The East Village
The East Village is one of downtown Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods.
Many people are attracted to this spot because of its relatively affordable rents
compared to other downtown areas.
A lively mix of Old World Ukrainians, students, artists, and young professionals populate The East Village, which extends from 14th Street south to Houston Street and east of Fifth Avenue. There is a large and varied assortment of antique shops, bookstores, record stores, specialty shops, and ethnic restaurants as varied as Jewish delis, Polish coffee shops, and Indian Row on East 6th Street.
At the heart of the East Village is Cooper Union, one of the country's most prestigious art and architectural schools, and Saint Mark's Place--a famous nightlife destination for its many clubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
The influx of young affluents has fueled development and conversion, with million-dollar loft apartments sprouting up in the Astor Place area and suburban chain K-Mart sponsoring poetry readings in its K-Cafe. Further east, the Tompkin's Square Park area, known as a center for political demonstrations, has become a new focus for the blossoming Lower East Side/ East Village community. Located between East 7th and East 10th Streets and bordered by Avenues A and B, the well-patrolled park has been renovated and its pathways and playground restored. What is now known as Alphabet City consists of Avenues A through D on the eastern edge of the Village between Houston and 14th Streets.
In the last 20 years large areas of real estate were bought, renovated, and turned into condominiums, co-ops, and high-rent apartments, supported by major local community and law-enforcement initiatives to develop and upgrade the area. Well-dressed bohemians populate the streets of Avenues A and B, which boast numerous bars, restaurants, and fashionable caf&s. The quieter Avenue C has become a popular target for students and others looking to pioneer this rapidly developing community.
See also transportation and schools for East Village.
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