If people tell you that the West Village is the coolest neighborhood in
New York City, believe them! Beyond its quaint tree-lined streets and Federal-style townhouses, the district offers an entire treasure trove of hippest hotspots in town. Trendy restaurants serve the most exciting flavors this side of Manhattan Island. Cafes serve hot cups of coffee to debating intellectuals, free-thinking artists, and prominent authors. And don't forget the Jazz clubs and old-school cabarets, which provide the most fabulous entertainment. All in all, the West Village amps up New York City's cultural influence to the US and beyond!
Where is the West Village in New York City?
You'll find the West Village along the western coast of Lower Manhattan. It boasts a very central area, surrounded by many other popular
New York City neighborhoods. The famous Greenwich Village lies directly beside, which means both SoHo and NoHo are not too far behind either. To its south is Hudson Square, while the chic Meatpacking District takes up a fairly small part of the neighborhood around its northern corner. Various prominent streets also border the West Village, including 14th Street to its north, Sixth/Seventh Avenue to its east, Houston Street to its south, and the Hudson River to its west.
Is it Safe in West Village, New York City?
Don't worry! The West Village is generally considered a safe neighborhood. The area not only boasts below-average violent crime rates, but even its property crimes are only average, too. And while pickpocketing and other petty crimes remain a problem here, they're not so rampant that it's a major concern. Despite how high
New York City's crime rates tend to get, those who live in the West Village barely feel it. Overall, the neighborhood is fairly quiet, which is why it will always be one of the most popular parts of the city.
What's The Vibe in West Village, New York City?
New York City's West Village is an oxymoron come to life. Historic hotspots dominate the area, including iconic landmarks that have shaped the city into what it is now, all while new and progressive ideas linger in the air. At the same time, it's a much-beloved residential area that's relatively peaceful, and yet its trendy restaurants and chic bars liven things up after dark. All in all, the West Village upholds New York City's spirit in preserving its past while simultaneously pushing it into the future. There's no district like it, anywhere else in the city and the rest of the world.
Is it Expensive in the West Village, New York City?
Not only is the West Village famously pricey, but it's downright expensive. Many even consider it among the most expensive parts of New York City, almost comparable to the likes of Fifth Avenue and the Upper East Side.
New York City's living costs hit the hardest here, with rent averaging almost $5,500.00 per month. That's more or less the same as those in the city's famously affluent areas. Even eating out here usually ranges from about $20.00 to $50.00 per meal, much higher compared to other parts of the city.
What to See in the West Village, New York City
The West Village may not have that many notable sights to see, but the few that are here are among the most exciting in the city. The Whitney Museum of American Art is among them, New York's foremost gallery of contemporary art. This is arguably the best place to take a peek at the current state of the art world, as well as to learn of emerging artists who will undoubtedly take on the industry for the years to come. As for a more historic spot, you shouldn't miss the iconic Stonewall Inn gay bar, the very site where its namesake riots happened, which then started the Pride Movement of the LGBTQ+ community.
What to Do in West Village, New York City
There aren't that many places that let you truly immerse yourself in New York City without getting overwhelmed by its infamously bustling energy. Fortunately, the West Village is one of them. Well-known to be a very chill neighborhood, the area allows you to take in Lower Manhattan's chic vibrancy, progressive ideas, diverse flavors, and more at your own pace. You can watch underrated shows in any of the district's many off-Broadway theaters, dine in several of its homegrown diners, and shop in its unique boutiques. What's not to love?
The Best Restaurants in West Village, New York City
What's great about the West Village's culinary scene is that it's as local as can be. Many of the places to eat here serve different cuisines and local flavors, blending the two to craft a true-blue New York restaurant scene that helps the city keep its food capital reputation. OLIO E PIÙ on Greenwich Avenue, for example, is one of the city's best streetside trattorias that serve authentic Italian-American cuisine. The Mary Lane on Bank Street, on the other hand, proudly continues its tradition of only using locally-sourced foods. These and many more are enough to overshadow even some of
New York City's best Michelin-starred restaurants.
These amazing restaurants prove why the West Village is a bona fide foodie district:
- Boucherie West Village on 7th Avenue
- Buvette on Grove Street
- Don Angie on Greenwich Avenue
- Little Ruby's West Village on W 4th Street
- Lume West Village on W 4th Street
- OLIO E PIÙ on Greenwich Avenue
- Osteria Carlina West Village on Hudson Street
- Palma on Cornelia Street
- Rosemary's on Greenwich Avenue
- The Mary Lane on Bank Street
What to Know About Renting in West Village, New York City
As already mentioned, the West Village serves as one of New York City's most expensive neighborhoods. Unsurprisingly, rent considerably contributes to that. The average rent here is about $5,500.00 per month, and that doesn't even guarantee that it'll be any of the biggest
luxury apartments in New York City. Even if you manage to find a place that's only for about $3,000.00 per month, it's possible that it'd still be less than 40 square meters. Such is New York City's notorious rental real estate market, which may boast countless high-quality properties, but tends to be among the most expensive in the world.
The old meets the new in the West Village, one of New York City's most beloved neighborhoods. This fabulous mix of classic townhouses and trendy hotspots proves that the Big Apple is the ideal city to live in!
