SoHo - New York, NY

SoHo – short for South of Houston – was a quiet neighborhood until the mid-19th century when houses were replaced with cast-iron buildings suited for commercial establishments and theaters, transforming the area into a lively entertainment district. By the end of the Civil War, manufacturers filled the neighborhood, and they remained until the mid-1960s when area manufacturing declined, and artists moved in. In the mid-1990s, the art galleries began to move to Chelsea, and the area became home to an eclectic mix of boutiques, chain stores, and street vendors.

Decades of transformation left SoHo with a thriving, unique art scene. The area houses small galleries, such as the Drawing Center, and several museums. It’s also home to the Raindance NYC film festival, which begins at the end of September each year.

Scattered throughout the SoHo streets, Italian, French, Asian Fusion, and Mediterranean restaurants attract foodies from all over the city. Locals enjoy everything from food stands and cafes to seafood and traditional American fare.

Balthazar, a popular French bistro on Crosby Street, combines a glamorous Hollywood feel with chic décor reminiscent of 1920s France to create a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Residents rave about Balthazar’s Sunday brunch menu, which includes sour cream hazelnut waffles topped with a generous selection of fresh berries, as well as steak frites served with a buttery béarnaise sauce and “hangover drinks” designed for guests recuperating from Saturday night festivities.

Also known for its brunch menu, Jack’s Wife Freda serves warm, toasted baguettes topped with melted butter and fresh cantaloupe juice, and rosewater waffles topped with Lebanese yogurt, honey syrup, and mixed berries.

In addition to its gourmet food, SoHo has a lively array of nightlife options. Residents in search of a sophisticated night out enjoy swanky cocktail bars and upscale atmospheres, while others prepared for a laid-back evening can find dive bars and pubs, complete with draft beer and pool tables.

Many locals avoid driving through SoHo because of the heavy traffic and narrow streets. If you do decide to drive, buckle up and be prepared to face the traffic. Keep in mind that parking comes at a cost! Drivers should be prepared to pay between $20-$70 daily during the work week.

Many locals opt for uber or public transportation, via one of the many subway lines running through the area. Others take the M5 or M20 bus to get uptown or downtown and the M21 bus to get crosstown. Thankfully for SoHo locals, the city’s pedestrian-friendly sidewalks make it easy for residents to commute on foot. In fact, walking through the city often takes less time than waiting for a cab.

While SoHo’s central Manhattan location doesn’t boast the same sprawling greenspace as other areas, residents enjoy quaint parks tucked away in the city. Rest your feet after a day of shopping at Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino Park. The small green area located at Lafayette and Kenmare Streets has plenty of benches perfect for people-watching.

Desalvio Playground and Sara Delano Roosevelt Park feature kid-friendly playgrounds and spray-shower play areas. The larger of the two, Sara Delano Roosevelt Park features basketball, handball and volleyball courts as well as a soccer field, making it a good option for those who love sports and outdoor exercise.

There aren’t any designated dog parks in SoHo. However, for a small annual fee Mercer/Houston Dog Run provides an off-leash area for dogs who need exercise.

Renters living in SoHo pay an average of $5,682/month to rent an apartment, compared to the New York City average of $3,675. City dwellers exploring houses for rent in SoHo can expect to pay between $2,500-$10,000/month. For those looking to buy, the average house is valued at $3.7 million, compared to the state average of $405,327.

SoHo houses an amazing shopping scene. Chain stores such as J. Crew and American Eagle line Broadway, while Broome and Spring Streets house designer shops such as Prada, Nanette Lepore, and Chanel.

Visit Housing Works Bookstore Cafe to escape the busy SoHo streets. The charming, unassuming bookstore has large reading tables on the first floor, small tables for studying upstairs and a cafe that serves baked goods from Balthazar. All the books have been donated, and all the store's proceeds benefit people with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe also hosts several weekly events, including book clubs and readings from authors and poets.

Several specialty grocery stores and delis serve SoHo, including the Japanese-inspired Sunrise Mart, resident favorite Gourmet Garage on Broome Street, and Dean & DeLuca on Broadway. Meanwhile, nearby Tribeca offers several farmers' markets, such as the Tribeca Saturday Greenmarket, which is open year-round.