Living in Tribeca

Decades ago, TriBeCa was a dusty neighborhood of warehouses where artists moved for its up-and-coming live/work spaces. Today, the neighborhood is arguably Manhattan's most expensive zip code with breathtaking views of... New Jersey (the view really is breathtaking, though). Home to actors, writers, and millionaires galore, TriBeCa is a chic, clean neighborhood that is overwhelmingly residential. TriBeCa stands for Triangle Below Canal Street, literally designating the area's borders: Canal Street to the north, the water to the west, and Chambers Street to the south (and Broadway to the east).

Housing

Apartments in TriBeCa are plain and simple, expensive. It's rather difficult to find deals in this neighborhood because the location is equally desirable amongst families, artists, and young people. The housing tends to the cheapest in the portions of the neighborhood closer to Chambers Street and Broadway. However, if you can shell out for an apartment in one of the luxury buildings (or are crashing with friends), the amenities are great and the neighbors are name-dropping good. Some of the many notable residents of TriBeCa include actor Robert DeNiro, writer James Frey, and Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen.

People

Because it's such an expensive neighborhood, TriBeCa isn't the friendliest place in Manhattan. The area seems to be largely populated by wealthy adults and wealthy families. The neighborhood definitely has an upbeat, energetic, and artistic quality to it, though. On Hudson Street, there are some office buildings that draw a working crowd to the neighborhood during the day and the parks are mobbed by kids in strollers and good-looking people going for a jog.

Safety

TriBeCa is a heavily policed neighborhood and feels very safe. Avoiding the waterfront at night is a good idea, but other than that, it's a secure place to be.

Parks and Recreation

Washington Market Park on Greenwich Avenue and Chambers Street is a lovely park with a playground for kids and benches shaded by trees for grown-ups. The waterfront, just past West Street, has jogging paths and a clean grassy lawn that is always frequented in the warm weather months by sunbathers and Frisbee players. There is also an Equinox Gym on 50 Murray Street for those who want to take their workouts inside.

Pubs, Clubs and Entertainment

TriBeCa doesn't have the biggest nightlife scene. If you're looking to party, it's a better bet to take a five minute walk over to SoHo. However, some highlights of the TriBeCa bar scene are: the Grace, a chic lounge at 114 Franklin Street, known for its designer cocktails. The Brandy Library on Moore Street caters to a business crowd with gourmet food and a wide selection of - what else? - brandy. B Flat, in the basement of 277 Church, is a popular bar with Japanese food and drinks and a relaxing ambiance.

Shopping and Eating

TriBeCa has a large Barnes and Noble, a huge Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and several locally-owned shops in the western portion of the neighborhood. Mocca, on Reade Street, is an elaborately decorated, mod space for a nice brunch by day and a happening lounge by night. For moderately-priced, delicious Mexican food, try MaryAnn's on West Broadway. Also, TriBeCa is home to the only Jamba Juice below 12th Street, making it a popular place among downtowners; it's on the corner of West Broadway and Chambers Street.

Transportation

TriBeCa is serviced by the Franklin Street subway station (1) and the Chambers Street subway station (1,2,3). TriBeCa is also a stone's throw from the Financial District, which houses every subway train short of the 7,B,D, and Q.

Brooklyn

Manhattan

Living in New York | ©2018 Kirsty Henderson