Living in the Lower East Side, Manhattan

The Lower East Side is even more of a hipsterthe weekends so it becomes more conventional
mecca than Williamsburg and it is one of theas the week ends, but when Monday rolls around,
trendiest neighborhoods in the city. Theyou'll see plenty of people with those trendy
neighborhood's borders run from East Houstonmetal studded belts and girls in "vintage dresses"
Street to the Manhattan Bridge and from thewith slipper shoes on. If you want to be around
East river to the Bowery. Once an area known ascreative people in Manhattan then living in the
being largely Jewish, the Lower East Side is nowLower East Side is one of the few options left.
home to galleries, upscale boutiques and armies ofThis area is full of characters and you will probably
hipsters. It is one of the few areas of Manhattanfind yourself being talked at by strangers during
that retains a certain level of grittiness.even a brief walk around the area. It's charming
Moving to the Lower East Side means cheaperand the people are generally friendly but be aware
rent than in many other areas of Manhattan. Mostof your surroundings, especially at night on quiet
of the buildings are tenement-style, pre-warstreets. Other streets have so much going on
structures but more recently there have beenthat the only thing you have to worry about is
plenty of new luxury buildings popping up to caterthe screaming drunk falling on you. On a scale of
to the rich people moving into this area. The older10 (10 being the safest), I'd give it a 7. For the
buildings are usually walk-ups meaning there is nomost part people will leave you alone.
elevator so bring your walking shoes. The streetsThe nightlife in the Lower East Side is one of the
here are noisy and the area is always busy andarea's biggest draws. There are loads of places
bustling with life and Chinatown spills into thewith live music on offer and lots of bands started
neighborhood too which offers an interestingout here. Bowery Ballroom, Arlene's Grocery, and
compliment.Pianos are a few good choices for some live
There are lots of artist types and plenty ofentertainment. There are lots of fringe type
people posing as artist types. You still havesshows in this area as well as some interesting
Spanish families with their kids milling about whichbars.
adds an authentic feel to the neighborhood. SomeThe area is a bit left out as far as transportation
young yuppies are moving in too, but it's hard togoes with only one stop on the F/V subway line
tell because they dress like the artists. So thecrossing through the neighborhood. Overall, the
people here are creative, young, fresh ideas kindLower East Side is a fantastic place to live,
of crowd (although it's starting to feelespecially if you want a taste of trendy, New
manufactured). Uptown people come here duringYork life.