West Village (WV)

 

West Village stretches roughly from 14th to Houston Streets, between the Hudson River and Broadway. The neighborhood is distinguished by streets that are set at an angle to the other streets of Manhattan, sometimes confusing both tourist and city residents. With its quiet streets, low-rise townhouses, and profusion of cafes, shops, small theaters, boutiques, bodegas and music clubs, the Village is reminiscent of European cities, such as Paris and Budapest. Known as "Little Bohemia", West Village is home of the bohemian and the hips as well as home for writers, artists, intellectuals, radicals, actors, students and many other professionals and families. Because of its Old World charm, many people have been drawn to this area. The Village provides interesting real estate options. Narrow, cozy and crooked streets and 19th Century brownstones retain the colonial feel of old New York. Along the Hudson River, new luxury residential buildings offer splendid views of the river as well as the city, and converted warehouse buildings feature lofts and other large residential spaces. The Meatpacking District at the top of this neighborhood, also known as the "Gansevoort Historic District", is filled with trendy boutiques and night clubs. Although some high-rises have popped up in the last few years, there's still no better spot for charming townhouse apartments on quiet, tree-lined streets.

The West Village is home to a number of cultural icons. The Jefferson Market Library is a beautiful historic building with a clock tower that is right on the crossroads of Greenwich Ave and 6th Ave. A former courthouse, it was co-designed by Calvert Vaux who also co-designed Central Park. The Church of St. Luke in the Fields is an Episcopal church founded in 1820. St. Luke's is known for its vibrant musical life. The Stonewall Inn, was the site of the famous Stonewall riots of 1969, which have come to symbolize the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States. The bar is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Residents who wish to access fresh air and exercise enjoy close proximity to Hudson River Park, a waterside park on the Hudson River. The park includes tennis and soccer fields, batting cages, children's playground, dog run, recreational piers, and many other features.

West Village food shoppers have access to countless gourmet stores and corner delis, including Health & Harmony, a health food venue, Ottomanelli & Sons, a specialty butcher shop and Murray's Cheese Shop, for an extensive array of dairy delights. The neighborhood features a broad range of tasty restaurants and fun hangouts. Awesome eateries include the Buddha Bar with its giant Buddha, koi ponds, and Asian fusion cuisine, Valbella for flawless Northern Italian fare, and El Faro for fantastic tapas.The West Village intensifies as night falls with sexy wine bars, cozy taverns, hot clubs and lounges. Choices include Pegu Club, a mecca for serious cocktail connoisseurs, the Otheroom, a hidden, dimly lit and friendly wine bar, and the Village Vanguard, an intimate basement jazz club that has been open since 1935.

West Village shopping options are varied and interesting. Unique boutiques include Aedes De Venusta, a wonderful shop with beautiful displays and gorgeous fragrances, Flight 001 for the coolest in travel gear, and Geppetto's Toy Box, selling unique fun for kids of all ages.

West Village residents have access to some excellent public schools including the Blue Ribbon City As School Alternative High School, Independence High School and PS 3 Charette School. Private schools include parochial institutions like Our Lady of Pompeii and Notre Dame High School and lay institutions like the Village Community School.

This vibrant, charming and colorful neighborhood is one of the city's most popular neighborhoods in which to live. West Village with mellow jazz clubs and intimate apartments create the atmosphere of a small town nestled within the big city.