Financial District / Battery Park City
The Financial District makes up the southernmost tip of the island of Manhattan below Park Place. This area has always been the epicenter of commerce, originally starting out as a bustling seaport, though more recently it has been the capital of all things financial and the home to the New York Stock Exchange. Although this area has historically been a business district, the neighborhood is becoming increasingly residential with many luxury condominium conversions. Locals enjoy the dining and shopping options at the South Street Seaport, and the peacefulness and pristine beauty of the tree-lined esplanade of Battery Park City overlooking the Hudson River. Whether you come to live, to work, for the views, for the shopping, or just to explore the winding streets, the Financial District is always appealing with something new to discover around every corner.

Tribeca
Tribeca, or Triangle Below Canal, is a trendy area bordered by the Hudson River, Broadway and Park Place. Located just south of SoHo, this neighborhood also shares a similar history. Tribeca was originally industrial, and just recently was revitalized into a popular and upscale residential neighborhood. In addition to attracting celebrities and the film industry’s elite each spring for the Tribeca Film Festival, residents choose to live here year-round for its great schools, beautiful waterfront and proximity to the Financial District. Of course Tribeca has world-class restaurants, clubs, and shopping too. Though this area is a bit less crowded than SoHo to the north, rest assured, its spacious apartments and lofts here are just as pricey.

SoHo
SoHo, short for South of Houston, is one of the trendiest areas of Manhattan, also bordered by Canal Street, Crosby Street, and Sixth Avenue. This historic area is known for its beautiful and distinctive 19th century cast-iron architecture. Originally a neighborhood filled with factories and warehouses, artists began to move to the area in the 1960s and 1970s, lured by the appealing warehouse loft spaces. The artists opened their galleries helping SoHo’s evolution into the hip district it is today. In addition to art galleries, SoHo is lower Manhattan’s hot shopping spot and is the second home for many of Madison Avenue’s upscale shops. Be sure to check out the ultra-cool Prada store, Dean & Deluca as well as the SoHo Apple store! Residential space is just as hot as the products in these boutiques. Open loft spaces with oversized windows and tons of natural light epitomize SoHo homes, and these features definitely add a premium to the value of this neighborhood’s real estate.

Lower East Side / Chinatown / Little Italy
The Lower East Side is one of the most diverse areas in New York. Roughly bordered by Houston Street, Lafayette Street, and the East River, the Lower East Side is a historically Jewish area of Manhattan. Also in this composite neighborhood are Chinatown and Little Italy. Separated by Canal Street, these two cultural enclaves are filled with authentic cuisine and traditional festivities. Regardless of the area, you are sure to find eclectic shops, great restaurants, and intriguing streets. Many residents love the diversity of the neighborhood as well as the edgy nightlife. Housing options are generally walk-ups or lofts, but it is possible to even find luxury highrises in this entertaining neighborhood.

West Village / Greenwich Village
This area, known collectively as The Village, is a hip neighborhood located between 14th Street and Houston Street on the west side of Manhattan. Some have compared its cozy, tree-lined streets and bohemian feel to the historic arrondissements of Paris. Practically exuding creativity and free-thinking, Greenwich Village has been home to artists and writers such as Edgar Allen Poe, Andy Warhol, and Edith Wharton. The adjoining West Village was also the birthplace of the modern gay rights movement, which began as the Stonewall Riots on Christopher Street in 1969. Today, everyone can appreciate the charm that The Village has to offer. In fact, this neighborhood is one of the most sought-after in Manhattan. From Washington Square Park surrounded by New York University, to the shady cafés and quaint antique shops, this neighborhood has tons of appeal. Residences here are primarily brownstones and walk-ups, all with lots of character; most feature beautiful details such as fireplaces or exposed brick walls. Though the neighborhood is not on the grid system like upper Manhattan, transportation is easy, thanks to the subway and The Village’s prime location in the heart of lower Manhattan.

East Village
The East Village is the neighborhood bordered by 14th Street and Houston Street on the east side of Manhattan. This distinctive neighborhood is known for its eclectic feel and trend-setting street life. The East Village is home to great nightclubs and music venues like the Bowery and CBGB where popular groups such as The Ramones and Blondie got their start. The eastern part of this area is known as Alphabet City, thanks to Avenues A through D. The neighborhood primarily consists of pre-war buildings and walk-ups, making this area relatively more affordable than the rest of Manhattan. Take note, luxury buildings are now joining the housing mix.

