Greenwich Village NYC, home of the iconic Washington Square Park, is a great example of just about everything New York has to offer in one place. Skateboarders cruise the sidewalks, residents jog with their pups, a pick-up chess match is easily found, and the “Village” manages to retain its artistic character despite its high-traffic, well-traveled streets.
Extending north to south from West 14th Street to West Houston Street and west to east from Avenue of the Americas to Broadway, Greenwich Village’s prime location and great community feel may not come cheap, but it does provide an unforgettable experience.
History
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For nearly all of the 20th century, Greenwich Village was the main spot for artists, performers, and innovators to gather in New York City. The neighborhood began as a quiet residential area in colonial times, before attracting bohemians and artists during the 19th century.
Through the 1920s and 1930s, these budding artists found a real home in the neighborhood, as it’s central location and inexpensive apartments made it ideal for those people who longed to get their first start in New York.
With this continued presence of art and creativity in Greenwich Village NYC, performing venues of all sorts popped up all over the neighborhood. One of the first great sites was the Greenwich Village Follies, where famous musicians and dancers such as Cole Porter and Martha Graham got their first big start in the industry.
The 1940s and 1950s was the Village’s most active time as musicians, poets, writers, actors, and actresses were flocking to live in the area. The late 60s saw individuals such as Andy Warhol and Lou Reed bringing more publicity to the neighborhood. Today, you can still see this artistic history and personality influence the streets of Greenwich Village.
Accessibility
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Greenwich Village has excellent transit links to the rest of New York. For traveling north or south, the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, B, D, F, M, A, C, and E subway trains provide a range of easy options.
On the other hand, for east and westward travel, the L train cuts through the north border of Greenwich. The M8 bus gives horizontal travel above ground while the M1, M2, M3, and M5 buses provide vertical travel.
Lifestyle
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From the beautiful Washington Square Park to the surprising little squares where the village grid meets the Manhattan grid, Greenwich Village has a quirky, artistic feel.
It’s an exciting neighborhood that feels more manageable than the stereotypical New York hustle and bustle. The presence of students from New York University (NYU), Parsons School of Design, and Cooper Union really adds to the neighborhood’s collegiate atmosphere, with student-friendly bars and eateries along MacDougal Street.
Restaurants
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Cheap and cheerful eateries abound in this student neighborhood. Locals highly enjoy Josie Woods Pub throughout the week, while NYU students command weekend takeovers.
Other bars include Off the Wagon, a hit in the Village Bar Crawl, and Half Pint. Greenwich Village is also home to the trendy vegan eatery, By Chloe (expect a line out onto the street), and GMT Tavern. Whatever your preferences, stopping for brunch, lunch, or dinner at West 3rd Common is a must.
Cost
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These beautiful shops and eateries come at a higher price tag than the rest of Manhattan, with prices comparable to TriBeCa and SoHo.
With the median rent standing at $3,500, many will find the cost to be fairly high. However, what you get for your money is worth it.
Final Verdict
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Greenwich Village is a bustling neighborhood with fantastic diversions that range from exotic new eats to a pianist jamming on a baby grand in Washington Square Park.
Whether you’re a student attending NYU or a long-time fan of the arch in Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village has something for everyone to enjoy.
