Neighborhood_Apartment_New_York : Find Apartment in New York

The outlook for Morningside Heights has never been rosier. Gone for good are the days where visitors to Columbia University were warned not to stray too far from campus if they valued their safety. With the economic upturn of the past five years, the entire area has become safer and more affluent.

There are numerous reasons to choose the Heights as a place to set down roots. There are two famous colleges (including the aforementioned Columbia), two notable churches, and the answer to a perennial trivia question all within walking distance of each other.

Probably the most impressive of the area's sights is the immense Cathedral of St. John the Divine. When completed, the church will be the largest domed cathedral in the world. More impressive than that maybe is the fact that there is absolutely no steel holding up the structure-the completely stone structure supports itself! The painstakingly precise labor has taken its toll in time, however. First begun in 1892, the masons probably won't lay down their tools for at least another 50 years.

A few blocks away from the church lies Columbia University, Manhattan's contribution to the Ivy Leagues. The college's self-contained campus is both sizable and surprisingly verdant, with well-manicured lawns that rival some of the smaller parks in the downtown area. Standing at the focal point between Butler and Low Memorial Libraries presents a decidedly un-metropolitan view. Simply looking at it makes you feel a little smarter.

Directly adjacent to the Columbia campus is its "sister" school, Barnard College. Originally begun as an alternative to Columbia's now-defunct all-male admissions policy, the school is still strictly female. Substantially smaller than its counterpart, the college still manages to use both trees and a few well-placed lawns to make it seem a little larger.

About another block away from Barnard (we told you everything was in walking distance!) stands Riverside Church. Smaller and brighter than St. John the Divine, the church is usually noted for both its stunning stained glass windows and unrivaled view. Ride the elevator and climb some steps and you'll be able to see as New Jersey, the Bronx, and parts of Queens laid out before you.

Finally, the answer to the trivia question is: Grant and his wife, Julia. Grant's Tomb has recently undergone extensive renovation, and the domed structure is now free of the graffiti that had made it an eyesore. If you want to know more about the history of the monument, there are knowledgeable park service employees on hand willing to help. Like many of the sights in the area, touring the tomb is free.

Because this neighborhood is further removed from its downtown counterparts, it tends to draw less of the bridge and tunnel crew on weekends. The nearby campuses insure that , you know, things pick up when class is over for the week, and both St. John's and Riverside Church host numerous community events throughout the year. With all the area offers, it is fast becoming one of the true gems of the West Side.

Upper West Side Apartments

The Upper West Side appears to go through great pains to not draw too much attention to itself. There are no neon-lit billboards like you'll find in Times Square, no towering skyscrapers like those near Wall Street. So why are there so many people here?

The answer is that the Upper West Side is a fantastic residential area, especially for people thinking of starting a family. There are plenty of stores and markets, ample access to public transportation, great public schools, and two major parks within walking distance. There are some notable landmarks, but nothing that attracts scads of tourists like other areas.

One spot that does attract a bit of outside attention is Zabar's, on Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets. New Yorkers tend to have an elephant's memory when it comes to food. Once they find something they like, it goes on the short list of places to revisit. Judging by the crowds, this gourmet food market must have pleased plenty of palates.

For a different kind of sensory stimulation, Upper West Siders can take their pick of parks. And while Central Park may seem like a natural choice, but many residents here would prefer something a little less popular. For them, Riverside Park is the only choice.

Riverside Park may not be as wide as Central Park, but it is considerably longer, winding its way from 72nd Street all the way to 159th. Despite the fact that the West Side Highway runs almost directly through its center, Riverside has become a favorite with locals in search of a few moments of tranquility.

Most of the few landmarks that the Upper West Side has can be found in the park environs. For starters, there's the 79th Street Boat Basin. Here you'll find an exceptionally rare sight in Manhattan-people living on houseboats. Take one look at the view living here affords them, and you'll probably start thinking about it yourself!

Because Riverside is generally less crowded than Central Park, it's a natural place for residents to enjoy a peaceful stroll. If you want to work up more of a sweat, you can take advantage of the red clay courts near 96th Street. Or if you'd rather participate in a team sport, chances are you can find a pickup baseball or softball game going on somewhere within the park's environs.

Hugging the curves along the park's eastern edge is Riverside Drive. While it doesn't boast the hairpin turns of San Francisco's Lombard Street, it is the only major thoroughfare in Manhattan to consistently deviate from the straight and narrow. The brownstones and apartment complexes that line Riverside Drive's east side are especially prized for their magnificent views of the park.

While it may not boast a park view, West End Avenue remains the neighborhood's most sought after address. The street is lined with beautiful buildings of varying sizes, each more picturesque than the last. And since most of the traffic in the area travels up and down Broadway, it remains relatively quiet no matter what time of day.

So it's understandable why people who have chosen to live their lives here don't go out of their way to advertise the benefits of their community. Of course, we know we can trust you to keep this a secret. Right?

Central Park West Apartments

Although many of Manhattan's neighborhoods have had their ups and downs, the majority of Central Park West is just as prestigious a place to live now as it was decades ago. Towering over Central Park like a vast wall of monoliths, the buildings present both a literal and figurative pinnacle in the quest to reach the top in New York City.

Of course, the main attraction for those who reside here is the unparalleled view of the park. While most other city denizens prefer to live close to the ground in order to avoid those grueling walk-ups, here the higher you are the better. The reason is instantly apparent once you look out over the swath of green all the way over to Museum Mile on the other side.

Central Park West begins as one of the offshoots at Columbus Circle. A clue to the glitz and glamour that begins here is the ultra-luxurious Trump International Hotel and Towers. Donald Trump purchased the decaying building in the early 90s, and completely refurbished it. Now it presents a reflective glass exterior behind which are housed a five-star restaurant, luxury apartments, and some of the poshest hotel rooms in the tri-state area.

A few blocks north of Mr. Trump's latest acquisition, comfortably nestled near the edge of the park is the often-filmed Tavern on the Green. The best seats in this restaurant are those that face the park, and they're the place to be come nightfall. The trees immediately surrounding the restaurant are adorned with thousands of tiny lights, creating a truly magical aura when they're switched on.

On the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West stands the Dakota. Although the castle-like building-complete with dry moat-has long been a favorite among the famous, it is now notorious as the place where John Lennon was shot.

A fitting memorial for this tragedy can be found directly across the street within the park itself in an area now known as Strawberry Fields. Named after one of Lennon's compositions, more than 160 countries contributed plants to this area dedicated to his memory. A marble mosaic with the single word Imagine asks all those who visit to honor his vision of world peace.

Walk further north and you'll soon come to the four-block sprawl of the American Museum of Natural History. The museum contains many reproductions of animal habitats and some truly monstrous gems, but the main attraction is most definitely the dinosaurs. Recently adjusted to reflect the latest information on the great lizards, these massive reproductions fascinate both young and old alike.

The greatest asset that maybe residents enjoy aside from the magnificent location is the proximity of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Those lucky enough to have a place by the parade route needn't worry about crowds or inclement weather, as the route goes directly past their windows. Many residents get into the spirit of the day by inviting their building neighbors over to watch the festivities.

