Chinatown - New York, NY

Chinatown became a center for Chinese immigrants after they were essentially banned from the West Coast. Many of those immigrants came instead to New York City, in search of employment and opportunity. The community was predominantly male until 1965, when immigration laws were loosened. This allowed more families to come to the United States together and thereby increased the female population. It was at this point that the population of Chinatown increased exponentially. The language of business in Chinatown is predominantly Cantonese, although increasing numbers of vendors speak Mandarin. There is a booming tourism trade in Chinatown, with tours operating throughout the district for tourists and residents alike. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, and take a closer look at the Lin Zexu and Confucius statues. Locals also look forward to the annual Lunar New Year Parade and Festival, held on the first day of the Lunar New Year and known internationally for its stunning visual effects.

The restaurants in Chinatown predominantly espouse cuisine from one region of mainland China or another. New Yorkers frequent the area to find authentic Asian dining that ranges from noodles and dumplings to laksa and dim sum.

The Peking Duck House on Mott Street serves a signature dish of Peking Duck with a variety of alternative offerings, from spring rolls to crispy orange beef and filet mignon. The establishment makes a show of it, presenting the duck in front of other diners to add an element of spectacle to the meal.

The Great NY Noodle Town on Bowery offers all manner of dishes at lower prices than its competitors, with dim sum all day long and a happy hour special that the Michelin guide rates highly. Rice, noodle and porridge dishes share space on the extensive menu with dumplings, soups and egg rolls.

Elsewhere in Chinatown, Nom Wah Tea Parlor made its name as one of New York City’s first dim sum houses. Located in the area hardest hit during the bloody and violent Tong gang wars, the location is best known for tasty sweets such as almond cookies and moon cakes.

Nightlife offerings in Chinatown are less plentiful than elsewhere in the city, but a small number of interesting locations are hidden among the streets, such as long-time local favorite 169 Bar, which frequently plays hip jungle and new wave music.

Like all of New York City, Chinatown defines "pedestrian-friendly." You can get just about anywhere on foot, or you can hop one of the two subway stations in Chinatown -- one at Grand Street and one at Canal Street. Buses are also widely available. Take the Manhattan Bridge from Chinatown into Downtown Brooklyn, or ride your bike along the East River Greenway. Speaking of bikes, the area contains plenty of bike lanes.

The hangout spot of choice for locals in good weather, Columbus Park can be found on Mulberry Street. Active visitors may be interested in the basketball court, while children can enjoy the playgrounds and spray showers in summertime. Filled with locals using the location as an opportunity to get together, it is not uncommon to stumble upon locals practicing Tai Chi, playing Chinese chess and Mahjong, sharing a game of cards, or simply strumming instruments and gossiping on a walk around this free park. Though open to all ages, Columbus Park generally attracts an older crowd.

The average income in Chinatown is about 10 percent lower than the city at large, which makes renting a more feasible option than owning a home. One great benefit of living in Chinatown compared to other parts of New York is that the area enjoys a 60 percent lower crime rate than the rest of the city. Because it is in close proximity to the other neighborhoods of New York, many residents work elsewhere in the city while hanging their hats in Chinatown. The cost of living in Chinatown comes in about 20 percent higher than the rest of New York City, in part due to the recent influx of commercialization and the addition of new buildings that cater to more affluent renters. The median rental rate is still currently around 15 percent lower than average.

With a diverse array of retailers, Chinatown's shopping district attracts both tourists and locals in high volume. along Canal, Mulberry, Elizabeth and Mott Streets, shoppers can purchase knock-off items ranging from sunglasses and shoes to perfume and handbags. Wander the evocative side roads next to Canal Street to find all sorts of Chinese goods, from food and spices to household goods. For gifts and souvenirs, head to the Memories of New York Gift Shop on 5th Avenue or Ting's Gift Shop on Doyers. The latter first opened in the 1970s and has been under the same management ever since. It remains packed to the rafters with trinkets, gadgets, souvenirs and toys that would take most of a weekend to browse. The MoMA Design Store on Spring Street is an official Museum of Modern Art shop. This location sells a selection of modern and hip gifts and crafts, along with housewares and art books. Art fans love perusing the shelves and finding new trinkets. Located along Crosby Street, the Housing Works Bookstore is a great place to go to grab a cup of coffee, meet friends and find a good book to read. This quaint store has established itself as a downtown favorite among residents and tourists alike. The shop also hosts special events, including book signings.