West Village

Since it was first named in the 1980s, the West Village has maintained its place in New York and captured a flair that few others can. This luxurious and quaint community offers a bohemian lifestyle with bookstores and cafes.

Whether on a daytime stroll or enjoying the nightlife, West Village is commonly seen as the place most New Yorkers would rather live if money were no object. One trip to the area is enough to make that case, as the abundant options for nightlife, mixed with the casual style during the day, turn a trip to the West Village into an experience that’s hard to describe in a few sentences.

• Small-town feel with big-city amenities and a European vibe
• Trees and nature accentuate the landscape
• Casual style with elegant options
• A mellow and laid-back atmosphere that’s never dull

The residents in West Village are known for their style. It’s why people-watching is one of the biggest pastimes in the neighborhood. Sitting outside a cafe with a latte is a different experience in the West Village. Taking in the town can feel like a feast for the senses, and for a good reason. There are few locations like this one. It is so cherished that locals have been known to come together to protect it from losing its structural or natural beauty in the face of development.

Whether it’s music, food, or shopping, the tastes of those in the West Village dictate the direction of the local culture. Because of that, the area has been setting trends for decades and defining generations. The heart of New York beats the strongest in the West Village.

The food and shops in the West Village are the stuff of legends. Whether looking to get the best oysters and a bloody mary at Jeffrey’s Grocery or a burger at the Corner Bistro, there’s no shortage of options when looking to dine in or take out.

The Italian food at Rosemary’s has been a local favorite for years, as has the crunchy toasted bread at Via Carota. Whether it’s the classic French dishes at Buvette, the Tuscan cocktails at I Sodi, the classic pizza at Emily, or the magnificent treats at The Original Magnolia Bakery, the West Village has more than enough food to eat.

Aside from food, the West Village is a favorite for those on a retail therapy mission. Among several design stores are the highly revered Left Bank Books, top-shelf furnishings from John Derian West, and thoughtful gifts at Cursive, just to name a few.

A trip to the West Village calls for adventure, and the community has plenty to offer. For locals, the Gansevoort Plaza in the heart of the meatpacking district has long been a popular destination. Much like the Jefferson Market Garden, the Plaza gives residents and visitors a stunning glimpse of nature in an unexpected location.

Little Island is a hidden treasure. This park, featuring flower beds and an amphitheater, houses some of the area’s most memorable events. It is just down the road from the famous Christopher Street Pier.

For those on a hunt for history, there are two very different examples in West Village. The Stonewall Inn is the site of the famous 1969 riots, and The Friends Apartment is the site of…well, Friends.

With two zoned elementary schools, West Village students are then zoned to the Baruch Middle School.

• St. Luke’s School
• Village Community School
• Greenwich House Music School
• City and Country School