Downtown Manhattan encompasses the area from Union Square (below 17th Street) down to South Street (the south tip of Manhattan), and from the Hudson River on the west to the East River.

You will find many distinct neighborhoods in the downtown area (click on the areas to visit related sites): the East Village, the Greenwich and West Village, the SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy, the Battery Park and the Financial District. Running the risk to be called politically incorrect, we will attempt to describe each neighborhood by its most prominent characteristics or group of inhabitants.

Thus the Greenwich and West Village -among the most expensive downtown neighborhoods- can rightfully be called the Mecca of the piano bars, jazz bars and comedy clubs, as well as the Mecca of the Gay community. It must also be noted that some of the best public schools are to be found in this area.

The SoHo -the most expensive downtown neighborhood- can rightfully be called the Mecca of artists and art studios, of galleries and fine European cuisine.

The East Village and the Lower East Side -relatively more affordable than other downtown neighborhoods- can rightfully be called the Mecca of the new artists, hard rock music, and of fine ethnic cuisines.

Little Italy is no longer very Italian -except its Italian restaurants- since its ethnic Italian population is long gone. Laying between SoHo, the East Village and the Lower East side, Little Italy is a reflection of the cultures of these neighborhoods. Chinatown on the other hand is very much Chinese since a lot of its residents are Chinese immigrants or of Chinese descent.

Tribeca and Battery Park, are among the most residential and less noisy neighborhoods with excellent public schools. Naturally, these neighborhoods which are next to the Financial District, are the choice of many young professional couples.

In the past few years, South Street, at the tip of Manhattan in the Financial District, has been seen a lot of new development and construction. Due to increased apartment supply, if you choose to rent here -even though a lot has to be done before this area can rightfully be called a neighborhood- you are guaranteed to get the most for your money in terms of space and building amenities.

For more information on a particular neighborhood ask one of our experience agents or click on the links below: For a listing of restaurants in the Greenwich and West Village Click Here. For other points of interests in the same area Click Here. For a listing of restaurants in the East Village Click Here. For other points of interests in the same area Click Here. For points of interests in SoHo Click Here. For points of interests in Little Italy Click Here. For points of interests in the Lower East Side Click Here. For points of interests in the Tribeca Click Here. For points of interests in the Financial District Click Here.

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