The top four reasons we love the Lower East Side, Manhattan.
The Lower East Side is one of the hidden-gem neighborhoods of Manhattan. One of NYC’s oldest neighborhoods, it is rich with culture, fun, and great eats, and it is treasured by many, especially families.
The History, Art, and Culture
The Lower East Side is filled with art, culture, and history, making it a learning experience every time you walk out onto the sidewalk. A great majority of immigrants coming into NYC in the late 19th century came to the Lower East Side, filling it with original immigrant culture and history. On a rainy day, you can visit the exciting and educational Lower East Side Tenement Museum in nearby Chinatown, which pays tribute to the historical perspective on the immigrant experience. For other cultural exposure, you don’t even need to step into a museum. The 100 Gates project paints the Lower East Side with colorful and original murals made by local and international street artists. Along with street art, LES is home to contemporary art galleries such as ABC No Rio, which is a center for art, activism, and oppositional culture.
The Unique and Delectable Restaurant Options
From delis to desserts, there are plenty of grub hubs to choose from that make living on the Lower East Side a delight. The food selection on the Lower East Side is unique and renowned which makes it different from any other place in the city. Whether you’re moving in or just visiting for the day, you have to stop at the renowned Katz’ Delicatessen for a hearty kosher sandwich or hotdog that you can’t get anywhere else. And for a sweet treat, Doughnut Plant has delicious doughnuts made from all natural ingredients.
The Diverse Options for Groceries
The Lower East Side is home to many food shops that make everything you need or want to feed your family easily accessible. The Essex Street Market is not only a one-stop shop for all of your grocery needs, it has historical and cultural value as well. The market is rich with food and culture with its diverse selections of organic meats, fish, pastries, and more along with visits to the outdoor street vendors and art gallery. The Hester Street Fair at Seward Park is a huge hit every summer with a collection of NYC’s best vendors at this outdoor marketplace. The kids will also love living right around the corner from Economy Candy, the candy hub of the Lower East Side.
The Beautiful and Serene Days at the Park
Having an oasis amongst the skyscrapers of NYC is incredibly important, especially when choosing a neighborhood in which to live. The Lower East Side has plenty of playgrounds and parks to spend a nice day outside with the family. A crowd favorite is The East River Park. From Montgomery to 12th streets, the park has beautiful views of the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge along with football, baseball, and soccer fields. A walk along the East River promenade is the perfect way to wind down from the hustle and bustle of NYC life. Other parks in the area with playgrounds, pools, and other fun include So Lain Playground, Seward Park, and Hamilton Fish Park.
Main image: A mural by Damien Mitchell for the 100 Gates Project, which connects artists with businesses on the Lower East Side to create original artwork on security gates making the LES an art gallery.
Nina LoSchiavo
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