RentWiz.com

Neighborhood Profiles - Manhattan
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Chelsea
Once home to low-income families, Chelsea in recent years has transformed into an amazing array of new luxury high-rise buildings. Coupled with that old New York charm that only the older town-homes could provide, Chelsea is a mix of both worlds.

East Village
If there was one neighborhood that we can say took on the biggest transformation in recent years, the East Village certainly tops the list. Once only known for the infamous Alphabet City, the area is now home to artists, new restaurants and boutiques. Tompkins Square Park is a wonderful place to relax. Although many changes occurred in recent years, the neighborhood still managed to keep its charm with the wonderful Polish, Ukranian and Italian restaurants.

Financial District
It's easy to see why the Financial District is called the financial hub of the world. This is home to the New York Stock Exchange, major banks and other financial institutions, and of course, skyscrapers galore. After the 9/11 disaster that hit the World Trade Center, the area pulled together and showed the true power of NYC's financial district. Battery Park City, with many new high-rise developments, claims some of the most amazing water views NYC has to offer.  

Gramercy / Flatiron
This area is home to the world's first skyscraper and perhaps the most famous building in the world (at least the most photographed). The Flatiron is a triangle shaped building that sits on 23rd St. and 5th Ave. Broadway and 5th Ave merge in this wonderful neighborhood that has always been home to some of the most wonderful stores NYC has to offer. This is also home to the famous Gramercy Park. This is the only park in NYC that is managed by residents. That's right, only neighborhood residents have the key to get in.  

Greenwich Village
This neighborhood has long resisted development. Rightfully so perhaps. Greenwich Village is the charm of NYC. With its wonderful brownstones and cobblestone streets, Greenwich Village has the most amazing array of trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. If you are new to NYC, this is absolutely a "must visit". 

Harlem
Home to City College and the famous Apollo theatre, Harlem is currently undergoing an amazing transformation sparked by President Clinton. When President Clinton elected to call Harlem home for his offices, developers quickly began doing what they do best...developing. Some great deals still exist in Harlem, however time is running out. Rents are quickly climbing and home value has climbed to new heights.

Lower East Side
This section of Manhattan has always been home to immigrants who arrived in this country 150 years ago. Still maintaining the immigrant charm, the Lower East Side is converting to an area of wonderful new restaurants, boutiques, bars and stores. If you like music, this area is for you. With music from around the world, you just take your pick.   

Midtown East
Home to Grand Central Station and the United Nations, Midtown East is sure to be a busy place on any given day. If you don't mind the hustle and bustle of NYC, this area has some wonderful housing opportunities. Many Coop and doorman buildings exist in this area as many New Yorker's call this home.

Midtown West
Wait...you know what we said about the hustle and bustle of New York? How can you forget about the area of the city that is home to the most famous place in the world? Times Square is flooded with famous theatres, stores and restaurants. This truly is the busiest place in NYC, however many wonderful apartments are available West of 8th Ave. Many New Yorker's trade the quite tree lined streets for the convenience of living and working in the heart of the Big Apple!

Morningside Heights  
Some of the most amazing tourist attractions of the city reside in this section of Manhattan. From Grant's Tomb to Columbia University to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, this place is also a "must see" for those new "New Yorkers". The home grown New Yorkers however know that this area is a great place to call home. Rents have dramatically increased, however if you take into consideration some of the other areas, we know when to count our blessings.  

Murray Hill / Kips Bay  
Bordering Midtown East, this area shares some of the same characteristics. If you can deal with the trade-off of quiet streets for the convenience of living and working in central Manhattan, this might be the place for you.

Soho 
Defined as South of Houston Street, Soho was once home to artists seeking large loft spaces for bargain rates. Recent renovations to old warehouses has certainly raised rents, however this still remains one of the most wonderful places to call home. It is now an upscale shopping district with million dollar lofts, but the "to die for" statement certainly is heard on every corner of Soho. Many other areas encompass Soho as well, such as Little Italy and Chinatown. If you like food, there is no other place we would call home. 

Tribeca
Defined as the triangle below Canal Street, this was the place artists hurried to call home as the prices of Soho increased. Now home to the upper class, Tribeca has many wonderful stores and restaurants. 

Upper East Side
Always known for the "rich and famous", the Upper East Side is a great place to find super deals for your housing needs. From the 60's to the upper 90's, this area has a  wonderful combination of walk-up, elevator, doorman and high-rise buildings. If you like local bars and restaurants, this is a great opportunity. 

Upper West Side
One of the most favorite places for many New Yorker's. An incredible combination of luxurious brownstones and parks go hand-in-hand with the world of art, music and museums. Home to Lincoln Center, many New Yorker's love this perfect combination. Nestled between Central Park and Riverside Park, a quiet picnic is only a block away.   

Washington Heights
Home to many beautiful parks and historic battlegrounds, the northern tip of Manhattan still remains a bargain. With 100's of prewar rent stabilized buildings, living in a very spacious apartment is an inexpensive reality in this progressive neighborhood..