Because of the combination of amenities and location, vacancies in the Central Park West are not the easiest to come by. Those willing to make the investment, however, will find the dividends more than make up for the expense.

Residents of the Lower Upper West Side have always been locked in a rivalry with other neighborhoods. They're either viewed as less ritzy than their Lower Upper East Side counterparts, or too flashy for the rest of the Upper West Side. The truth, as is usually the case, lies a little more firmly in the middle.

The neighborhood, however, has always been primarily residential. Initially settled by upper-class Jewish families, the area has long been a welcome haven for young professionals and those with an artistic bent. Because of this, the region is considered to be much more left leaning than the East Side.

Lower Upper East Siders, who have long been used to having the corner market on residential hot spots, may be succumbing to a case of sour grapes. But what of the their neighbors a few blocks uptown? Well, what they consider flashy is really just good business.

There have always been a number of shops and restaurants in this region, and the strong economy in recent years has only contributed to their proliferation. Both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues are probably the best examples of this trend. Each thoroughfare does brisk business on weekends, especially during the summer months.

Compared to the manic pace of the West Village and Midtown West, however, the area is relatively placid. Besides, what would New York be without at least a little bit of the pageantry and glamour that people expect when they come here?

One thing everyone can agree on, however, is that this neighborhood contains one of the most important cultural centers on the entire island. Of course, this can be said of none other than Lincoln Center.

The land that Lincoln Center now occupies, between West 62nd and West 65th Streets facing Broadway, had its own claim to fame even before the marble buildings were erected. For it was in this area, back when it was considerably less safe, that West Side Story was filmed.

The Sharks and the Jets may not be around any longer, but the Center itself won't be going anywhere for quite a while. Five major performing groups call the three main buildings that face the fountain home. If that isn't quite impressive enough, then you should try gaining admittance to the theater and music school tucked away in the back.

The building that directly faces Broadway is the Metropolitan Opera House, home of the American Ballet Theater and the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera. The southernmost building is the New York State Theater, where you (or anyone else) can see the New York City Opera or watch the famous Nutcracker Suite performed by the New York City Ballet. Avery Fisher Hall, to the north, houses the New York Philharmonic and Jazz at Lincoln Center.

It's possible that (or this, or whatever) some of the future members of these companies are currently studying at the Juilliard School, just north of the Center. Not only does this school consistently graduate top performers in their chosen fields, they also host a number of inexpensive (indeed, some are free) productions throughout the school year.

Many of the aforementioned restaurants make it especially easy for people coming in to see a performance to grab a little nosh before or after the show. If you like star-gazing, chances are you'll catch more than a couple if you sit outside.

So let the other neighborhoods have their complaints. The residents of the Lower Upper West Side wouldn't have it any other way.

East Harlem Apartments

East Harlem is a district that has gone through quite a number of names throughout the years. Known primarily as Spanish Harlem outside of the neighborhood, it was more commonly referred to as El Barrio ("the neighborhood") inside it. Making this all the more interesting is the fact that Hispanics were not the first residents of the area.

The residences in East Harlem were originally built to be much more modest than the middle-class structures being erected in neighboring Harlem. Because of this, working-class families naturally leaned toward places they could afford. And the first ethnic group to take advantage of the area was Italian.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Government wanted to assist the people of Puerto Rico by alleviating the small country's problem of overpopulation by making it easier to emigrate to American. Numerous Puerto Ricans took advantage of the opportunity, and many of them eventually made the East Harlem area their own.

One of the traditions that Hispanic-Americans maintain in East Harlem is La Marqueta, or the Market. Extending from 111th to around 116th on Park Avenue, this open-air market has a little something for everybody. Whether you're picking up vegetables for tonight's dinner or a knick-knack for the folks back home, chances are you can pick it up here.

Those looking to delve deeper into Puerto Rican and Latin American culture should make a point of looking into El Museo del Barrio. What began as a classroom display in the late '60s is now a permanent collection of over 8,000 pieces, many of which date back to pre-Columbian times. The museum is significant for one other reason-it is the only one of its kind in America.

A broader history of the entire city of New York can be found a block to the south at Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street. The Museum of the City of New York traces the growth of the Big Apple since the time it was still being called Nieuw Amsterdam. A recreation of John D. Rockefeller's master bedroom is just one of the many noted items you'll find here.

Across Fifth Avenue in Central Park stands one of the most beautiful spots in all of East Harlem. The six-acre Conservatory Garden is set apart from the rest of the park as a formal garden. Come during spring to watch the tulips bloom, or drop by during the fall to get your fill of chrysanthemums. When the weather is warm enough, expect to see at least one newly-married couple stopping here to get their photos taken.

Perhaps the most important set of buildings in the neighborhood are those that make up Mount Sinai hospital. Aside from being one of the better hospitals in the city, this complex is also one of East Harlem's major employers. The originally Jewish facility was moved here in 1904, and now takes up all of 98th to 101st Streets on Fifth Avenue.

A significant sign that East Harlem is experiencing a greater influx of people is the planned opening of East River Plaza. When completed, this retail center on FDR Drive promises to be about 475,000 square feet. With more permanent jobs being created and easy access for commuters, the opening of the Plaza could be the beginning of a boom for the area.

As is true for a large portion of the city, the once isolated ethnic enclaves of the city are becoming more and more heterogeneous. With more and more interest being shown in El Barrio, it shouldn't be long before it joins its Yorkville and Carnegie Hill neighbors as one of the most coveted sections this side of Manhattan.

Unlike the famous concert venue located on 57th Street, Carnegie Hall, this neighborhood is located far from the noise of midtown. One of the poshest areas New York has to offer, it is the place to go for the person who has everything, but it has much to offer the rest of us as well.

There's a very good reason that this area bears Andrew Carnegie's name. Near the turn of the century, when the area was considered the frontier of the city, Carnegie decided he would build himself a place to get away from the bustle of downtown. Unfortunately, the plan backfired. Other members of the upper class, seeing Carnegie's new mansion as a brave statement, followed him uptown.

Not long after moving to his new estate, the steel magnate found himself in the center of it all once again. Because of all the new money coming into the neighborhood, the character of it changed significantly. Gone were many of the row houses and tenements. In their place sprang up mansions and luxury apartment complexes.

Now, a significant portion of this section has been designated an historic district in order to prevent further development. Simply walking and examining the varying styles, from Federalist to Romanesque, it isn't difficult to see why these buildings should be preserved. Be sure to look carefully, as many of the facades contain intricate carvings that you won't see on most modern architecture.

It seems somewhat appropriate that because of all the new designs that he brought into the district, that Carnegie's mansion is now home to a design museum. The Cooper-Hewitt Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, now uses the 64-rooms to demonstrate how design influences our lives on a day to day basis.

The Cooper-Hewitt is not the only famous museum to grace Carnegie Hill. The upper half of Museum Mile, which comprises a healthy chunk Fifth Avenue along Central Park, forms the western border of the neighborhood. It is easy to spend a whole day in this section and only view a small portion of the historically significant contributions to the world of art.

