Located between 14th and Houston Streets, Greenwich Village and the West Village are some of the most desirable spots in New York City. The quiet tree-lined blocks frame the cosy brownstones of the Village and West Village and are just blocks away from some of the best nightlife in the city. The Village, which has been historically known as a bohemian refuge for musicians, writers and artists, is now a melting pot. People from every walk of life work, live and play here, from corporate lawyers to actors to entrepreneurs. It is also a destination for tourists from all over the country, and the world.

The East Village is a prime example of the gentrification that New York City is so famous for. A few short years ago, the East Village was run down, inexpensive, and fairly neglected by almost everyone except those who lived there. But not anymore: while it has always been a haven for artists, it is now a trendy spot for professionals craving the culture of its boutiques and the tiny, yet oh-so trendy, eateries serving food of every ethnicity.

The Lower East Side is located south of East Houston and is bounded by the East River. Although its exact boundaries, like so many other Manhattan neighbourhoods, are constantly changing, the Lower East Side is bordered by Chinatown, Nolita and the East Village. The Lower East Side used to be considered one of the seedier parts of town, although it is becoming more popular with the middle class. Historically, the area was home mainly to Eastern European Jewish immigrants. More recently however, many artists, writers and professionals of every ethnicity have moved into the area, adding to the sizeable Latino and Chinese populations.

Accommodation

Prices have gone up substantially in all these areas – it’s an inevitable side effect of gentrification. While the East Village is still cheaper than the West Village, it is no longer the place where you can find a great bargain. And although it is cheaper, it is also not as upscale as the West Village.

There are some great real estate bargains to be found on the Lower East Side, particularly among the walk-up tenement buildings, co-ops and conversions. You can buy a two-bedroom apartment on the Lower East Side for around $700,000: a hard offer to beat elsewhere in the city.

Entertainment & Leisure

This neighbourhood literally never stops. While some other areas of the city clear out during the summer months (when anyone who can afford to leaves for their summer homes), the streets of the Village are always crowded. Sixth Avenue, West 4th Street and the famous Bleeker Street are jam-packed with restaurants, bars, lounges, comedy clubs, small theatres and tattoo parlours. In fact, with all the places to hang out (with most of them being open until 04:00), and the various street vendors selling jewellery, hats and sunglasses, the Village can at times seem like one big street fair.

The nightlife on the Lower East Side is legendary. Head for Clinton Street or Ludlow Street (between Rivington and Stanton), where you’ll find several live music venues, including the Bowery Ballroom (www.boweryballroom.com). This area is also the site of the original McSorley’s Old Ale House, a famous Irish pub established in 1854.

Nightlife aside, there is plenty to keep you busy on the Lower East Side. Residents take part in recreational activities in East River Park, which has baseball fields, walking trails and an amphitheatre. Another popular activity is walking along the footpath of the Williamsburg Bridge.

Health

St. Vincent’s Hospital (212 604 7000) is located in the heart of the Village on Seventh Avenue. In addition, there is an evening and weekend walk-in clinic in the East Village, at 540 E. 13th Street, between Avenues A and B (212 238 7129).

The East Village is close to both St. Vincent’s Hospital and Cabrini Medical Center, which is located at 227 E. 19th Street (212 222 7464). To find more information about the Center or to get in touch with local doctors, check out the website at www.cabrininy.org. In addition, there is Cabrini East Village Family Medical Practice, located at 97 E. Fourth Street, between First and Second Avenues (212 979 3200).

Hospital and clinics serving the Lower East Side include the Lower East Side Service Center (46 E. Broadway), the Lower East Side Health Center (92 Ludlow Street), and Beth Abraham Hospital (337 Broome Street).

Education

The Village is the location of the number one dream school of most college-bound students in the US: New York University (www.nyu.edu). The enormous campus, which spreads out over several blocks, includes a law school, dental and medical schools, and the famous film school.

There are also several schools for children, including PS 41 and the Greenwich Village School (212 675 2756), which are both considered to be among the finest schools in the city.

Lower East Side Schools include PS 110, located at 285 Delancey Street, for children aged 3 to 12 (212 674 2690), and the Lower East Side Prep School (212 505 6366), also known as High School 515. Many children living on the Lower East Side also attend schools in Greenwich Village, Gramercy Park and Chinatown.

Traffic & Public Transport

The general theme of New York City traffic congestion continues through the villages and the Lower East Side. So leave the car at home and make use of the comprehensive train network. Trains to Greenwich Village include: 1, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F, V, N, R. Trains to the East Village include: 6, F. Trains to the Lower East Side include: B, D, F, V, J, M, Z and 6.

Safety & Annoyances

The gentrification has brought with it a burgeoning night scene, bringing noise to a formerly quiet residential area. Parts of the Lower East Side can still be quite seedy, and it is not considered as safe as some other areas.