times Square has it. The neon lights are what draw most visitors. And in a busy season, there are plenty of people walking the streets. You will have to walk slow because that's how many people will be around. You'll have to dodge them! This is also where the ball drops ringing in the New Year so you will have to arrive super early (like that morning) if you want to beat the barricades before the police start erecting them. Once you are barricaded into a spot, you won't leave it until the ball drops. Many people spend hours standing there waiting for the ball to drop but it is one of the best experiences to watch the confetti drop out of high-rise windows in Times Square. The hotels will be super expensive. If you can afford it, find a hotel along the West side or further down town to get a better buy. The area really doesn't offer a lot of housing but what is available is very expensive. Transportation abounds! You can catch subway trains and buses that go outside of NY from the Port Authority.

If you happen to find yourself in the middle of Stuy Town, the one thing you will notice is the peace and quiet. Comprised of apartment buildings with curved roads going through it, Stuy Town is a lovely compound that is a little retreat from the hustle and bustle of the big city. You are still city bound but for NYC this is country living. Lots of trees and friendly squirrels to be found here. Apt buildings are kept wonderfully clean, and many residents have been living here for many years, giving it that wonderful neighborly feel. The park in its center harbors a fountain and playground for kids which converts to a skating rink in the winter. There are lovely little eateries on the outskirts, and Veniero's the famous yummy Italian bakery is within walking distance down on 11th Street. You can hop on the train and take a quick jaunt to the Village or just walk it when it's nice and warm. Like other parts of Manhattan the summer brings lots of street fairs, so get out your walking shoes and be prepared to shop, shop, shop. A great neighborhood with spacious apts for NY! Great medical facilities are nearby.

Having lived in Hell's Kitchen for a few years, I can tell you it's a great place to live, if you love urban areas. Browstones abound on the west side toward 10th and 11th avenues. Parking lots abound along these avenues as well often offering very affordable parking rates compared to those more centrally located. Apartments are small in the areas but large for NY. They are typically more affordable because of the area but revitalization has driven up rents and costs as units convert to condos. Lovely little restaurants abound on 8th and 9th avenues, as well as Restaurant Row along 46th Street, my favorite place for a great bargain right before heading to the theaters nearby. Where else can you live and walk a few blocks to see the ball drop on New Year's Eve!! I loved it. As with anywhere you have to be wary of crime, but I found it very safe and energizing to live here. If you bore easily, you will stay busy!

If you are looking for fun things to do in the area, consider Caroline's on Broadway (comedy club), shopping along Broadway, drinking along 9th avenue, grabbing some great baked goods from Amy's Bread, or walking over to Times Square to catch a movie, show or band at BB King's. Trains and buses nearby give you the flexibility to dart up, down, or across town.

Unlike most neightbors in NYC, the Upper West Side probably has one of the most diverse set of characteristics: it's easy to commute to, offers a wide array of shopping choices (from dining, food, clothing, books, etc), makes it ridiculously simple to work in Manhattan because of the easy commute, and has a down-to-earth easy goingness about it. Home to some of the best markets along Broadway as well as boutiques on Columbus, you can always find something to do here. Street fairs abound in the summer with whole avenues closing off to accommodate street vendors. One will enjoy watching the balloons get filled on Columbus avenue the night before the Thanksgiving Day parade. Although pricey, the area is definitely a great place to buy into and steadily holds its value. Apts will be small and cramped but as most NYers can attest to, that's just life in NY. We live in small spaces and look for space saving furniture to economize on every inch of available space. We feel privileged to live here, and we try to keep it clean as best we can. There is lots to do in the area. Things can be a bit pricey but if you want cheap, you can always walk downtown to Hell's Kitchen for a bargain meal or drink.

Central Park is probably the most famous park in the world. Surrounded by housing, from high end to low income as you make your way uptown, Central Park offers everyone a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wonderfully landscaped with flora and fauna, and mature trees, Central Park is a haven for runners, cyclists, walkers, offer workers out on a lunch, tourists seeking shade from the sun, and taxi cab drivers trying to cut across town. Its zoo, carousel, and lake are prized and many people come to NYC just for those. I often go to the Museum of Natural History myself which is on the upper east side just outside the park. Vendors abound offering all types of food and wares, and if you have enough energy you can walk the length of it (from 59th St Columbus circle all the way up into upper Harlem). The park is expansive, but offers New Yorkers miles of grass, something that doesn't exist in much quantity in the city. Festivals about in the summer at the band stand such as the Shakespearean festival. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Once you go in, it will take you a bit to come out the other side (if you are going across town). Tourists will love the street performers.

If you are lucky to get to New York and love music, Lincoln Square is definitely the place to visit, and if you are fortunate enough, live in. Beautiful condos and hi-rises line the river on the West Side, all within walking distance of The Metropolitan Opera House, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center Theater and NYC Ballet. In the summer there is a lot of activity at Lincoln Center with the MidSummer Night Swing Festival where bands come to play live and everyone is encouraged to dance! You can also look to visit the Red Apple Circus which comes to perform regularly under the Big Top in Damrosch Park (part of the center). Along Broadway, a block or two away, one can find great places to eat when dining out with a loved one or just casual pickings if need be. There are boutiques as well as regular supermarket shopping, and the subway is conveniently nearby. This neighborhood is known for being hip and fashionable. It's kept very clean and the Julliard School (home to many budding musicians) is nearby. One can easily commute to all parts of the city from here, by foot, cab or train. Columbus Circle, which houses a brand new multi-floor mall, is also quite close. Tourists will find this a great place to absorb New York's nightlife and shopping. Residents find this a lovely and convenient place to live.

Chinatown is best known to many New Yorkers as the best place to buy bargains. From knock off designer bags (which are hard to tell from the real thing), to perfumes and JEWELRY, Chinatown really has great prices so you'll find lots of stores to shop in. This is really an urban neighborhood that lacks luster, but it makes up for it in personality. You will love it if you enjoy eating authentic (not Americanized Chinese food). My friends typically take their kids to go eat food that makes their mouth water: wontons and steamed buns cannot be missed. some of the smallest shops on the side streets off of Canal Street might be slim on decor but HIGH on flavor. This neighborhood is best for those who love to explore authentic culture. Also a great draw is the art supplies store like Pearl Paint which have gotten me back time and time again because of its many floors of art supplies at great prices. Art students will find this particular store an oasis and a draw away from the higher priced stores around the city. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, and taking the subway to get to Chinatown. The local train to Canal or Varick is a great choice. It looks a bit industrial in places, but you are also just a short stroll (in NYC terms a short stroll can be quite a few blocks) from Little Italy. So adventure abounds if you are up to it!