The East Village was once known as a bohemian, funky neighborhood that was home to hippies and artists. Nowadays, however, following the general upward trend of Lower Manhattan, this neighborhood boasts expensive condos and upmarket eateries. Despite this, the neighborhood has managed to keep its grungy and independent feel, making it stand out from most other parts of Manhattan. If you are looking for your new NYC home but are unsure where to settle, continue reading. We've prepared a neighborhood profile on East Village that might convince you this vibrant and funky neighborhood is the right place for you.

East Village NYC: the neighborhood profile

The East Village is widely regarded as one of the liveliest areas in all of Manhattan. When the weather is nice, patrons of the area's reasonably priced restaurants and bars take their activities outside onto the pavements. The East Village has always been a haven for people of all ages and walks of life, including punk rockers, hippies, beatniks, yuppies, and even today's young professionals.

This neighborhood will welcome you with open arms no matter who you are or where you come from.

A brief history of East Village

The land in Manhattan that would one day be known as East Village was originally a colossal farm that belonged to Peter Stuyvesant. He was the Dutch governor at the time. One of his successors began selling off tracts of property to poorer immigrants from Europe in the early 19th century, during the Great Irish and German Immigration.

As the town's population increased, a significant number of its members came together to protest the harsh working conditions, starvation, and other forms of social injustice through strikes and occasional outbreaks of violence. These events laid the groundwork for what East Village would develop into in the following decades. This neighborhood became a haven for the world's courageous, independent, and creative minds.

Fast forward to the beginning of the 20th century, when this neighborhood experienced an influx of new residents in waves. To distance themselves from the stereotype of a poor neighborhood, the new residents rechristened this location to East Village. As the neighborhood became known as a hub for the counterculture, an increasing number of influential musicians, artists, and writers relocated there.

East Village developed as the epicenter of New York's underground culture. Artists that made it their home base include Jack Kerouac, Allan Ginsberg, Charlie Parker, Andy Warhol, and many others. Music was another creative medium that was impacted by the area's atmosphere. During the 1970s and 1980s, the location was the launching pad for the careers of musicians such as Madonna, Blondie, the Velvet Underground, and Pink Floyd.

Getting around East Village

Prepare to walk, ride your bike, or hire a rideshare service because East Village has limited availability of public transportation options. Except for one station near its northern border, the East Village has no subway lines.

Even though this neighborhood is largely bereft of subway service, most people do not seem to mind this fact because it is so exciting to wander around. Rather than waiting for a bus, the majority of people prefer to walk. However, commuters do have the option of taking the M15. And in case you enjoy biking, you'll love living in East Village.

East Village real estate and market trends

According to The New York Times, apartment prices in the East Village have increased by about 10 percent over the past five years. Historically, the lack of access to subways kept rents in this area relatively low. Since then, however, the pandemic has managed to buck that tendency, at least for the time being. When it comes to buying and selling, homes in this area spend 100 days on the market (on average). 

The typical housing stock consists of four to six-story walkups. These apartments, constructed one hundred years ago for poor and working-class immigrants, generally do not have the living space we today take for granted. The construction of condos caters to today's homeowners, but this comes at the expense of driving up prices throughout the neighborhood.

As in most of NYC, living in East Village means you'll have to settle for less square footage. This can be challenging, especially if you're used to living in an ample living space. Fortunately, renting Manhattan storage is readily available and often budget-friendly.

Things to do in East Village

Lastly, let's see what is there to do in East Village:

• Tompkins Square Park is a perfect place for people-watching. Spread your picnic blanket, play basketball, take your kids to one of the playgrounds, or enjoy dog-friendly areas with your furry friend.

• Treat yourself to a steamy old-world pleasure at Russian & Turkish Baths for a relaxing day. This place was founded way back in 1892. Back then, the East Village was home to Eastern European immigrants.

• In East Village, you can also treat your furry friend to a spa day!

• Spend the whole night dancing at Webster Hall. This renowned concert venue opened in 1886. This was the same year the Statue of Liberty was dedicated.

• There's no better place to try international delicacies than East Village. Get a taste of Morocco at Cafe Mogador, or check out Somtum Der if you're craving Thai.

• Visit the city's oldest tavern, McSorley's Ale House, and treat yourself to a pint. Or, if you are more of a cocktail person, you'll be a regular at Death & Company.