Welcome to West Village
An exclusive neighborhood with a long history for artists and artisans
While the West Village is technically part of Greenwich Village, most residents treat them as two distinct areas but have affectionately named the whole section as “The Village”. The West Village is known for charming tree-lined streets of brick townhomes and brownstones, with the occasional café or restaurant tucked in. The area resembles a quaint European village much more than a bustling metropolis of 8.5 million people. The area is known for its close-knit community vibe while still being one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.
This area has a variety of top-tier restaurants for all budgets and some iconic nightlife venues, including the Village Vanguard jazz club, which opened in 1935; the White Horse Tavern, a 1950s literary favorite; and the Stonewall Inn, which was the birthplace of the gay rights movement in America. You'll also find unique boutiques, book stores, clothing accessories, and jewelry stores all over plus eateries for all meals, including late-late night snacks!
The West Village is bordered on the north by Chelsea, on the east by Greenwich Village, on the south by SoHo, and on the west by the Hudson River. There's such a wonderful air of mystery and magic that accompanies residing in the West Village; there's a reason this area is the birthplace of the Beat and 1960s countercultures and why Carrie Bradshaw's iconic front door stoop was filmed on Perry Street. Just stepping onto the cobblestone streets will make you fall in love with the area!
What to Love
- Culturally-rich and steeped with history
- Inclusive, progressive, and artistically motivated
- Hip, bustling and stacked with great spots
Local Lifestyle
Residents of West Village have an eye for design, a history of artistic drive, and they are affluent, motivated and successful above all else. Don’t be surprised if your neighbors are some of Manhattan’s most influential social figures, but you’ll find residents inclusive, hospitable, and progressive.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Most notably is The Stonewall Inn which is a National Historic Landmark and the site of the 1969 riots that launched the gay rights movement. Residents have great affection for this local bar and eatery and it will forever be a huge part of the neighborhood’s rich history.
For fancy meals out, Boucherie or Palma are some of the best-reviewed spots in the city and are often hard to get a reservation at. For a more casual bite, The Corner Bistro is a local institution that offers a range of cheap beers and famous burgers till the wee hours daily that is beloved by all.
Also in the Village is Magnolia Bakery, easily the most well-known spot in NYC for cupcakes, cookies, and other festive gifts.
For shopping, any local will tell you Bleecker Street from the Village to SoHo is the best spot to find unique items, luxury goods, high-end avant-garde fashion to everyday wear.
Things to Do
One of the best things about living in the West Village is the gorgeous tree-lined streets for strolling on a nice day…”and just like that”, you may stumble upon Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment at 66 Perry. The neighborhood here is quieter than some spots uptown and many residents just love walking around or heading to Hudson River Park.
The Village is also home to The Comedy Cellar which has launched the careers of many comedians including Aziz Ansari, Amy Schumer, Jon Stewart, and Sarah Silverman. You must check out a show, it’s an absolutely awesome spot with so much history.
The Annual Pride Parade takes place here in the Village where millions of participants and spectators come to enjoy the neighborhood’s long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Another spot in the Village with cultural significance is Cafe Society, which was the first racially-integrated nightclub.