Chelsea
Chelsea is a vibrant neighborhood located between 34th Street, 14th Street, Sixth Avenue and the Hudson River. This neighborhood is trendy and stylish, but always livable and friendly. Chelsea is filled with diverse, open-minded residents who appreciate its hot arts scene. There is always a new gallery opening to visit or a small clothing boutique of an up-and-coming designer to discover. This is no wonder, considering that Chelsea is home to the world renowned Fashion Institute of Technology. This neighborhood also has plenty of entertainment options. If you are athletic, or at least try to be, then the 30-acre Chelsea Piers sports complex has a seemingly endless array of options for the sports lover. If chic bars and restaurants get your blood flowing, then arrange a night in the nearby Meatpacking District. As for Chelsea’s housing options, it is primarily a mid-rise neighborhood filled with charming brownstones, converted loft spaces, and several new high-rise luxury buildings.

Gramercy Park / Flatiron
The Gramercy Park area, also called simply Gramercy, is roughly bounded by 30th Street, 14th Street, Sixth Avenue and First Avenue. The area’s namesake is Gramercy Park, the last private park in New York. The park, surrounded by beautiful 19th century townhouses and reminiscent of London, is accessible only by key and only to residents on its perimeter. For those not living directly on Gramercy Park, Madison Square Park is another wondrous greenspace only mere blocks away and accessible to everyone. Also nearby is the Flatiron Building, New York’s first skyscraper and namesake to its surrounding area. Whether in a skyscraper or a park, you are never far from great shopping and lovely restaurants. Housing options in the Gramercy or Flatiron neighborhoods are numerous and consist of a mix of pre-war and modern buildings.

Midtown West
Midtown West is bounded by 59th Street, 34th Street, 5th Avenue and the Hudson River. If you are looking for never ending excitement, this is the place. This neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan is home to the bustling global icon of Times Square as well as Tony award-winning Broadway shows and musicals in the Theatre District. Also in Midtown West is the newly revitalized area of Clinton, otherwise known as Hell’s Kitchen. Due to its proximity to the theatres, many actors and artists reside in this popular neighborhood. Ninth Avenue’s dining options showcase food from around the globe, and you do not even have to get on a plane! As for transportation, almost every subway line is easily accessible from Midtown West making travel extremely convenient. Housing options are also incredibly varied, from pre-war walk-ups to new luxury high rises offering every conceivable amenity. Overall, Midtown West is an exciting neighborhood filled with commerce, energy, and endless possibilities.

Midtown East / Murray Hill
Midtown East is the area approximately between 57th Street, 30th Street, 5th Avenue and the East River. This neighborhood features countless landmarks that are quintessentially New York such as the towering Chrysler Building and magnificent Grand Central Station. Midtown East is also home to the United Nations as well as many embassies. Great shopping and restaurants abound in this area, as do housing options; from pre-war buildings to modern luxury highrises, this neighborhood has it all. Take note of Murray Hill as well; just south of Midtown East, its convenient location, plentiful amenities and abundant housings options make this another appealing residential neighborhood.

Upper West Side
The Upper West Side is a popular residential neighborhood bordered by the Hudson River and Central Park, running from 59th Street to 110th Street. Columbus Circle is an anchor at the southern part of this neighborhood and home to Time Warner Center, a luxury indoor mall just steps away from Central Park. A few blocks north are the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and the Metropolitan Opera House. If you love parks and the outdoors, then just walk west to Riverside Park or east to Central Park; both run almost the entire length of the Upper West Side. In between the parks, you will find a lovely mixture of architectural styles. Central Park West is home to iconic pre-war apartment buildings, such as the Dakota, where John Lennon lived, luxury high-rise buildings border bustling Broadway and classic brownstones line peaceful side streets.

Upper East Side
The Upper East Side, bordered by Central Park and the East River from approximately 57th Street to 110th Street, is traditionally a very high-end and conservative area of Manhattan. It fact, it is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the United States. In its early days, the Upper East Side was home to such prominent American families as the Carnegies, Vanderbilts and Astors, just to name a few. From the pristine, landmark apartment buildings on Park Avenue to the chic boutiques on Madison Avenue to Fifth Avenue’s world famous “Museum Mile,” the Upper East Side is just as appealing as ever. This peaceful neighborhood offers plenty of co-ops and luxury doorman buildings, as well as brownstones and townhouses on its quiet streets.

East Harlem / Harlem / Morningside Heights
These neighborhoods make up the northern section of Manhattan above 110th Street. From a historical perspective, Harlem has been romanticized thanks to the renaissance of the 1920s whose art and music left an indelible mark on modern culture. Today, Harlem’s unique spirit flows from landmarks like the Apollo Theatre all the way to soulful gospel brunches on the weekends. Currently going through its second renaissance, neighborhood groups and coalitions have recently spurred economic growth and development. Beautiful brownstones and townhouses are becoming increasingly appealing to Manhattan residents looking for more affordable real estate, and new luxury buildings are also joining the mix. Another great option in upper Manhattan is Morningside Heights. Directly west of Harlem, this neighborhood is home to Columbia University. Many students and university faculty prefer this beautiful neighborhood filled with parks and overlooking the Hudson River.