EAST VILLAGE - Lower East Side (New York, Union: apartment, safe area, theater)

[CONNYC]

Can anyone tell me if 13th Street between 1st & 2nd Avenue is a good neighbourhood please.

What amenities are nearby etc, is it a safe area?

Thank you in advance

[tpk-nyc]

It’s very safe. It’s also closer to the train than most of the East Village. Lots of great restaurants and bars within a 5 minute walk but a comparatively quiet block. I’d love to live there (currently at 11th and B). What do you consider an amenity? I consider living close to PS 122 and The Strand an amenity, but other people have different tastes.

[CONNYC]

What is PS 122 and the Strand...??


]I am currently in England but will be taking an apartment there for a short period. I guess I just wanted to know if the area was safe and if there are shops, restaurants close by.

Thank you

[Viralmd]

"PS" is the denotation of a public school. Public schools in the US are NOT what public schools are in the UK - they ARE public.

The Strand is a wonderful bookstore.

[tpk-nyc]

PS 122 is an alternative theater venue (http://www.ps122.org/); (broken link) the Strand is a used bookstore. The point is that the best parts of the neighborhood are still very "downtown," if not quite what they once were. If you're looking for high-end, Madison Avenue type shopping, this is not the neighborhood for you. It's safe and certainly gentrified, but it's not posh, like Tribeca or SoHo. The demographics tend to be younger (20- and 30-somethings). In the end, it's all about convenient access to transportation. That block is a quick walk to Union Square (which has subway access to both the East- and West-sides); that's makes it especially convenient as far as trains are concerned. Also, you're never likely to be more than an $10 cab ride from home.

Unless you're looking for luxury (as opposed to merely expensive) New York, it would be a great neighborhood for you.

[CONNYC]

Thank you very much for your response.

[HereKittyKittyKitty]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

"PS" is the denotation of a public school.

Oops - that's what I was going to say as well. (I don't get downtown much )

[quelinda]

Anywhere in Manhattan is "near restaurants and shops". I lived 2 blocks away from there for a decade and it was a fun, safe neighborhood with TONS going on. You will have a great time in that location. Literally dozens of restaurants within a few blocks, lots of bars and young people. Hope you enjoy your time in the city!

[ontheGtrain]

Yes it is very nice part of town.

[Otis_Nevins]

They filmed the last scene in Taxi Driver in that area... Or thereabouts. Beware of men with mohawk haircuts...

The East Village is the best place to live in the world as far as I am concerned. Except for the heat in summer.