Artist Hoods (New York, Peekskill, York: lofts, neighborhoods, community college)

[madmj]

I was curious on some of the different neighborhoods where there is a large artist population. I know that obviously it's scattered throughout the city and boroughs but let me know what you guys think. By artists I mean Actors,Musicians,Painters, etc. Pretty much every type of artists excluding Hip Hop artists...j/k. Tell me where you guys/gals think is the most populated areas (manhattan and the boroughs) for the artists to live. Also I should add not the ones who are multi-millionaires. Thanks!

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by madmj

I was curious on some of the different neighborhoods where there is a large artist population. I know that obviously it's scattered throughout the city and boroughs but let me know what you guys think. By artists I mean Actors,Musicians,Painters, etc. Pretty much every type of artists excluding Hip Hop artists...j/k. Tell me where you guys/gals think is the most populated areas (manhattan and the boroughs) for the artists to live. Also I should add not the ones who are multi-millionaires. Thanks!

williamsburg, long island city, lower east side

[straightshooter]

oddly enough, i've heard that canarsie has its fair share of starving artists these days.

[NooYowkur81]

There is also a small artsy community in the South Bronx, in Mott Haven/Port Morris.

But the OP is looking for something bigger, so Williamsburg or LES fit the bill. Only thing is rents are crazy high in these areas. Might want to look into roommates if your gonna live there, unless you have that kind of change.

[Elvira Black]

NYC has become unaffordable for many, including many artists/creatives. Those that stay sometimes live in what are considered "marginal" areas in the outer boroughs--until they too are priced out after contributing to the "hip" factor. But large-scale artists' communities? Not all that much anymore from what I can see. We're losing our creative edge to other, more affordable cities. There are, however, many "arty" people (lol) who are not "artists" per se--i.e. hipsters.

[BXGEAR]

I've seen the artist types get off at Fordham and Port Morris

[madmj]

Thanks guys. Keep letting me know where else you might think. The places posted by "Seventh Floor" are really expensive$$$. A little out of our ballpark, but I will look into everything you guys recommend. Thanks again.

[Elvira Black]

The Bronx culture trolley (monthly; free) stops at various art spots--the newly renovated Bronx museum and several other art venues, some galleries, live music/poetry slams, artists' studios, etc. Events vary somewhat each month. All in the "south" south Bronx (lol) around Hostos Gallery/community college. At least this is what I recall from their website. I understand there is a stretch down that way that has lots of antique stores as well. Been meaning to check it out. Some artists do have lofts there--not a whole bunch (at least not yet).

[Elvira Black]

Here is a NY Times article on artist 'hoods in the boroughs and beyond. It's from 2005 but it's probably even more "accurate" now.

The New York Times > Arts > Art & Design > The New Bridge and Tunnel Crowd

[dma1250]

If you're willing to leave the city, an artist hot spot an hour north is Peekskill. Very cool, lots of galleries, restaurants, and a great contemporary art museum. The city has built a lot of artist-only live/work lofts in the downtown area and is building more, and generally it is relatively cheap. There is an annual open-studio event where you can visit artists' studios. If you must be in the city, Peekskill makes a good day trip.