5 Underrated New York Neighborhoods
Every once in awhile I feel especially inspired to write about my home away from travel. That would be New York City, where I’ve been based for just over three years now. I’ve lived in a few different neighborhoods but some of my favorite NYC spots are rather underrated, even among locals.
Here are 5 Underrated New York Neighborhoods Worth a Visit
1) SoHo Beyond Broadway
I have to specify the “beyond Broadway” part because many tourists identify SoHo with shopping and most of the mass-consumer clothing and accessories stores are conveniently located along Broadway. However, if you walk west you will reach West Broadway in about 5 minutes depending on your speed. This is where my favorite part of SoHo begins. There is less foot traffic here and you are more likely to score bargains from outdoor vendors. It’s the perfect combination of shopping, international cuisine and party venues.
2) NoLIta
To say that I’m slightly obsessed with NoLIta is a major understatement. It’s been one of my favorite neighborhoods since I moved here in May, 2009 and I have yet to outgrow it’s quiet charm. Unlike Little Italy and Soho, NoLIta gets far less foot traffic, which is hard to come by in the intimidating concrete jungle. It’s close to several other downtown neighborhoods including East Village, West Village and even Union Square. My favorite time to stroll through this area is during the day when most people are either at work or out to lunch.
3) The Upper (Upper) West Side
I’m adding an “Upper” because I’m talking about an area that often goes by two names. The the top area of Central Park on the Upper West Side (110 and below) and the Columbia area, which extends to Morningside Heights. I lived on 109th and Amsterdam for about a year and it was amazing to have Riverside Park to my left and Central Park to my right. Columbia was steps away so always had plenty of food and coffee options. It is much quieter than any of the downtown or midtown neighborhoods and is still accessible to multiple subway lines.
4) Alphabet City
It took me a good six months to fully appreciate Alphabet City but it is now a neighborhood I recommend to other travelers visiting New York. Besides being a short walk from both East Village and the Lower East Side, Alphabet City has its own vibe which is seen through their weekend brunch party spots, international restaurants and local bars. Alphabet City has a very “bohemian” history and plays a major role in the popular 90′s musical “RENT”. Most the the action these days centers around Avenues A and B and Tompkins Square Park.
5) DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights
Some people hear the word Brooklyn and immediately shut down. For hard-core Manhattanites, Brooklyn is a place that makes no sense but for a bohemian traveler, Brooklyn is a prime destination for global art and culture. I’ve decided to combine these two neighborhoods into one because of geographical location. Dumbo has more of an urban set-up with the Brooklyn Bridge Park as a scenic backdrop. Brooklyn Heights is much more family oriented with a view of South Street Seaport. The brownstone buildings are stunning and the neighborhoods is fairly quiet.
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20 Comments
I think all those neighborhoods you mentioned are actually rather popular in terms of New Yorkers, and even travelers alike – those neighborhoods where everyone seems to flock to. When I think of “underrated” in terms of NYC neighborhoods, I think of Inwood and the area around Fort Tryon Park in upper Manhattan, Riverdale and Pelham Bay in the Bronx, Astoria and Sunnyside in Queens, Red Hook, Bay Ridge, and Greenpoint in Brooklyn. These neighborhoods are true gems within NYC as well that not a lot of people are willing to venture out to.
Oh and the main Columbia University campus is still considered part of the UWS. Washington Heights usually starts way higher. Some argue it’s after 145th Street, others say it’s after 155th Street.
Antoinette | love.antoinette@gmail.com recently posted..Significantly Changing My Spending Habits
Hey Antoinette, thanks for your feedback. I do agree with you on the underrated neighborhoods you mentioned for sure. I was sort of aiming this piece toward people who have never visited NYC at all. You are right about Columbia – that was actually a huge type and I fixed it
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..5 Underrated New York Neighborhoods
NYC neighborhoods are so wonderfully distinctive, aren’t they. I love hanging out on the Upper West Side and in the past couple of years have explore the LES and surrounding areas more. Next time, I want to get over to Dumbo!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Ghost on the Coast
I love LES! That was my very first NYC neighborhood. I totally agree – each has it’s own unique personality.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Awesome Norwegian Art Oddities
DUMBO and the UWS underrated? I find that somewhat hard to believe…
Pete recently posted..Munich in Photos
What I mean is – these are specific areas of otherwise popular neighborhoods that people tend to skip over…probably should have made that more clear! So what I call the Upper Upper West Side is in the early 100s, where most travelers to NYC may walk through the 70s or go straight to Harlem
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Awesome Norwegian Art Oddities
It’s great to branch out and explore new neighbourhoods – especially in New York!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..The Russian Adventure Begins – But How Did Brock End Up There?
Totally! There’s no better place.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..5 Islands Where I’d Gladly Get Lost
Good ones! I went to grad school at Columbia and lived at 119th and Amsterdam. I loved it up there! And I love NoLita.
Wow! That’s so cool Abby
I lived on Amsterdam and 109th for about a year. Loved the neighborhood.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..A Bohemian Weekend in Paris
Definitely love DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights…so pretty
It’s definitely a great neighborhood plus the view is amazing!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Indie Guide to Santiago
I was just in NYC for a couple of days and was staying in East Village which I always enjoy. I used to stay at numerous friends’ places in Mid Town but I hate it there, too crazy.
I like Brooklyn a lot and haven’t made it to Dumbo yet but it’s on the list for my next New York Minute. Great post!
I live in East Village Jeremy so you were in my neighborhood
I agree, I’m not a fan of midtown. Good for you for branching out and exploring new areas.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Sunny Sightings in Ireland
Wow, looks like one needs a thesis to keep up with all the ins and outs of NY neighbourhood; I love it! Planning on going in the fall, this post is definitely bookmarked!
haha awesome! Let me know if you need any more NYC neighborhood tips.
I love the NYC poetry scene. Have you been to any of the slams? Also goveners island is worth a visit
I went to Gov Island for the first time this summer. It’s such a great spot for biking!
As much as we all enjoy travel, I think most Americans eventually realize: NYC is probably the best city there is. Nice post!
Will Wolf recently posted..Abandoned
I’ve had that same thought many times Will
No matter where I go I’m always happy to come home to NYC.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..El Pardo: A Serene Getaway from Madrid