Lower East Side
The Lower East Side (LES) extends from East Houston Street, down to Canal Street, from the Bowery tothe East River. The neighborhood began as a magnet for immigrants, and the influence of these groupsis still a major presence here. The LES includes the largest Chinatown in the country, and a thrivingLatino and orthodox Jewish population. In the last decade, it has attracted a younger crowd, brought inby the cheap rents. These newbie's have transformed the neighborhood into an interesting blend of hipshops and bars with 50-year-old pickle shops. This is a vibrant community of different cultures, withwaves of young people moving in every month.
Housing
The apartments in the area consist of walk-up tenement buildings and co-ops located close to the EastRiver. With lots of new conversions and turnover of old rent-controlled spaces, the Lower East Side hassome of the best bargains in Manhattan.
Restaurants
Despite the rush of new competition, old world favorites like Gertel's Bake Shop on Second Avenue,Guss's Pickles on Essex, and Kossar's Bialy's on Grand are all thriving. Schiller's and WD50 represent thevanguard of hip new eateries flooding the area. And any time you want dim sum, Chinatown is justoutside your door.
Arts/Entertainment
The younger crowd spends its nights at rec' room-themed bars like Welcome to the Johnsons. There's anabundance of theater space in this sprawling neighborhood, making it an ideal host for the annualFringe Festival, a showcase of up-and-coming stage talent. The Garment District on Orchard Street is stillthe place to go for cheap clothes, or you can browse Ludlow Street's boutiques if your taste in duds ismore adventurous. As you would expect from its mixed population, the Lower East Side has a littlesomething for everyone.
Great Outdoors
The Lower East Side has an abundance of open air. East River Park, stretch of greenery along the river,feature bike paths, playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, even an amphitheater with a band shell! Ajaunt across the newly-renovated Williamsburg Bridge footpath makes for a pleasant weekend walk, andthere are numerous playgrounds and tree-lined squares throughout the neighborhood.
Subways
B, D, F, V, J, M, Z, 6
