Picture a romantic comedy set in New York City: The heroine invariably lives in a cozy walk-up on a cobblestone street in a neighborhood with cute boutiques and trendy cafes on every corner. This movie is set in the West Village. In reality, the West Village is just as picturesque: The neighborhood is tucked between Greenwich Village and the Hudson River and is one of the quietest and most sophisticated pockets of Downtown Manhattan. Primarily residential, with a distinct lack of office buildings, the leafy, off-the-grid streets are peaceful during the day but get livelier at night. That’s when well-heeled residents, fashionistas, and literati can all be found mingling over oysters at the area’s many low-lit cocktail bars.
The Mood
There's a quiet beauty to the West Village, and to the people who frequent it. There's nothing forced or artificial about it — its beauty is perfectly natural.
Heart of the Neighborhood
West 4th Street curves through the heart of the West Village and is home to many local joints, like the Corner Bistro, as well as some of its loveliest houses.
Neighborhood Quirk
The West Village is one of the few Manhattan neighborhoods that completely defies the grid street system. The blocks are incredibly curvy and difficult to navigate!
Best Perk
From the cobblestone streets in the morning to the Hudson River Greenway at sunset, lovely scenery surrounds the neighborhood.
Biggest Downside
The housing stock in the West Village is primarily historic townhouses and walk-ups. While the exteriors have charm, the interiors are often old and outdated.
