History of Midtown West
Midtown West (also known as Hell’s Kitchen and Clinton) is the area traditionally bordered by 34th Street to 59th Street (south to north) and 5th Avenue to the Hudson River (east to west). The story of this neighborhood is a story of a dramatic transformation and neighborhood success.
After the Hudson River Railroad opened a station in the neighborhood in 1851, the area around the Hudson River docks bustled with commercial activity. German and Irish immigrants arrived in search of employment in the area’s factories, lumberyards, and slaughterhouses.
Tenements in the area quickly became overcrowded and many who lived in the congested, poverty-stricken area turned to gang life. Such persisted until the early-1990s when the city made efforts to enhance the neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen. Gentrification caused many of the working class to move out and the city even tried to rename Hell’s Kitchen, thus why some people call it “Clinton”.
Because of this modernization effort, “Hell’s Kitchen” is no longer descriptive of the area it was once known for but as an ever-growing, desirable residential neighborhood to live in. The city’s upscaling process has now infused Midtown West with newly minted luxury condos, fancy restaurants, and friendly bars/pubs.
The Vibe of Midtown West
Midtown West is next to everything that is “big” about New York City. It is only a short distance west from Times Square and Broadway. When you leave the bright lights, that is when you enter Hell’s Kitchen, which is a popular neighborhood for those looking for a short commute to their office in the commercial area of Midtown.
With a combination of affordable walk-ups, doorman buildings, as well as newer luxury-high rise buildings, NYC’s Midtown West boasts many options for those looking to move to the area. There is also no shortage of restaurants and activities since it is so close to the hub of New York City.
Unique Features of Midtown West
Midtown West is the perfect location for commuters. It contains one of the greatest concentrations of subway options in the city. The blue (A/C/E), yellow (N/Q/R), red (1/2/3), and purple (7) lines are all within walking distance from the area and are even connected underground (something very wonderful to have during the winter).
Port Authority Bus Terminal, the central hub for bus travel to and from New York City, and Pennsylvania Station, the main intercity railroad station in New York City, are also only a short distance away for those who reside in the neighborhood.
Things To Do in Midtown West
With Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, and Gulliver’s Gate all nearby, there is always something to do in this part of the Big Apple.
Every weekend from 9am-5pm, traffic is blocked between the Lincoln Tunnel and Port Authority’s bus ramps to make way for Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (which merged with Chelsea Flea Market in 2019) that is filled with dozens of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing, home decorations, and more!
Annually, usually taking place the first weekend after Mother’s Day, you can also catch the International Food Festival on 9th Avenue, one of New York’s largest and oldest traditions that celebrates New York diversity through food!
Top Food Choices in Midtown West
Looking to dine in Midtown West? Here are some of our agents’ favorite places to eat!
- Nizza: This Midtown West Italian restaurant has an extensive menu with plenty of great options. Most, however, are attracted to this spot because of their Instagram-famous creamy burrata on fresh tomato, pesto, and Italian bread. For regulars, on the other hand, the Bottomless Brunch deal is a can’t-miss. For $18, you get unlimited mimosas, sangria, or bellinis for two hours!
- Pure Thai Cookhouse: With so many Thai restaurants in New York City, Pure stands out from the crowd. It lives up to its name with a pure, quality taste since their noodles are homemade from a family recipe. Pure Thai is always packed at lunch and dinner time. According to Brandon Marianne Lee, “the line moves pretty fast, and for noodles like no other, the wait is definitely worth it!”
- Empanada Mama: Craving an empanada? This is the place to be. With a menu of more than 40 empanadas, you can experience a variety of different flavors and put your cravings to rest. Triplemint Agent Shelly Place’s favorite empanada is The Viagra: An empanada filled with “mama’s seafood stew with fresh shrimp scallops and crab meat.” Open 24-7, this place is a go-to if you need a midnight snack!
Top Three Things We Love About Midtown West
- Location, Location, Location: There is ease of transportation, which is perfect for commuters!
- Beautiful New Condos: With the development of new buildings, Hell’s Kitchen is a great place to find new, modern abodes.
- Dining Choices: Hell’s Kitchen is home to a breathtaking array of cuisines from all parts of the world.
Looking to move to Midtown West? Triplemint’s expert NYC real estate agents can help you find your dream home! Contact us to get started.