One of the most famous of the museums is the Guggenheim. The architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the instantly recognizable building, and it is viewed by many as his crowning achievement. Inside, a single quarter-mile ramp spirals up its six stories past one of the best collections in modern art. The museum boasts, among others, works by such artists as Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, and photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

If viewing some of the Guggenheim's collection of Mapplethorpe makes you want to view other notable photographic works, the International Center of Photography is only a few blocks away. The museum boasts constantly rotating exhibits that focus on either a single photographer or photographic style, and is worth many return visits.

Recently, many upscale retailers have been taking advantage of the significant amount of buying power common for this area. The area on 86th Street now does a brisk tourist business on the weekends, as the well to do from miles around come here to make a contribution to the local economy.

Because the 4, 5, and 6 subway line is the only one to service the whole of the Upper East Side, most people who want to visit here need to make a concerted effort to do so. While the tourist trade is quite brisk on the major thoroughfares, it is virtually nonexistent once you walk a few blocks deeper. This makes Carnegie Hill an ideal section for those people who value their privacy, but also like to be close to the many conveniences that New York has to offer.

Yorkville Apartments

The neighborhoods that make up the Upper East Side-Carnegie Hill, Yorkville, and the Lower Upper East Side-are synonymous with the wealthy residents that have made this section of Manhattan their home over the last century. Only Yorkville, however, can state that they have what is probably the most sought-after address in all of New York City.

Despite its upscale appearance, part of this district had rather modest beginnings. With the construction of the Third Avenue elevated subway line near the turn of the century, the area became a second haven to many German immigrants who were being slowly displaced from their downtown residences.

Once the trains went underground, the area became a great deal more isolated. Eventually, the German section of Yorkville began shrinking. Although most of those former residents have since moved on, there is still a thriving pocket of inhabitants who speak auf Deutsch to this day.

One thing that the Germans have left behind for the rest of Manhattan to sample is their rich food heritage. Second Avenue between 84th and 86th Streets is still the heart of German cuisine. You can take your pick of sausages at Schaller and Weber, Black Forest Cake at Kramer's Pastries, or your choice of beers at Heidelberg.

Perhaps the most famous German immigrant to live in Yorkville was Carl Schurz. After being a minister to Spain, a Union Army general, and Secretary of the Interior under President Rutherford Hayes, Schurz moved back to Yorkville, where he worked as an editor for the New York Evening Post and Harper's Weekly. East End Park was renamed Carl Schurz Park in 1911 in his honor.

Speaking of His Honor, the most coveted address in New York City happens to be in Carl Shurz Park: Gracie Mansion. Home of New York City mayors since Fiorello LaGuardia first moved in during the Second World War, the property's significance actually goes back much farther.

George Washington commandeered this swath of land from its owner, Jacob Walton, so that he could fortify it against the British. Ultimately, Washington didn't fortify it enough, as the British bombarded the spot from across the East River. Walton's house was one of the casualties.

The Walton family subsequently sold the property to Archibald Gracie, a recent émigré from Scotland. Gracie built his famous mansion as a country home in 1799, only to sell it less than a quarter-century later. The City of New York acquired the property almost a hundred years later, and every mayor since LaGuardia has called it home while in office. If you'd rather not depend on the electorate to see its interior, the first floor is open to the general public.

Although it isn't known if the Mayor participates, there is a strong athletic community in Yorkville. Whether your interests run from basketball to softball or football, it's likely that there's an organized team in the area that could use another player. If you prefer exercising alone, Central Park is about a ten-minute walk. Or a five-minute jog.

Because of the successive waves of new inhabitants, the buildings in the neighborhood range from quaint townhouses to ultra-modern apartment complexes. Interior spaces also vary from the tiny to the cavernous. With all the different varieties offered, chances are there's a combination in this area that will fit your needs perfectly.

Lower Upper East Side Apartments

Ever since Central Park was first opened, the Lower Upper East Side has been one of the most coveted neighborhoods in which to live. It is notable for its palatial buildings facing the park, its stretch of Museum Mile, and some of the city's better private schools. Bill Gates not withstanding, it also comprises the highest concentration of wealth in the entire United States.

A fitting spot to illustrate this density of riches is at the Grand Army Plaza in the very southeastern portion of Central Park. Here you'll find a miniature block devoted entirely to the Pulitzer Fountain, which was donated by noted publisher Joseph Pulitzer. Facing the fountain is a statue of William Tecumseh Sherman, the Civil War General made famous by his march through the South.

On the west side of the fountain is the legendary Plaza Hotel. This historical landmark has appeared in a variety of films, from North by Northwest through Home Alone 2. Luminaries who have stayed here range from the Beatles to Eloise, the children's-book character whose portrait hangs on the first floor. The Presidential Suite simply defies description.

The block east of the fountain contains the General Motors Building. Kids, however, will be more intrigued by what's housed on the first floor-F.A.O. Schwarz. If the toy is on the market, chances are you'll find it somewhere here. Be warned, however, that getting yourself to leave is a lot harder than going in!

Follow Central Park north along Park Avenue and you'll soon arrive at Temple Emanu-El on 65th Street. The Temple can seat up to 2,500 people, making it the largest Reformed Jewish synagogue in the world. The limestone building is especially noted for its outside ornamentation, which combines both Art Deco and Moorish designs.

Further up the Park Avenue lies the undisputed crown jewel of Museum Mile, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Western Hemisphere's largest museum boasts an amazing 1+ million square feet of exhibition space. Its constantly changing exhibits range from the present day all the way to prehistoric times.

It is literally impossible to see all of the Met in one day, unless you plan on running through each room without stopping to look. One item you will want to see, however, is the Temple of Dendur. This gift of the Egyptian government dates back to Roman times, and is displayed in a room that could easily fit a house.

For those looking for more modern accoutrements, Madison Avenue is highly recommended. The area between 59th and 79th Streets is now considered Manhattan's Fashion District. Here you'll find all sorts of tiny shops and unique boutiques filled with the latest runway trends. Of particular note is the beautiful Ralph Lauren store on 72nd Street.

Although many families in this area prefer to send their children to private schools, the public schools in this district are also exemplary. P.S. 6, on Madison and 81st Street, is highly regarded for its art and computer curriculum. Despite the fact that their K through 5 students consistently score high on standardized tests, there is still plenty of room for parents looking to enroll their children.

With doormen buildings facing Central Park, exceptional schools, and some of the best high-end shopping in the city, it really is no surprise that the Lower Upper East Side is one of the New York's most coveted spots.

To most New Yorkers, the word 'Midtown' is synonymous with 'Work.' And, in fact, a lot of people do commute here for business during the day. But Midtown, and especially Midtown West, is packed full with more universally-known buildings then any other district in Manhattan.

Snuggled tightly in the bosom of Midtown West is the Theater District. Over 30 theaters make their home here, and the fare varies from long-running musicals to the latest highly-touted drama. No matter what kind of show you're looking to see, chances are you'll find it right by Broadway.

A recent reentry into the theater scene is 42nd Street. The 'Avenue I'm Takin' You To' had fallen onto hard times in the late '80s, with the movie theaters there either vacant or showing films that weren't exactly kid-friendly. Now many buildings have been either rebuilt or entirely renovated. And since Disney has taken an express interest in the Street, many of the new theaters will focus exclusively on children.

