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East Village is unique to New York City: it was the place of birth for punk rock and the base of Beatniks, and its love for counterculture is still fresh and going. Despite all the idle talk, the area keeps carrying its spirit high and proud: local festivals are on everyone’s lips, from May to October, and famous personalities keep popping up as soon as you turn the corner.
Of course, certain areas of East Village have changed: Bowery has drawn in luxurious public instead of bums and hippies. But others kept the air of the past: Little Ukraine still has a strong Eastern European community that influences every aspect of local life from the culinary traditions to spiritual practices. You can finally forget all your worries because East Village is where no one will ever judge you and where you’ll definitely fit perfectly – the place you’ll be able to call home.
Culturally speaking, the locals are the mix of former Jewish, Russian, and Ukrainian immigrants – thus many ethnic restaurants. Hispanic population is solid: the nickname ‘Loisaida’ given to the Alphabet City caught on. Professionally, most of the people here are either students (thanks to New York University and the Cooper Union), or musicians and artists, even though gentrification has had its toll on East Village. All in all, the area is highly diversified and still gives you the freedom to be who you are.
Allow us to guide your day through East Village. Start with a cup of freshly roasted coffee at one of the grab-n-go places. Walk the streets of Alphabet City to learn how the area’s grown to become the quintessence of downtown cool. Next, head for a picnic at Tompkins Square Park where you can enjoy some skaters stunt on the edge of touch down. Go on a shopping spree to the local vintage clothing stores like Trash and Vaudeville, and end your day with a glass of something deliciously unique at one of the speakeasy bars (we do recommend Please Don’t Tell).
Being in New York City, the subway will be your major transportation option unless you’re a cab fan. The stations are all over the neighborhood that’ll take you to any point in New York. Over a dozen bus lines serve East Village in case you’re afraid of an underground commute. But it’s still best to walk around: you never know where you get to see an internationally known singer or a new mural you just noticed on that wall over there.
Once known for the cheap and pet-friendly condos for rent, East Village today is nothing but upbeat and old-school exclusive. Still, you’ll be able to get apartments for rent in East Village, New York, at quite modest prices. If you love books and vinyl, you’ll find plenty of them at almost any corner. Same goes for the local bars, and the lovers of ethnic cuisine should try settling closer to the vibrant Ukrainian or Spanish communities. Alphabet City is generally the most desired location for the houses for rent in East Village, New York – if you’re lucky enough, you can be neighbors with one of the punk rock icons, celebrated performers, globally known writers, or famous artists.