Times Square New York, NY

Originally a commercial area, the Theater District-Times Square neighborhood did not grow into an American cultural center until the late 1800s. After the Metropolitan Opera House moved to the area in 1883, other performing arts institutions began to follow. Restaurants opened nearby to feed the pre-show and post-show crowds, and the neighborhood began to develop a reputation as a performing arts mecca. Many of the district's most popular theaters sprang up in the early 1900s, including the New Victory Theater, which was built by Oscar Hammerstein in 1900. With the introduction of the theaters, the population began to change. By 1920, the Theater District-Times Square neighborhood was overflowing with actors, dancers and performing arts professionals. In 1982, a "Save the Theaters" campaign kicked off efforts to preserve the buildings in the neighborhood, many of which were badly in need of repair. Over the next two decades, the city enacted several policies and zoning regulations designed to preserve and rehabilitate buildings in the area. Many of the world's most famous names have trod the boards in the neighborhood, from Mae West to Ricky Martin.

Most of the culture in the Theater District-Times Square neighborhood centers on theater and music, but a few museums provide entertaining diversions. Visit Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum to see life-sized representations of famous people, or venture down to The Museum at FIT to see exhibits dedicated to fashion and design. Theater lovers, rejoice — more than 40 theaters that host approximately 1,500 performances each year call the neighborhood home. Tourists and locals gather in Times Square each year for events such as Taste of Times Square and the New Year's Eve ball drop.

Restaurants in Theater District-Times Square cater largely to the millions of tourists and theatergoers that throng the streets each year. Most of the eateries in the neighborhood serve mid-priced or budget meals from a variety of cuisines. The majority of restaurants are clustered in the northern corner of the neighborhood between West 51st Street and 8th Avenue. Residents in Theater District-Times Square love the lively Carmine's, a family-style Italian restaurant that is a favorite with Broadway crowds. Make a reservation for after 7:30 p.m. to miss the theater crowd and get an order of the fan-favorite penne alla vodka and shrimp scampi to share. Portions are enormous, so bring your appetite and a few friends. For a more upscale and elegant meal, seek out Tender, an elegant sushi bar and steakhouse on 47th Street. Start with the crispy avocado fries before digging into a Pink Panther roll. Finish your evening with a cocktail and a view at Tender's rooftop bar. If you're looking for a quick and cheap meal after a Broadway show or a night of dancing, locate The Halal Guys food cart for lamb or chicken over rice with white sauce. Try the hot sauce, but proceed carefully - it's not for the faint of heart. The cart moves on a regular schedule and stays open until at least 4:00 a.m., making it a popular choice with the after-bar crowd. Nightlife in Theater District-Times Square has something for every taste. Dance all night on a Friday, enjoy a sophisticated wine bar on Saturday, and relax with a beer in front of the game on Tuesday. Locals and tourists both love Don't Tell Mama, a small cabaret that hosts some of the city's best upcoming talent. Write a song request on a slip of paper, tip the piano player and sit back while a bartender or Broadway hopeful serenades the room. If you want a more low-key vibe, head to Jimmy's Corner for a cheap beer and a chat with the friendly waitresses - join the locals there during the afternoon or on a weeknight to watch a game and check out the memorabilia that covers the walls. Stop in to Maple Restaurant & Lounge late on a weekend evening to enjoy the wild, dance-club vibe and cabin-inspired decor. For live music, check out the PlayStation Theater for a regular lineup of indie and mainstream bands.

With its central Manhattan location, Theater District-Times Square provides numerous transportation options. Most residents opt to walk, ride the bus or use the subway, as parking can be expensive and difficult to find. If you own a car, expect to pay up to $50 per day for parking. Though the neighborhood sits less than two miles from Interstate 495 and the Lincoln Tunnel, city traffic can make driving a chore.

Many Theater District-Times Square residents opt to use the subway. Eight lines pass through the neighborhood, making it easy to reach any spot in the city. Connections to all eight trains are available at the Times Square subway station. Numerous bus lines run in all directions along the neighborhood's main arteries. Hail a cab on the street in minutes — they circle the area at all hours. For a more luxurious option, use Uber to get from one place to another.

If you can avoid the crowds, walking is the best choice in the Theater District-Times Square neighborhood. Sidewalks are wide and plentiful, and each intersection is well organized. Few streets have bike lanes, but brave cyclists ride with the traffic to speed their daily commutes.

The Theater District-Times Square neighborhood does not contain any parks, but residents live within a quick walk or subway ride of fee-free Bryant Park and Central Park. Bryant Park, which borders the neighborhood's southeastern corner, draws residents to its numerous tables and open expanse of grass. On warm days, you can join the hundreds of Manhattanites stretched out on blankets or sitting on one of the park's many chairs.

For many Theater District-Times Square residents, kid-friendly Central Park provides a welcome touch of the great outdoors in the midst of the urban chaos. The park lies just two blocks north of the neighborhood's northern boundary, and its trails, ponds, playgrounds and zoo keep families entertained and busy. Fitness fans in the city love to run the loop around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir during warmer months or ice skate at Wollman Rink in the winter. Parents let their little ones run free in Sheep Meadow after a ride on the Central Park carousel. Bring your pets to the park to enjoy the 23 dog-friendly areas and 15 dog fountains. A different event happens every weekend in Central Park, and each year, the park hosts thousands of runners and spectators during the final miles of the New York Marathon.

Life in the Theater District-Times Square neighborhood doesn't come cheaply. The cost of living in the area hovers at $85,200 per year, higher than the New York City citywide average. Housing costs contribute significantly — apartments in the neighborhood are hot commodities. If you are renting, expect a one-bedroom apartment to run an average of $4,700 per month.

Shopping in the Theater District-Times Square area largely centers on national or worldwide chains such as American Eagle and Forever 21. Many chain stores gather around Times Square and cater to the herds of tourists that pass through each day. For high-end shopping, walk a few blocks over to Fifth Avenue. A few speciality boutiques scattered throughout the neighborhood supply locals with everything from clothing to reading material.

Find your comics and collectibles at the venerated Midtown Comics, a local favorite known for its two floors of mainstream and indie series. Regulars love the store for its friendly staff and well-organized layout. When your wallet needs a break from hefty Manhattan prices, head straight for Lot-Less Closeouts, a discount store that gets high points with locals for its low prices and wide selection. There are bargains to be found on everything from down comforters to cereal. For a true New York experience, visit the tiny One Shubert Alley on 42nd Street for vintage Broadway memorabilia, CDs and show-themed T-shirts.

Numerous small convenience stores provide meal staples and quick snacks. Locals head for Gristede's on 53rd for its meat and produce selections, or to Food Emporium on 8th Avenue for prepared foods and kitchen basics. If you need to do a larger shopping run, visit Whole Foods at Columbus Circle. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, check out the 57th Street Greenmarket at Balsley Park-open from May through December-to pick up local produce, fresh eggs, farmstead cheese, and baked goods.