A mere block north of 42nd Street, where Seventh Avenue and Broadway intersect, is Times Square. This is where Manhattan is at its showiest. All around these blocks are massive billboards surrounded with tubes of neon in every imaginable color. It is here where hundreds of thousands of people gather every New Year's Eve to watch the ball drop.

If you want to catch one of the hot shows but neglected to get tickets in advance, you should plan on stopping at Duffy Square. Directly opposite Times Square, this little sliver of concrete plays host to TKTS, a discount ticket outlet. Shows that find themselves with empty seats will drop their tickets here on the day of performance, many times at a pretty hefty discount.

If you'd rather see a dance performance, a spot for discount tickets has opened up in nearby Bryant Park. While you're there, you might want to take a gander at this recently renovated marvel. Once the primary residence of drug pushers and the homeless, the park is now a favorite spot for midtowners to grab a quick bite in relative peace.

Face east while in the park and you'll see the rear of the magnificent New York Public Library. If you think the back is impressive, then you should walk around to Fifth Avenue and see the front. You'll find two large stone lions guarding the wide steps that lead up to the great bronze doors. Inside the books are spread out over 85 miles of shelves-many of them housed underneath Bryant Park itself.

On the west side of Fifth Avenue, between 48th and 51st Streets, are the buildings that comprise Rockefeller Plaza. Nineteen buildings make up the Plaza, almost all of which are connected by a series of underground passages. Also in the Plaza (at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 51st Street) is Radio City Music Hall, the world's largest indoor theater.

Stroll west from Fifth down the lovely promenade known as Channel Gardens to the Plaza's centerpiece, the gold-leaf statue of Prometheus that overlooks the Lower Plaza area. The Lower Plaza is given over to cafes during the summer, but come the winter months it is transformed into an ice skating rink. Every year around the holidays a gigantic live Christmas tree is stationed between Prometheus and the looming GE Building behind it.

Bustling with business people during the day, thriving with tourists and theatergoers at night, Midtown West is one area of Manhattan that barely pauses to rest. It is hard not to take in the lights and sounds here without feeling yourself infused with its energy.

Clinton Apartments

Many people have heard of the Artist Formerly Known as Prince. Now you can meet the Neighborhood Formerly Known as Hell's Kitchen. Actually, residents tend to use both terms interchangeably, but there are some good reasons that many people are taking the Clinton name to heart.

For many years after the Civil War, Irish gangs such as the Westies made this stretch of waterfront their exclusive territory. Because of rampant police corruption, the often-violent crimes perpetrated in the district went largely ignored. Anyone who didn't have adequate protection and was foolish enough to walk through Hell's Kitchen at night was taking a potentially lethal risk.

Eventually, however, the power and influence of the gangs who resided there waned. Unfortunately, the neighborhood didn't improve once the gangs had moved on. Never a pristine to begin with, the area descended into a veritable slum known primarily for its vast array of pornography shops. As is increasingly the story in Manhattan, this has only changed fairly recently.

The Worldwide Plaza was the first sign that people were once again starting to see Hell's Kitchen into which they could invest money-voluntarily. Built on a former site of Madison Square Garden, this complex takes up an entire block. Aside from providing both commercial and residential spaces, the Plaza also has a restaurant and one of the only discount movie theaters on the island.

A few blocks south of the Plaza is the famed stretch of eateries that make up New York's Restaurant Row. Because of its relative nearness to Times Square, this block is a favorite with pre- and post-theater crowd. With over twenty restaurants located here, if you can't find a cuisine that speaks to your stomach, you're probably not hungry.

For those who would rather their theater a bit more on the intimate side, you might want to go directly from Restaurant Row to Theater Row. Located on 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, the theaters here are generally seat a lot less than their Great White Way counterparts. Then again, those seats will probably end up costing you a considerable amount less.

One of the city's transportation hubs also makes it home in Clinton, the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Not only do buses come in and out of the all through the day and night, but there is also a parking garage on the top floors. So you can put the car away for the day, and experience the excellence of the transit system yourself!

A destination frequently visited by business people is the colossal Jacob Javits Convention Center. The five-block Center boasts an amazing 1.8 million square feet of space that can be utilized by companies to display their latest products. Unsurprisingly, there is a convention (or two) occurring in the Center every week of the year.

Because of the way the area has been randomly both preserved and developed, there is no particularly prevalent building style. If you're not certain whether you would prefer a high-rise or a brownstone, chances are you'll be able to find it in Clinton.

Much like Midtown West, the east side of Midtown is generally filled with business people during the day. And though this Manhattan district encompasses one of the central commuting centers, it is considerably more subdued come nightfall. Those who are looking for a less hectic version of the Midtown scene would do well to cast a careful eye at Midtown East.

Every morning, the main concourse of Grand Central Station is the first sight that out-of-town commuters glance of the city. And what a sight it is. The recently renovated, 12-story ceiling painted with the constellations of the zodiac gives the concourse an open, airy feel. For people about to head into a cramped corner office or cubicle, this may be the most personal space they'll be able to experience all day.

Since Grand Central happens to fall directly in the path of Park Avenue, the storied street has been forced to make a detour around the building. Park is elevated to the second story before it reaches 42nd, splits to go around the Station, then reconnects after first passing through the Met Life Building. This is one instance in Midtown where it's nice to have a car.

Many of Grand Central's commuters might well be heading to the nearby Chrysler Building. Like many skyscrapers in Manhattan, this Art Deco masterpiece briefly held the title of the city's tallest building. The plans for its glittering spire were kept so secret that most people didn't know of it until it was raised through the roof!

Just before 42nd Street reaches the East River, it intersects with a small thoroughfare called Tudor City Place. The eponymous apartment complex located here is notable for their large panes of stained glass. To spare their occupants the unseemly sights going on along the East River, some of these buildings were built without any windows on their east side. Those builders are probably kicking themselves now.

The most notable change between the construction of Tudor City and the present is the presence of the United Nations Headquarters. This 18-acre plot that hugs the East River is comprised of the Secretariat and General Assembly buildings, and a rose garden that practically begs to be strolled through.

From September through December, all the leaders of the free world meet in the General Assembly Building. Surprisingly, general admission tickets are made available to these open sessions the day they are scheduled to occur. You might also want to note that once you step onto the Plaza grounds, you have technically left the United States and entered the jurisdiction of the U.N. members.

A headquarters of a different sort is St. Patrick's Cathedral. Located on Fifth Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets, St. Patrick's serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The Gothic structure also happens to be the largest Catholic Cathedral in America. If you feel you've been paying too much attention to the needs of Mammon, a half-hour here should help you find your spiritual center.

When the workday is done, Midtown East slows its hectic pace considerably. With Midtown West only blocks away, its possible to have all the nighttime excitement of the city without having to worry about it being right under where you live.

Murray Hill Apartments

Murray Hill has long been known for its strong sense of community. Residents have fought to keep the area's distinct style intact since the middle of the 19th Century. To this day, the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association remains a vocal presence whenever developers attempt to infringe on the character of their homes.

The area took its name from the first prominent residents of the community, Robert and Mary Murray. Although Robert was responsible for purchasing the land that housed their estate, it is his wife who is usually first mentioned in history books. A proper member of society, Mary Murray would hold functions for various American luminaries. Her most famous guest, however, was a British general.

