Introducing Scott from Greenwich, in my series introducing the people and places of New York City! Scott explored the East Village, Brooklyn Heights, and Williamsburg before finding a place that he loves right in the center of Manhattan.
Greenwich Village often referred to by locals as simply “the Village”, is a neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan, New York City, within Lower Manhattan. Broadly, Greenwich Village is bounded by 14th Street to the north, Broadway to the east, Houston Street to the south, and the Hudson River to the west (arguably – with West Village starting at 6th Ave).
Scott discovered Greenwich Village after talking to quite a few friends and colleagues who had been lived in New York for periods and backed it up with a few blogs. His Mum had suggested New Jersey as ‘affordable and apparently an easy commute' but he knew he had to be in the middle of things if he’d moved to the other side of the world.
All about Greenwich Village by Scott
Is it friendly for people new to the city (is it safe throughout the day and night)?
Yep. Very. There are people around all through the day and night, and it's well lit in most areas so you never feel alone or unsafe. With all the venues to visit, you will find a number of drunk and loud people on most nights, but that's nothing unfamiliar to someone living in a big city like New York.
Why do you like (or dislike) living in the area?
When I first moved I spent three nights in four different neighborhoods: East Village, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Greenwich Village. The East Village was very cool, but the commute to my office in Columbus Circle was too much, Brooklyn Heights felt like somewhere I'd want to live one day, but not just yet as it did seem a little bit removed, and Williamsburg (at the time) had some issues with the L Train.
When I arrived in The Village, I found that it was right in the middle of everything I wanted to be. I could walk or CitiBike everywhere, and there was access to all the trains I could ever need.
The only downside is that it does feel a little over-polished which takes some of the “New York” away. It's not a big criticism but if you're looking for a few frayed edges, this isn't your place.
Would you say it was a cheaper neighborhood, an average-priced neighborhood, or an expensive neighborhood?
Expensive.
It's really as simple as that. If you want to move here you need to be expecting to share and have a very small bedroom if you want to pay a reasonable amount. Apartments range a lot, but even sharing with two others in a three bedroom (one bathroom) can cost you north of $1,600.
How would you describe a clichéd person living in the area and how do they live?
The “typical” people you finding wandering or living in the area are:
- The NYU student (Greenwich Village contains New York University). They don't generally party much in the area, but they're everywhere.
- Tourists in Washington Square Park wandering around and admiring the sights.
- Well-off “arty” folk who live North of Washington Square Park.
- Young professionals who are doing pretty well for themselves who don't have a family yet (but probably will in the next 5 years).
What is your favorite bar in the area to go with friends?
When I go out with my housemates, we go to Trionas. It's got pool, darts, trivia, and sports on all the TVs.
For other nights out I love Fat Cat, which you can easily walk to and play ping pong, or lots of other games they have. It's a big venue with live music and a great atmosphere.
Do you have a favorite spot to go alone or quietly with others (venue or not)?
V-Bar. I love it because it's where the locals drink and you can just sit at the end of a bar and strike up a chat. I play Yahtzee there and my teammate turned out to be a comedian with a special on Netflix. You meet all sorts.
I also love going into Washington Square Park and watching the street performers. You get some incredibly talented people performing for donations.
[Note from Josh: I had no idea Yahtzee was a game being played at bars!?]
Do you have a favorite café or deli and what is your order?
Summer's Cafe. A breakfast burrito with chorizo, a cold brew, and an orange juice. You take it to Washington Square Park during the summer and it will cure all ills (including and especially hangovers).
… or I head to Banter if I need a macchiato.
Out of 10 how would you rate the neighborhood for: Overall? Kids? Going Out? Quiet Living? Food? As a tourist?
Overall: 8 (whilst I love it, sometimes the general party scene and high prices get a little annoying)
Kids: 5 (it's a lively area)
Going out: 10
Quiet living: 6 (every time you walk out of your place, there are people)
Food: 8 (the one thing to know is that the good places are great, but it's quite difficult to find good quality cheaper food)
As a tourist: 10 (don't stay in Midtown, this is central with access to everything and much nicer)
In a few words, how would you sum up the neighborhood?
Lively. Central. Pricey.
Anything else you’d like to add about the area?
I'm big on walking and CitiBiking and anywhere I want to go from the Village, I can walk or CitiBike because it’s so central. If it's further away, most, if not all of the trains stop somewhere nearby making it perfectly accessible.
All About Neighborhood Champion, Scott
How do you describe yourself in one sentence?
The tall, hairy, advertising guy.
What is your favorite thing to do in the city (outside of your neighborhood)?
Running in central park, except, that's so f*cking clichéd that I don't want to say it. I have started a little every-borough brew crawl where some friends visit all the microbreweries in each of New York's boroughs which has been amazing. I can't recommend Queens enough!
Where do you call “home” and where are you “from”?
I don't feel I've been in New York long enough (10-11 months) to say New York, so, Northern Beaches of Sydney for both.
Now’s your chance to promote whatever you want (your business, your hobby, your cool idea, or something you love)
The NYCID is fantastic. You should all get one. It includes free membership to so many galleries, and when you just have an hour free, you normally couldn't justify going to a museum or gallery, but with this card, you can!
From America Josh
Scott can be found at @moorescottr on Instagram!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, SCOTT!
An awesome insight to what sounds to be a fantastic area, I'll be sure to visit Summer's Cafe asap!
Introducing Neighborhood Champions!
Other Champions: Meet Nico from Cobble Hill, Meet Erin from Long Island City, Meet Rachael from FiDi/Seaport, Meet Edwina from Williamsburg, Meet Scott from Greenwich Village, Meet Josh of Alphabet City
Getting to know a neighborhood in New York is one of the most interesting and fun parts of living here. Building community, understanding the nuances of streets, bars, cafés, and cultures, and knowing what’s cool (and what’s not) makes you feel like you’re really part of the city. So, I want to hear about yours!
So. Are you my next Neighborhood Champion for your neighborhood? If so, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll arrange a time to meet!
