East Village

The East Village has attracted night owls, foodies, music lovers, and creatives since the 1950s. Homes in the area are more affordable than most downtown neighborhoods. The East Village has three sub-neighborhoods: Alphabet City, with avenues named only by a single letter; Little Ukraine, which was established by Ukrainian immigrants who came to the neighborhood in the 1870s; and the Bowery, located on the street of the same name. Two of New York’s oldest and most renowned libraries are located in the East Village: the Ottendorfer and Tompkins Square Library. Residents describe the East Village as lively at night, conveniently located, and filled with beautiful community gardens, world renowned restaurants, and hip bars.

The East Village has a long, rich history dating back to the Lenape Native Americans, who first occupied the land before the 19th century. In the early 1800s, Dutch settlers came to the area and built lavish estates. This gave the area a luxury status during early European settlement. In the mid-1800s, a large wave of immigrants from Germany, Poland, Ukraine, and Puerto Rico moved into the area and dozens of tenements were built. These tenements took over the majority of the East Village and erased the luxury status created by the previously built estates. In the 1950s and 60s, the neighborhood saw an influx of artists, musicians, and writers who came in search of affordable homes after prices in Greenwich Village became unaffordable due to gentrification. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Madonna, and Pink Floyd began successful careers in the East Village, contributing to the artistic charm it still carries today. Rising real estate prices due to interest in the arts boosted the neighborhood’s status, making it one of New York City’s most sought-after neighborhoods.