After being surprised at the battle of Kips Bay, the green American militia was forced to retreat across Manhattan. Mrs. Murray, a true patriot, invited General Sir William Howe and his men to rest at their estate. As the General enjoyed a spot of tea, the Americans took advantage of the delay to regroup. They defeated the British the next day at the Battle of Harlem Heights.

When the city started to encroach on the neighborhood, the Murray's descendents decided to do something about it. They submitted a registration with the city which stipulated that new residences be built only of stone or brick. The Murray Hill Restriction, as it became known, is what has kept the area in its pristine state.

One of the people who adhered to the restriction was John Pierpont Morgan, who purchased the entire eastern side of Madison Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets. His enduring legacy is the Pierpont Morgan Library, which boasts one of the finest collections of rare books and illuminated manuscripts in the world. Unfortunately, it isn't a lending library.

Benjamin Altman was the first person to build a department store in Murray Hill. Although the store took up the entire 34th and 35th Street block between Madison and Fifth Avenues, Altman maintained a certain amount of modesty. It wasn't until over 40 years later that the store's name appeared on the building.

B. Altman & Co. declared bankruptcy in the late 80s, but his store opened up Fifth Avenue to other celebrated companies, including the original Tiffany & Company. After several years of vacancy, the Altman building is now home to the Oxford University Press, the City University of New York, and a branch of the New York Public Library.

The most noted building in the district, however, doesn't exactly conform to code. Built in a little over a year beginning in 1930, the Empire State Building towers over 1,400 feet over the rest of Murray Hill. 2.5 million people a year peer out over the majority of Manhattan from its 86th and 102nd floor observatories.

One of the great novelties of the Empire State Building is best viewed from the ground several miles away. Every day at dusk, colored lights illuminate the building. The colors change to match the season or holiday (red, white and blue on July 4th, red and green on Christmas), but they always go off exactly at midnight.

Although the Murray Hill Restriction is no longer on the books, the effect it has had on the area is a marked one. Many of the buildings here are over 100 years old, and a number of them have become designated landmarks. If you're looking for a neighborhood that remains true to its roots, then you need look no further than Murray Hill.

Chelsea Apartments

Over the course of its history, the neighborhood of Chelsea has definitely had its fair share of ups and downs. Currently, however, the area is seeing a revitalization unlike any other in its history.

Clement Clarke Moore, a clergyman and poet, is considered the founding father of the district. Realizing that downtown Manhattan was poised to launch itself uptown, Moore began to sell off his land in lots. The guidelines he set for building residences on the lots are still in force in much of the district. For an encore, Moore later composed the well-known poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas.'

As the area grew, passenger liners began using the piers on the Hudson as passenger terminals. When the liners began making their home further uptown, the piers were taken over by freight companies. Warehouses and slaughterhouses sprung up nearby, and working-class people moved to the area to be near their jobs. When the piers ultimately fell into disuse, so did the region around it.

Perhaps it is fitting that one of the reasons for Chelsea's current upswing is once again the piers. The Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex recently opened on the newly renovated waterfront that spans the area between 17th and 23rd Streets. Located within the complex are basketball courts, a golf driving range, and a microbrewery. Because of its variety of amenities, the spot has become popular with residents of many nearby neighborhoods.

Another reason for the revitalization can be attributed to the interest of the gay community. Seeking a break from the increasingly crowded areas of the West Village, they have been an active voice in Chelsea's beautification. The country's largest gay and lesbian bookstore, A Different Light, is located on 19th Street near Sixth Avenue.

Sixth Avenue itself plays a very large part in today's Chelsea. Walk uptown from 14th Street and you'll find another sign of this section's upswing. Many of the large buildings that were unoccupied for years have been utilized as large retail spaces. Everything from bookstores to clothing store to home accessories shops have opened up within a ten block stretch.

If you want to find real bargains, keep heading north until you reach the parking lots on 26th Street. Every weekend, the city's largest antiques market takes over this space, much to the pleasure of local residents. Need to find that special lamp for your living room? Most likely you'll find it here-at a great price.

Also located in Chelsea's upper reaches is the center of the Flower District. Most of the city uses these stores around 28th Street to fill their horticulture needs, but you (or they) needn't worry about having to find them in the phone book. Simply take a stroll past any day of the week, and you'll find anything from Chrysanthemums to Cacti displayed right on the sidewalk.

The most famous landmark in all of Chelsea, however, has to be the Chelsea Hotel. This unassuming redbrick building has been a haven to artists almost since it opened in 1884. Its long list of distinguished guests includes Mark Twain, Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan and Pink Floyd. And yes, you can still reserve a room here.

With all the recent activity that's been centered on the area, it's pretty clear that a new chapter in Chelsea's history is being written. Now more so than in the past 50 years, this is a neighborhood on the move.

Henry James. Edgar Allan Poe. Norman Rockwell. Eugene O'Neill. Jackson Pollack. Bob Dylan. The West Village has been home to more notable writers, artists, and musicians than perhaps any other part of the city. Not bad for an area that was initially notable as a place to get away from yellow fever.

People looking to escape the epidemics of the more crowded downtown area initially settled the West Village (which is usually shortened to "the Village") in the late 18th Century. It is somewhat ironic that Washington Square Park, the area's focal point, was once reserved for those people who didn't make it.

Of course, the park has changed quite a bit since then. After its initial morbid use, Washington Square was converted into a parade ground. By the time Henry James penned his own Washington Square, the park had already become the outdoor focus of the neighborhood. It remains so to this day.

Moderately busy during weekdays, the park becomes a hive of activity on weekends. Students like to lounge in the grass, neo-folkies and jugglers spread themselves around, and stand-up comics rehearse their material in the center fountain. Not even a tenth the size of Central Park, this tiny plot appears just as popular.

The most notable landmark in the park is undoubtedly the Washington Arch. The structure, which was originally constructed of wood, was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of our first president's inauguration. Peer north through the arch and you can see the beginning of Fifth Avenue.

The West Village area contains many landmark streets and buildings. Especially notable is Washington Mews, located between Fifth and University Avenues. Many of the homes on this cobblestone street were once stable houses for the buildings on Washington Square North. Strolling through here is recommended for anyone who has ever wanted to know what European villages are like.

Another historically significant building is located on 75˝ Bedford Street. At 9˝ feet, this converted carriage entrance is New York's narrowest dwelling. Why would someone want to live in something so narrow? At one time, taxes were assessed on building owners based on the width of their residence. So, this brownstone could actually be viewed as a tax loophole!

Continue following Bedford Street west, and eventually you will run into Christopher Street, the center of the gay and lesbian community. The sheer number of stores and restaurants on the street, many of them owned by people living in the area, make this a natural place for a pleasant day of window shopping.

It is also on Christopher Street where one of the most historically significant events in the gay rights movement occurred. At a bar called the Stonewall Inn on June 27, 1969, a group of gay men finally grew tired of watching other members of their community being arrested, and they fought back. The riots that erupted on that evening at 51 Christopher became a rallying cry for the gay movement.

