Nostalgic NYC enclave with endless charm
Tucked next to Greenwich Village sits West Village, a stylish Manhattan enclave known for its trendy boutique shops, eclectic dining, and dreamy tree-lined boulevards. The area’s demure architecture lends to a vintage ambiance that gives the neighborhood a nostalgic aura. For years, this community has been at the forefront of New York City’s activism and historical movements, and it’s not unusual for West Village residents to celebrate counter-culture, cutting-edge art, and thoughtful innovation.
Homes in West Village often don’t stay on the market for long. This beloved neighborhood is an in-demand area for families seeking city conveniences and is often low on vacancies. The architecture here is laden with Federalist townhomes with their chic front facades, but don’t be surprised to see the streets also dappled with brownstones and mid-size walk-up apartments that tout a trendy touch.
Because of West Village’s location near Greenwich Village and Chelsea, this community has a wealth of lively arts and cultural facilities, and this charming area is beloved by residents who crave close proximity to Manhattan’s vast amenities but dream of quieter streets lined with mature trees. Families flock to the area for this Lower Manhattan neighborhood’s myriad of residential streets, and it’s not unusual to see the sidewalks dappled with strollers, but there are plenty of nearby up-tempo nightlife hot spots to appeal to young entrepreneurs as well.
The West Village is recognized around the world for its innovative and inventive dining and shopping outlets. If you’re craving Italian cuisine, Il Mulino has been a staple in the West Village’s culinary catalog, dishing up mouth-watering Italian fares with precision for over 35 years, and L’Artusi puts a modern twist on traditional cooking in their glam, contemporary bi-level dining room. Mediterranean cuisine finds a home at Little Owl. Spearheaded by Chef Joey Campanaro, this restaurant’s menu boasts flavors as bright and enticing as its iconic red and blue facade.
Back in 1969, The Stonewall Inn was the birthplace of the gay rights movement. Today, you can kick back with a drink or two in the historic bar. Smalls Jazz Club on West 10th has been pivotal to the West Village’s music scene since opening in 1994—with its speakeasy aura and world-renowned reputation, it’s hard to believe that Smalls hasn’t been here for a century. Another slice of local history can be experienced at The Village Vanguard, which has been a landmark music venue since the 1960s. This jazz bar has hosted legends like John Coltrane and continues to pave the way for new voices today.
Finding something to do in the West Village is easy. A walk down the street will lead you to some of the city’s best gastropubs, dive bars, bistros, and boutique shopping. Stretch your legs at Hudson River Park. This four-mile urban green space is a Lower Manhattan solace that boasts stunning waterfront views. Spectate a basketball game at “The Cage,” the legendary courts on West 4th Street where history is in the making, and rising stars participate in weekly pick-up games.
West Village boasts numerous nearby academic opportunities for its students both in the public and private school systems. A few of the most notable educational facilities in the area include: