It’s a small area in size, but it’s a huge part of daily life and the colourful history of the city. Centrally located between 14th and 17th Streets near Broadway, it’s where you’ll find some of New York’s best restaurants and an enormous market bringing fresh produce to agriculturally starved urban dwellers. It is also a hub for public transport.

Accommodation

Most of the housing in Union Square serves as dormitories for students of New York University. However, there are two luxury buildings for potential homeowners. The Zeckendorf Towers, located slightly east of the square, will set you back around $2 million for a two-bedroom apartment. Union Square South is the other building, and a one-bedroom rents for around $4,500 and sells for up to $1 million. You’ll find a scattering of converted lofts and older buildings, but unfortunately you can’t escape the high property prices in this area.

Shopping & Amenities

The Green Market is a year-round venue for small regional family farmers, open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, between 08:00 and 18:00. The staggering variety of fresh produce at reasonable prices draws large crowds from morning till night. Virtually anything you need is located on the periphery of the square – this includes the designer shoe warehouse DSW, as well as the Virgin Megastore, which is an endless collection of music and movies. Down the street is the Regal Union Square Stadium 14, featuring the latest movies.

Entertainment & Leisure

Union Square Park is home to statues of several historical figures, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Gandhi, paying tribute to the areas rich history. In the centre of Union Square Park, near the dog runs and walking tracks, is Luna Park, an outdoor restaurant and bar, open from April to October (212 475 8464). The queue can be quite long, since once people sit down among the fairy-lit trees, they don’t want to leave.. Other restaurants in the area include the Union Square Café, Barocco Kitchen (212 254 6777), the Blue Water Grill (212 675 9500), Chat ‘n’ Chew (212 243 1616) and the super-trendy Coffee Shop.

Health

Part of the Beth Israel Medical Center (www.wehealnewyork.org) is located at the bottom of Zeckendorf Towers.

Education

There are no schools in Union Square, so families send their children to schools in surrounding neighbourhoods. Residents also travel to hospitals in nearby Gramercy Park or Chelsea (but the area is so small that this is not a far trip – merely a matter of a few blocks).

Traffic & Public Transport
With the area being so small, walking is the most obvious mode of transport. But trains through Union Square include 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W.

Safety & Annoyances

Probably the biggest annoyance in this area (apart from the high property prices) is the fact that it’s so hard to get into your favourite restaurants! Still, it’s a small price to pay for living in the same neighbourhood as some of the city’s best eateries.