Yet another street not to miss is Bleeker between Sixth Avenue and LaGuardia Place. Here you'll find the best strip of music clubs in town, with no less than four all concentrated in this small area. Many of these places have been hosting unknowns since Peter, Paul and Mary used to play here. After the gig, there are several outdoor cafes near MacDougal Street where you can enjoy coffee and a slice of cake as you watch the people walk by.

Because of the irregular grid structure, and the high volume of traffic, the village is one neighborhood where it's better not to have a car. Most conveniences are only a block or so away, and the beauty of the brownstones are best viewed on foot. It's no wonder that this area has remained popular with both tourists and residents alike.

SoHo Apartments

Like so many of Manhattan's neighborhoods, SoHo went through a number of incarnations before becoming the artistic and commercial hotspot it is today. There was a significant period of time when the area wasn't supposed to be supporting residents at all. Interestingly, the history of the area has only recently come full circle.

The area South of Houston-from which SoHo received its name-along Broadway was a brisk shopping spot in the 1850s. Back then, the city hadn't yet expanded its reach over the entire island. But as the city continued to grow, the stores began moving further uptown. In their place arose a myriad of warehouses.

Unlike Tribeca, the warehouses in this section were generally filled with material such as boxes, furs, and even rags. Because the majority of these materials were highly flammable, innumerable fires broke out in the area. The neighborhood soon acquired the rather unattractive nickname of Hell's Hundred Acres.

Eventually, the manufacturers left the area, leaving their warehouses unoccupied. The big, low cast-iron buildings didn't require large interior walls to support their weight, and had enormous interiors and larger windows than most apartment buildings. Artists found them perfect places in which to both work and live.

There was only one small catch-it was illegal to live there. The city had zoned the area for commercial, not residential, use. This didn't prevent artists from moving in, they just had to be more surreptitious about it. Eventually, there were enough people residing in the area that they were able to successfully lobby that the district be rezoned.

With all the artists now living in the area, it was only a matter of time before some of them began displaying their work to the public. Within the space of ten years, the neighborhood became the hottest spot for galleries in the city. Hell's Hundred Acres were forgotten, and the SoHo name was adopted in its place.

Of particular note in this district is the miniature version of Museum Mile to be found between Houston and Prince on Broadway. In the space of this one block you'll find no less than four. Included among them are the New Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum for African Art, and the SoHo branch of the Guggenheim.

For sheer browsing pleasure, than the strip of Prince Street between the two Broadways should fit the bill. In between the assorted galleries are several hip stores, restaurants, and bars. Although certainly not as inexpensive as in the past, you may be able to find that obscure little item you've been hunting for.

The indisputable epicenter of SoHo, however, would have to be West Broadway. Bustling with pedestrians just about any time of the week, this street kicks into overdrive during the weekends. In addition to the many outdoor cafes that place tables out on the sidewalk, many local artists and knick-knack vendors display their wares for the numerous passers-by.

As part of their struggle to keep their buildings intact, the artists who initially inhabited these cast-iron buildings had many of them declared historic landmarks. Now, newer stone and steel buildings model themselves in the same ornate style to such a degree that you might have trouble telling them apart. Chances are, however, that the newer buildings aren't quite as spacious inside.

If you feel like you'd like to spend your time in a low-rise district with lofts big enough to play racquetball in, then give SoHo a look. If you're new to the area, you might want to remember this handy pronunciation guide. Hew-ston is in Texas, How-ston is in Manhattan.

TriBeCa Apartments

Virtually devoid of full-time residents twenty years ago, the TRIangle BElow CAnal has since changed into one of the hottest and hippest places to live. Which is even more impressive considering that it was originally used as a market area.

The history of renters in the area, however, goes back much further. The land in this area was originally owned by Trinity Church (which still sits at the beginning of Wall Street), given to them when America was still a colony of England. The church then divided up the area into lots and allowed people to lease them for long periods of time.

Between the 1860s and the 1890s the area became the produce center for the city, and was known as Washington Market. Remnants of this time in the neighborhood's history can be found at Washington Market Park on Chambers Street. It was around this park that the first major transformation of the area began.

In order to fully take advantage of the market's sales potential, some of the wealthier merchants began building warehouses to store some of the imported goods. It was these large structures that gave the area the distinct features that it retains to this day. Unfortunately for the merchants, modern times would render Washington Market temporarily obsolete.

As the development of Manhattan continued its northern expansion, the streets and avenues were being made wider. Washington Market simply couldn't accommodate the larger vehicles being used to transport goods, and business migrated elsewhere. Eventually, the area slipped into relative obscurity.

When the rents in nearby SoHo began going higher, the artists who had originally settled in that area needed to find other locales to work and live in. The market area, with its undeveloped raw spaces, was a natural fit. Soon the cycle that began in SoHo began again in what was now becoming present-day Tribeca.

As Manhattan climbed out of the economic downturn of the 1970s, Tribeca became more of an open secret. Professionals and businesses took a marked interest in the area, until it has become the hot spot of the present.

Are you talkin' to me? It is impossible to mention Tribeca without mentioning one of the people who took such an active interest-Robert DeNiro. Not only is he responsible for the production and screening facilities that make up the Tribeca Film Center, he is also a major partner in the hottest restaurant located on the ground floor of the same building.

The Tribeca Grill is unquestionably the place to go stargazing in lower Manhattan. Aside from Mr. DeNiro himself, a number of celebrities who live in the area tend to favor the spot for its decidedly delectable cuisine. Be advised that this is not the restaurant to get a burger and fries. The food is taken quite seriously here, and the prices reflect that.

In general, people who are looking for an ideal place to raise a family have found Tribeca perfect for their needs. Although not quite as tourist friendly as SoHo, but a bit more animated than Battery Park City, the area is perfect for those who enjoy city life but don't want to be overwhelmed by it.

Although Manhattan is certainly not lacking for greenery (simply take a gander at Central Park), somehow Gramercy Park managed to win the open space lottery. Although the neighborhood is not as large as some in the city, there are four separate parks to be found here.

The largest, Madison Square, runs from 23rd to 26th Street, and is bounded by Fifth and Madison Avenues. If you've ever wondered why Madison Square Garden got its name, it's because the current home of the Knicks and Rangers was first here. Though the sports and concert complex has since moved twice to its current location on Seventh Avenue, it has held onto the name.

Surrounding Madison Square are a number of landmark structures, chief among them the Flatiron, Metropolitan Life and New York Life Buildings. The Flatiron, south of the park, is probably one of the most photographed buildings in all of New York City , with its unique triangular shape coming to a rounded point near the Square. The Metropolitan Life Tower is actually two buildings connected by a skywalk that boasts Wyeth murals in its lobby. The New York Life Building is probably best known aside from its architecture for the fact that it was built where Madison Square Garden used to be.

Travel south down Lexington Avenue from 23rd Street and you'll soon run smack into Gramercy Park itself. Although it looks impressive from beyond its cast iron perimeter, don't expect to get a much closer look right away. Gramercy is the only remaining private park in the city. Only residents of the buildings facing the park can get keys.

One of those former residents was Edwin Booth, brother of presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth. Edwin was notable not only for his infamous brother, but for opening a place for actors right on the park which came to be known as The Player's Club. For the latter accomplishment he is memorialized with a statue in the center of the park.

