Greenwich Village is regarded by many as New York City’s historic center. The area has seen changes in the city from the American Revolution and the Stock Market Crash of 1929 to the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969. Its architecture remains diverse and fascinating. While the most elite art-deco cooperatives and condominiums on lower Fifth Avenue and West 12th Streets remain among the top buildings in all of Manhattan, the Village charm still resides in its wonderful streets with exquisite townhouses and carriage houses. The feeling of small neighborhood is still prevalent especially on the side streets, some still paved with Belgian blocks (though most refer to them as cobble stones). The oldest coffee shops still offer quiet refuge on MacDougal Street, a gratifying change from the new age coffee craze. Of course, New York University brings thousands of residents as well. But such combination of youth and age keeps the energy of this community vital and its character rich. Most famous landmarks include the Washington Square Arch, the Jefferson Market Library, St. Joseph’s Church on Sixth Avenue, St. Grace’s Church, Balducci’s (not an architectural landmark but still a landmark), etc. The area is one of few whose streets are worthy of landmark stature (ex. Minetta Lane, Barrow St., etc.)
West Village
North of Houston Street, South of 14th Street, West of Broadway to the Hudson River. Neighborhoods include Greenwich Village (center), West Village, and the Meatpacking District.