Located between the East River and West Street, from East to West and Chambers Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan, from North to South, the Financial District is just what you’d imagine. You will find a buttoned-up, corporate atmosphere Monday-Friday and quiet relaxation on the weekends.
Accessibility: The newly opened Fulton Center makes getting to and from FiDi a breeze. You will find the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, N, R, and Z lines all accessible there. Water taxis to and from New Jersey can be found on the West Side at World Financial Center Pier and on the East Side at Pier 11. You can also access the Staten Island via the ferry at Whitehall Terminal.
Lifestyle: This area is extremely busy during the week due to the commercial nature of the neighborhood. You have to be used to the hustle and bustle in order to enjoy living here. Sidewalks will be crowded during commuting hours and at lunch time restaurants will have lines wrapped around the block. But if you can endure this, you will be rewarded with serenity when the 9-5 crowd heads back home. Evenings and weekends in FiDi are quiet and peaceful. You will find most residents walking their dogs at South Street Seaport on a sunny Saturday morning or simply enjoying the river view from the lounge chairs.
Restaurants and Bars: FiDi doesn’t have a booming nightlife but it does have some great restaurants for its residents to enjoy. You will find a mix of super upscale steak houses for the Wall Street crowd, like Delmonico’s and The Palm, quick lunchtime eateries like Chipotle and Chop’t, and relaxed and quiet restaurants like 121 Fulton Street and Cowgirl Sea Horse for a nice weekend meal. You’ll also find a number of bottomless brunch spots in the neighborhood.
Cost of living: FiDi is mostly comprised of luxury buildings, many converted from office buildings in the last decade. Median rents in the area are about $3,400 and you get a lot of bang for your buck. Most units boast granite countertops, dishwashers, and in-unit controlled heating and air conditioning. The building amenities often include concierge services as well. Although you’re paying more here on average, it is a bargain compared to a similar unit in another neighborhood.