Lexington Avenue ends when it hits the park. Continuing on the other side to 14th Street is a quaint stretch of street known as Irving Place. Named after Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving-whose nephew owned a place here-the street is lined with old row houses. There are plenty of excellent restaurants here, as well as Pete's Tavern, which claims to be the oldest saloon in New York.

Head west once reaching 14th Street and you'll soon come to Union Square. The Square's name derives from its history as a location for union organizing many decades ago. The buildings around this park house such stores as Barnes and Noble and Toys 'R' Us, a microbrewery, and an NYU dormitory. The feature that most people come here for, however, is the Greenmarket.

Four days a week, the northern end of the park is filled with vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables from as far off as Pennsylvania Dutch country. Although there are plenty of delicatessens and supermarkets that sell produce, there's really no substitute for buying straight from the source.

Along with Gramercy Park, Stuyvesant Park has been designated a national landmark. It is also surrounded by a cast iron fence, but this space is decidedly public. The other distinguishing feature of Stuyvesant is Second Avenue, which neatly bisects it. A little more off the beaten path than the other parks, this is a good spot for people looking to avoid crowds.

With easy access to every part of the city, a broad base of commerce and culture to choose from, and plenty of historical charm, Gramercy Park more than lives up to its excellent reputation.

East Village Apartments

Taken together, the East and West Village form the undisputed core of Manhattan's nightlife scene. Easily accessible by both the outer boroughs and the Jersey suburbs, the influx of partygoers keeps the area moving into the wee hours just about every weekend. There are plenty of features in the East Village, however, that make it easy to distinguish between them.

Originally considered part of the Lower East Side, the area still contains many of the tenements that initially made this the less desirable part of town. It was this edge that made the area so attracted many of the luminaries of the Beat Generation during the 1950s. And in the '60s, legendary rock promoter Bill Graham brought in the locals at the famed Fillmore East.

The most recent musical movement associated with the neighborhood, however, is punk. Although it has been more than twenty years since punk still began, you're liable to find a few clusters of dyed, pierced, and tattooed teens walking about here. There are still plenty of hole-in-the-wall clubs dotting the landscape, but the one you probably should see is CBGB.

A fixture on the Bowery for just about as long as anyone can remember, CBGB still retains its unkempt charm. Probably best known as the launching point for such groups such as the Ramones, Talking Heads, and Blondie, the club now puts on 6 to 7 'next big thing' bands a night.

If you walk north from the Bowery to St. Mark's Place, you'll find the true nucleus of the region. Lined with used record stores, clothing boutiques, cheap eats, and a myriad of students, this is a good place to either people watch or just browse at your own pace.

Heading west on St. Mark's eventually brings you to Astor Place. The spot is immediately notable for the steel sculpture "Alamo," a large cube balanced on one point. Although it appears immobile, the cube has been designed to rotate if pushed with sufficient force. Be warned, "sufficient" definitely means "more than one person."

Recently, a number of chain stores have taken advantage of the cavernous buildings that surround Astor Place. K-Mart, Barnes and Noble, and Starbucks all have stores within a block of each other. If you're yearning for something a little less on the fringe, this may be an idea spot to stop.

For a much older sight, check out the rather incongruous Colonnade Row just south of Astor Place on Lafayette Street. The buildings were once home to the likes of Cornelius Vanderbilt and John Jacob Astor himself. Long since broken up into much smaller spaces inside, the marble Corinthian columns are all the more impressive because of their rarity.

Across the street from Colonnade Row is Joseph Papp's Public Theater. Although Papp was probably best known for bringing Shakespeare to Central Park, the Public is the building that bears his name. There are a number of other Off-Off-Broadway theaters in the area, including the experimental La Mama E.T.C. and PS 122.

The East Village also envelops not one but two small ethnic cultures. A few blocks comprise the "Little Ukraine," and the strip of 6th Street between First and Second Avenues make up what is known as "Indian Row." There are literally a dozen Indian restaurants in a row on this block, and just about any makes a great place for a decent priced meal. Several feature live sitar players to add to the atmosphere.

The rough edge that the East Village used to present to the city has been softened in recent years. Many new residents are now recognizing that the area has a mixture of arts, culture, and commerce that suits them just right.

Wall Street Area Apartments / Financial District Apartments

There are a number of Manhattan streets and avenues that have become synonymous with some of the businesses that have historically clustered there. Mention Madison Avenue and you immediately think of the advertising industry. It is difficult to discuss Broadway without mentally adding 'Musical' after it. But the one location that is probably better known than all of these is Wall Street.

Wall Street truly is the heart of the economy both here and abroad, with the daily gains and losses on the Stock Exchange sending ripples throughout the portfolios of millions of both people and businesses throughout the city, country, and the world. There's truly no better place in the city to get caught up in a fiscal fever.

Trinity Church marks the beginning of Wall Street's journey east from Broadway. Surprisingly, this final resting-place of Alexander Hamilton was the area's tallest structure until the end of the 19th century. From here it is only a few blocks to what stockbrokers and financial analysts the world 'round consider the most important building in the world-the New York Stock Exchange.

Dwarfed as it is by the much newer skyscrapers around it, the Exchange's classic-style architecture is still difficult to miss. Inside, visitors can watch from behind a glass wall as hundreds of runners and traders scurry across the trading floor in a constantly shifting chaotic ballet. A short film explaining the action on the floor is available for visitors.

Directly across the street from the Exchange is the slightly older Federal Hall National Monument. It was at this location that George Washington accepted the Presidency of the United States. The front steps are a great place to put up your feet and enjoy lunch with the movers and shakers of the area.

Another famous landmarks of the area is the South Street Seaport. Located only a few blocks north of Wall Street, this section is particularly well renowned for its upscale shops and fine surf and turf restaurants. The end of Pier 17 is a great place to grab a bite as you watch the Brooklyn Bridge reach across the East River to connect Manhattan to Brooklyn.

If you notice that the fish tastes a little fresher in this neighborhood, it's probably because the Seaport is still being used as a fish market. Early every morning the latest catch is sold and distributed to restaurants and supermarkets throughout the metropolitan area from this section. If you have problems finding it, simply follow your nose.

About five minutes walk from the Seaport is another building that houses power of a different sort. City Hall is set apart from its surroundings by a park that insulates it on all sides. On any given day you can see some of New York's famous politicos giving a press conference, protesters plying for their cause, or a motorcade emerging from the near darkness of the aptly named Canyon of Heroes.

On the northeast corner of City Hall Park by the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge's pedestrian walkway is one of Manhattan's rarest sights-a public toilet. This self-cleaning marvel is worth utilizing simply for the novelty value, but could prove to be a godsend for those who have no nearby alternative.

Like its neighbor Battery Park City, the Wall Street/South Street Seaport area does not have much nightlife to speak of, but just about every block has a subway or bus stop should you want to spend a night out. For hard working people looking to roll out of bed and be seconds away from work, then this historically rich section could be your ideal spot.

Battery Park City is unique among Manhattan's neighborhoods. During the day it is a busy hive of business activity, but it transforms itself into a quiet residential area once the sun sets. If you're looking for an enclave that offers both of these contrasts, then this just might be the neighborhood for you!

