West Village vs Tribeca (New York, Boston: fit in, apartments, renting)

[vanitycase]

My brother and sister-in-law are moving to Manhattan, and I'm going to drive down from Boston to go apartment-shopping with them next week. So far I have been hearing a lot about how West Village and Tribeca would be the best fit for them, but before I ask about these neighborhoods, I will provide some information about my brother.

My brother earns about 500k before tax, and his wife earns about 200k before tax, so they're doing well. No debt, no kids. They're thinking of renting a 2-bedroom (which would easily be around $6k a month I guess) - not buying because my sister-in-law doesn't want to stay in NYC for the long-term, too expensive.

I've been trying to convince them not to go for the UWS or UES because those are boring, family-oriented neighborhoods with older people and nothing to do. My brother is 31 and his wife is 26, and they're definitely more likely to enjoy lively, hip, youthful neighborhoods with a good vibe and lots of eclectic entertainment, dining and nightlife.

Williamsburg is also an option, but they would both be working in Midtown so the commute to Manhattan would be a pain.

Since I've been hearing so much about Tribeca and West Village, I want to ask about how lively, young and fun these neighborhoods are. What are the essential characters of these two areas, what kind of people do they attract, what kind of life can you expect to lead there?

I've been to New York several times, but I am not an expert by any means.

Thanks.

[mc33433]

With their salary they can comfortably live in any one of these neighborhoods. When they visit they should take a look at all of them.

I would disagree that UWS is for the "boring, family-oriented neighborhoods with older people and nothing to do". You already just said you've only been to NY a few times. You obviously have never lived here. So why put a label on a neighborhood?

They should simply keep their commute in mind, come and check out apartments in all of these neighborhoods, and then make their decision.

[vanitycase]

Exactly, I'm not an expert, which is why I'd like some input on Tribeca and West Village from people here who know New York. It'll enable me to be more helpful to my brother and I don't think you can get enough information about a neighborhood in a few days of apartment-hunting.

I'd appreciate detailed opinions on Tribeca and West Village please, thanks!

[latikeriii]

Tribeca-a more family-oriented neighborhood and the most expensive in Manhattan. Very nice and quiet but without kids and being younger than 35, they may not fit in as well.

West Village-Very lively area, tons of restaurants, bars, shopping and a very unique feel to it. Expensive as well but a 2-BD there should range from $5K and up.

Both aren't super quick commutes to midtown but are easy commutes(depending where in midtown). Tribeca is more served by the 123 subway and the West Village is well served by the 1, ABCDEFM and L train on the north end.

Williamsburg, you can get a modern brand new 2 BD apartment for about $4K but the commute to midtown isn't very convenient and it's still rough around the edges. It's more of a Hipster-type area that's becoming more "yuppie".

[vanitycase]

that's perfect latikeriii, thanks so much! West Village definitely sounds more like it would fit, we'll have to spend a little more time looking around there.

[john_starks]

w.village

but its not like tribeca is bad at all - probably the 2 best locations in manhattan (i consider chelsea w/village)

[StaggerLee22]

How come I don't get to make 500k a year?
That ain't right.
I gotta get off this msg board and go back to skule.

[availableusername]

*joins OWS*

[john_starks]

i "used" to live there. can't afford it now, that's why i'm in philly

[StaggerLee22]

Originally Posted by availableusername

*joins OWS*

That oughta do the trick.