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Financial District: 2016 Neighborhood Guide

by | May 17, 2016

Spanning from the West Side Highway all the way to the East River and from the Southern tip of Manhattan up to Chambers Street, the Financial District bustles with activity throughout the day.  Home to Wall Street, the Freedom Tower, and the oldest standing churches in New York, this center of commerce welcomes the foot traffic of a wide range of people – all pleasantly surprised by the cozy cobblestone streets amongst the glossy skyscrapers.  Historically a commercial hub, the neighborhood is in the midst of a residential transformation, with families and apartment buildings flooding the area.

Accessibility: This commercial hub is a crossroad for all modes of transportation. Thousands of men and women utilize the subway to commute to work daily, as there are 16 stations connecting the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, C, R, W, J, M, and Z trains.  Beyond public transportation, the Brooklyn Bridge is available for motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycling commuters.  Ferries are also available to take you to Staten Island and Governors Island.

Lifestyle: True to its name, the Financial District is lively with working professionals from the wee hours of the morning until the evening rush.  On the other hand, evenings and weekends have a much slower pace, and residents are free to enjoy the fresh ocean air.  Jutting out into the East River, Pier 15 is not only alight with tourists, but also locals headerrelaxing in lounge chairs.  Out there, you can soak in the skyline and be reminded of New York City’s commercial might.  Whether you prefer to spend your weekends enjoying the local lunch hotspots, attending services at two of Manhattan’s oldest surviving church buildings, taking a stroll through Battery or City Hall Park, or biking along the Eastern coast of Manhattan, you will find your rhythm in this neighborhood.  

Restaurants and Bars: Abundant with upscale steakhouses and seafood cocktail lounges, this district’s restaurant scene was designed for shmoozing.  However, amongst the posh eateries are restaurants of a variety of cuisines.  As most blocks cater to residential or office buildings, there are not too many hot nightlife spots, but Stone Street is one exception.  This street remains lively from the afternoon late into the evening.  With a historic air, there are taverns and restaurants perched on cobblestone streets.  Nearby is Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington bid farewell to his troops.  

Cost of living:  In the past decade, developers have been converting old office spaces into luxury apartments.   While the average rental price of a one bedroom apartment is $4,000, you could be one of the 84% of residents who claim they live in the area for the quality of their apartment.  In 2014, the median sales price exceeded $1 million.  The area is being built up, thereby shedding its reputation as a less expensive living alternative.  

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