Using some of the dirt generated from the World Trade Center excavation, Battery Park City was attached to Manhattan island much like an addition to a home. Because of its relative newness, the neighborhood was designed to be much more in tune with its environment than other parts of the city. There are an abundance of trees on most of the streets, and the esplanade along the Hudson River waterfront makes for a wonderful stroll any time of the day.

The most instantly recognizable landmark of this section are the four interconnected buildings that comprise the World Financial Center. Every day of the week the pulse of national and international commerce quicken their rhythms as distant commuters and nearby residents work together to keep the lifeblood of business flowing smoothly.

The most striking feature in the Financial Center itself is undoubtedly the Winter Garden, an enclosed atrium that provides a wonderful view of the river, the 100+ foot yachts docked in the nearby marina, and what may be the only palm trees you'll find north of the Mason-Dixon. It's a great place to enjoy lunch, with frequent concerts and other events keeping the atmosphere lively.

A few blocks north of the Financial Center is what is probably the most distinguished learning institutions in all of New York after Columbia University: Stuyvesant High School. Only those students who earn the highest scores on the Specialized Science High School Admissions Test are allowed to attend. The good news is that residents can take advantage of Stuyvesant's swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts when school isn't in session-regardless of your test score.

For exercise of the mental variety, you can walk south to Wagner Park and visit the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The museum's mission is to educate people on Jewish life both before and after the Holocaust, and the more than 2,000 photographs serve as a moving testament to this time period in Jewish history.

Directly adjacent to Wagner Park is Battery Park itself. For a mere 50 cents each way, you can hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry and enjoy a speedy jaunt through New York Harbor. Those looking to get a better look at the Harbor's famous landmarks can also find ferries here to take them to either Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty. Understandably, tourists flock to these famous attractions during the summer months.

Staying in Batter Park City would be akin to having a place in the suburbs without having to pay for gas and tolls. Leaving the neighborhood does require walking across or above the West Side Highway, which is a bit of a chore if you just want to pop out for a quick slice of pizza. However, there are enough services already in the area (including two supermarkets) that this should present a problem only to those who can't live without immediate convenience.

Lower East Side Apartments

The Lower East Side has been a haven for immigrants through the past all the way up to the present day. This is one of the rare neighborhoods that contains a vibrant shopping district as well as generally lower prices than many of its purportedly posher counterparts.

The area has definitely risen above its original tenement origins. Settled first by Irish and German and then mostly Jewish immigrants, the section at one time had the highest density of people per square mile. Whole families crammed together in two, and sometimes one, room apartments. Nowadays the makeup of the area is primarily Chinese and Puerto Rican, with more and more refugees from the East Village also making their way over.

A worthy testament to this mostly vanished way of life can be found at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum on Orchard Street near Broome. The building has been restored to all its grimy ramshackle glory, and the guided tours are recommended for anyone who thinks that there couldn't possibly be anything smaller than their place.

If you continue on Orchard toward Houston Street you'll run straight into what is known as the Bargain District. Sundays here are a scene of chaotic commerce, with people arriving from all over in order to grab the best deal. Bring plenty of singles, and be prepared to haggle.

Although there are precious few remnants of the area's Jewish roots, thankfully there still extist two culinary classics. One is Katz's Deli on Houston, where your doctor would recommend you have your cholesterol checked before ordering the monstrous pastrami sandwich. The other is Ratner's, a kosher establishment which has recently made a nod to the changing makeup of the area by opening a hip bar in the back.

Cross over Houston Street to the lettered avenues and you'll be arriving in what used to be known as Alphabet City. In the early eighties this was an area to be tread carefully during the day, and avoided altogether if possible at night.

Time certainly has had an effect here, however. The same residents who were quick to avoid the area now flock here in hopes of escaping the rising prices of the surrounding neighborhoods. There is also a decidedly more bohemian feel to the area than ever before.

Nowhere is this more evident than travelling north from Avenue A. Restaurants, clubs, retail outlets and all-night diners can all be found along a ten-block stretch, many of them only a few years old. As a lot of these hot spots are just now being discovered, the area around here has an active nightlife, and is especially busy on summer and weekend nights.

An area that has also gone through a significant metamorphosis is Tompkins Square Park. Up until the late '80s the small park was a de facto shelter for the homeless, drug dealers and users, and various squatters. An aggressive police campaign has reclaimed the park for use by local residents, and reminders of that past are virtually nonexistent.

Those looking to find a bargain in a neighborhood not quite yet at its peak should be advised that the word is already out on the street about the Lower East Side. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be!

Little Italy Apartments / Chinatown Apartments

While their respective sights and sounds generally distinguish other neighborhoods in Manhattan from each other, Little Italy and Chinatown are probably better known for their tastes and smells. Each portion of these intermingling areas is rich in culinary tradition that has been kept alive since the days immigrants first brought them to our shores.

Although much smaller now than it was at its peak some decades ago, the core of Little Italy is still relatively easy to spot. Simply head north from Canal Street on Mulberry and you'll find a plethora of Italian restaurants and dessert shops, each more mouth-watering than the last. Ferrara's on Grand Street is famous both here and abroad for their Italian pastries, and an ideal spot to stop for coffee after dinner. Somewhat subdued during the day, this section comes alive at night and especially on weekends, with lines of people out in the street waiting to get in for dinner a common occurrence. The area reaches its manic peak during the week-long San Gennaro festival in mid-September. Thousands of people squeeze into the confines of Mulberry Street for more food, drinks, and entertainment than is probably good for them. If you decide to go, leave your concept of personal space behind.

Within the past five years, the boundaries of Little Italy have grown a little tighter as SoHo has begun spilling into its northern section. The area around Little St. Patrick's Church on Mulberry has seen the greatest effect of this recent influx, and is now occasionally referred to as Nolita (for North of Little Italy). This expansion is but an echo, however, of the shift happening in Little Italy's southern portion.

Because of a strict set of immigration laws near the turn of the century, Chinatown was originally an area of only a few blocks south of Canal Street on the east side of the island. After 1965, when the law was lifted, the Chinese immigrant population grew substantially from its confined space and into both the Lower East Side and Little Italy.

Canal Street during the day is a scene of constant commotion. Many of the local businesses compete fiercely for business, with almost every store displaying their inventory on the street right where it can be seen and purchased by casual strollers. This is an excellent place to pick up a novelty item or find a real bargain on a piece of electronics.

The culinary mainstays are mostly to be found in the narrow, jam-packed streets and alleys south of Canal. Meals here are generally less extravagantly priced than their Little Italy counterparts, but you still shouldn't expect to go away hungry. For those who like to wake up early on weekends, Dim Sum on Sunday morning is an experience not to be missed.

Columbus Park, near the heart of Chinatown, is one of New York's oldest examples of a neighborhood beautification campaign. In the early 19th century the spot was known as the Five Points (for the five streets that intersected there), and was a stronghold of violent Irish gangs. When the gangs were driven out in the latter half of the century, the park was built to improve the area. It is still popular with both the young and elderly of the area.

Despite all of its activity, the district retains its "neighborhood" feel, with generations growing up blocks from their childhood home. It is also a testament to the ideal of New York as melting pot, as fresh waves of immigrants slowly become a part of the larger cultural landscape.