Meatpacking District:
Not so long ago, the trendiest thing worn in the Meatpacking District was a blood-stained apron. Now, Gansevoort Market (as the district is officially known) is New York’s most fashionable neighborhood, chock full of hip restaurants, exclusive clubs, and paycheck-draining boutiques. Despite the haute onslaught, the neighborhood has managed to retain its blue-collar edge, thanks to the many wholesale meat companies which still operate out of the warehouses between Gansevoort and West 15 Streets. By night, however, the district is transformed, as butchers and meat-cutters disappear, and magazine editors, models, and a stream of Sarah Jessica Parker look-alikes take their place
West Village:
The basics: 'There's definitely more lace than leather in the Village today, and many more families,' says Ed Ferris of William B. May. Brokers say they're seeing lots of entertainment types as well as Wall Streeters who want to be near work. Although some high-rises have popped up in the last few years, there's still no better spot for charming townhouse apartments on quiet, tree-lined streets.
Boundaries: Stretching roughly from 14th to Houston Streets, between the Hudson River and Broadway. Sixth Avenue demarcates the two neighborhoods.
Borders: East Village, Soho, and Chelsea
Subway stops: 1, 9 to Christopher Street-Sheridan Square for West Village; A, B, C, D, E, F,V to West 4th Street or N, R to 8th Street for Greenwich Village
Chelsea:
The townhouses and prewar co-ops of gay-friendly Chelsea have been home to photographers and filmmakers for years. But 'we're increasingly seeing doctors, lawyers, and business owners,' says Stribling's Georgia Asher. 'You won't see many small children,' adds Ashforth Warburg's Judith Thorn. “You wouldn't move to Chelsea for the schools.'
Boundaries: Roughly from 39th to 15th Streets, between the Hudson River and Fifth Avenue.
Borders: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West, and the West Village
Subway stops: The A, C, E line to 34th or 23rd Streets; the 1, 2, 3, 9 line to 34th, 28th, or 23rd Streets; the B, D, F, N, Q, R, V, or W train to 34th Street; or the F or V train to 28th Street.
