Welcome to West Village
A peaceful haven of historic scenery in Lower Manhattan
Nestled in the western section of the encompassing Greenwich Village, residents living in West Village are perfectly poised with access to downtown Manhattan. Inclusive and steeped in history, the West Village neighborhood is brimming with pockets of verdant green space, charming properties, and a community proud to call the area home.
Complete with a neighborhood careful to maintain West Village’s historic beginnings, the winding streets are friendly and tree-lined. More than 50 blocks, bordering 14th Street to the north, make up a historic district established by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Home to the original site of Stonewall, the West Village is the destination for shopping, nightlife, and daytime strolls alike.
Living in West Village, one will get acquainted with many of the Village’s blocks that are still blanketed with that pastoral, quaint atmosphere, full of brick townhouses and low-rises intermittently dotted by green spaces, hidden courtyards, and European-style crisscrossed streets. Overall, Colonial Brownstones define West Village’s architectural styles. Sophisticated yet bohemian, people flock to the neighborhood in search of a mellow, peaceful neighborhood that is full of activity.
Things to Love
- Gorgeous waterfront views along Hudson River Park
- Home to one of the world’s most renowned universities, New York University
- Living in West Village means being surrounded with lively shops, gastropubs, cafes, and nightlife
- Centrally located with access to the rest of the city
- History full of artistry and creatives, from Edgar Allen Poe to Jack Kerouac
Local Lifestyle
The West Village neighborhood is considered one of New York’s most attractive neighborhoods. West Village hums with well-heeled residents and stylish, bohemian lifestyles sprawling from upscale, attractive apartments. With a European feel and something of a creative hub, the area is home to more than its fair share of landmarks, coffee shops, and green spaces. Residents living in West Village tend to rent their apartments and are never more than a five-minute walk from anything. Extremely walkable, the neighborhood is the ideal destination for creatives, families, professionals, and anyone who values beautiful surroundings, stylish neighbors, luxury shopping, and a cozier, easy-going neighborhood.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
Though the area is known for being home to a small-town European vibe, it’s bursting with opportunities for foodies and shoppers. Tucked throughout the neighborhood are free-spirited coffee shops, chic boutiques, warm and friendly pubs, and more, giving West Village an unparalleled atmosphere.
For a pampered afternoon, stop by
Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, where modern innovation meets classic expert perfume to create home scents, body products, candles, and more. Locals living in West Village and tourists alike agree that the Cardamom buns at
Fabrique Bakery are worth every penny, while
YOYA helps give the families of the West Village neighborhood that stylish edge, as they specialize in fun and innovative clothing for kids.
A bastion of Christopher Street,
I SODI defines good Italian cuisine. Another local favorite is
Sushi Nakazawa, where resident chef Nakazawa’s passion for sushi becomes evident during a delicious 20-course experience. It’s common to round off the evening with a stop at
Li-Lac Chocolates, where signature chocolate centerpieces, gifts, and treats create an unforgettable sweet adventure.
Things to Do
Part of West Village’s historic charm has to do with the numerous green spaces and outdoor strolls the area allows for, as the old-fashioned neighborhood structure makes room for nature in a way much of New York is unable to do. Beyond that, locals living in West Village constantly take advantage of West Village’s artsy interior by visiting museums and galleries alike.
A veritable who’s-who of West Village,
Soho House is set in a former warehouse in the Meatpacking District and offers a polished, chic destination for members to eat, drink, socialize, and enjoy each other’s company. The
Meatpacking District itself is a 24-hour neighborhood full of events, breweries, nightlife, and iconic New York sights.
Locally beloved and world-famous,
Washington Square Park is not just a verdant green space. For locals living in the West Village neighborhood and tourists alike, it’s also a gathering spot for contemporary artists, home to a gorgeous fountain, dotted with countless leafy trees, and surrounded by stunning New York architecture, giving the area that hidden-gem feel. For the perfect morning run and waterfront views, be sure to visit
Hudson River Park, which traverses four miles along Manhattan’s west side on the Hudson.
Schools
Served by the nation’s largest public school district, The City School District of the City of New York, West Village’s schools are top-rated. Some of the top educational opportunities include:
Overview for West Village, NY
32,127 people live in West Village, where the median age is 40.6 and the average individual income is $131,228.62. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.