A transplant entrepreneur’s guide to NYC’s top neighborhoods

 

It takes years upon years to become familiar with New York City. There’s simply too much to see, do, and experience to get a firm grasp on the city. As a transplant entrepreneur who’s recently moved to NYC, this can be frustrating and alarming – especially if you come from a much smaller city. That’s why we’re going to provide you with a simple and concise guide to NYC’s top neighborhoods.

 

 

For fashion-related startups, there’s no better place than the Fashion District. East to west boundaries are Sixth Avenue to Ninth Avenue. North to south boundaries are West 42nd Street to West 34th Street. This neighborhood is obviously the heart of the fashion industry and is filled with fashion icons and students.

 

 

Every successful NYC entrepreneur is familiar with the Financial District. East to West boundaries are East River to West Street. North to South boundaries are Frankfort Street to State Street. During the day, the Financial District is fast-paced and bustling with stockbrokers, investors, and professionals.  After evening rush hour, things die down and it becomes quiet and easygoing. The skyscrapers are massive, but the cobblestone streets along the waterfront offer some pretty spectacular views.

 

 

Residents of Greenwich Village are fiercely loyal to their neighborhood, which is located between Third Avenue and Sixth Avenue (east to west) and 14th Street to East Houston Street (north to south). While generally on the expensive side, you can occasionally find real estate options here. The great part about Greenwich Village – aside from the architecture and iconic Washington Square Park – is the diversity of the people. Because it’s situated near NYU, there are plenty of students and young professionals working and living in the area.

 

 

On the north side of Central Park is Harlem. It’s known as the historical center of urban African-American culture – both in New York and throughout the country. East to west boundaries are 5th Avenue to Morningside Avenue. North to south boundaries are West 155th Street to West 110th Street. Harlem features iconic jazz clubs, great food, and the famous Apollo Theater. While the majority are lifelong residents, it’s not uncommon for newcomers to take advantage of the affordable real estate. 

 

 

When most people think about NYC, it’s Midtown that comes to mind. Midtown East is essentially north from 42nd Street to 57th Street and east from Fifth Avenue to Third Avenue. The scene here is fast, congested, and convenient. Real estate is outrageously priced, but the amenities are fantastic. If you’re looking for terms to describe Midtown East, think massive skyscrapers, classic NYC, and high powered business professionals.

 

From a startup’s point of view, it’s probably not financially feasible to situate yourself in Midtown East – unless you have the means or connections. However, it’s possible that you could spend a lot of time in this neighborhood meeting and networking with NYC’s successful business leaders.

 

 

Adjacent to Midtown East is Midtown West. This is the stretch west of Fifth Avenue all the way to the Hudson River (from 34th Street to 59th Street). This is arguably the loudest portion of the city. In the summertime, it’s teeming with tourists. With famous landmarks like Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theater District and other big-time attractions, this half of Midtown is a little crazier than the eastern portion. As an entrepreneur, it’s likely that you’ll spend more time taking out-of-town guests here for sightseeing than conducting business.

 

 

 

A burgeoning district of the city, Soho is known as the most fashionable and trendy neighborhood in NYC. Its east to west boundaries are Lafayette Street to the Hudson River. The north to south boundaries are West Houston Street to Canal Street. A lot of successful young professionals call this district home and there are plenty of artists and creative minds, making it an ideal place for entrepreneurs to surround themselves with unique people. And while it’s slightly quieter than other portions of the city, it’s a convenient walk or ride away from the hustle and bustle.

 

 

The Upper West Side is arguably the greenest part of Manhattan. East to west boundaries are Central Park to the Hudson River. North to south boundaries are 110th Street to 59th Street. While it’s home to a handful of popular attractions, including the Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum, this neighborhood is characterized as relaxed and cozy (by NYC standards). You’ll find a lot of seasoned and successful professionals in this area – people who have influence, money, and power. If you’re working with the city’s elite, you may end up having more than a handful of meetings on the Upper West Side.

 

 

Situated on the opposite side of Central Park, the Upper East Side provides a nice escape from the crowds and noise of Midtown. East to west boundaries are the East River to Fifth Avenue. North to South boundaries are 96th Street to 59th Street. There are some surprisingly budget-friendly apartment options here, but there are also plenty of luxury high-rises and private schools. Some of America’s most famous families – including the Rockefellers, Kennedys, Carnegies, and Roosevelts – have called the Upper East Side home.