List of Manhattan neighborhoods facts for kids
Manhattan is one of the five main areas, called boroughs, that make up New York City. It's a long island, and it's divided into many smaller areas known as neighborhoods. Think of neighborhoods as different communities, each with its own unique feel and history!
These neighborhoods don't have official borders, so sometimes their exact limits can change. They often grow and shift over time because of how people move in and out, and how businesses develop.
To make it easier to understand, Manhattan is usually split into three big parts:
- Upper Manhattan is the area north of 96th Street.
- Midtown Manhattan is the busy center, located between 34th Street and 59th Street.
- Lower Manhattan is the southern part of the island, below 14th Street.
Also, the island is divided into the West Side (west of Fifth Avenue) and the East Side (east of Fifth Avenue).
Contents
Exploring Manhattan's Neighborhoods
Manhattan is packed with diverse neighborhoods, each offering something different. Let's take a tour from north to south!
Uptown Manhattan: North of the City
Uptown Manhattan is known for its beautiful parks, historic homes, and vibrant communities.
Famous Uptown Spots
- Harlem: This famous area is a large part of Uptown Manhattan, stretching from 96th Street up to 155th Street. Harlem is known for its rich history in African-American culture, music, and art. It includes smaller areas like Hamilton Heights and Manhattanville.
- Washington Heights: Located further north, this neighborhood is home to many families and has great views of the Hudson River. It's named after George Washington, who had a fort here during the American Revolution.
- Upper East Side: This area is known for its elegant buildings, fancy shops, and museums. It's located on the east side of Central Park, from 59th to 96th Streets.
- Upper West Side: On the west side of Central Park, from 59th to 110th Streets, you'll find the Upper West Side. It's a lively area with many cultural institutions, like the American Museum of Natural History.
- Morningside Heights: This neighborhood is famous for its many schools and universities, including Columbia University. It's a lively area with a youthful feel.
- East Harlem (also called Spanish Harlem): This neighborhood is known for its strong Latino culture, colorful murals, and delicious food. It's located east of Fifth Avenue, from 96th to 141st Streets.
Midtown Manhattan: The Heart of the City
Midtown is the bustling center of Manhattan, famous for its skyscrapers, theaters, and major landmarks.
Exciting Midtown Areas
- Times Square: This iconic spot is famous for its bright lights, huge billboards, and Broadway shows. It's a must-see for visitors and a major entertainment hub.
- Theater District: Right next to Times Square, this is where you'll find most of New York's famous Broadway theaters.
- Rockefeller Center: A large complex of buildings known for its famous Christmas tree, ice skating rink, and the Top of the Rock observation deck.
- Garment District: This area is the heart of New York's fashion industry, where many clothes are designed and produced.
- Hell's Kitchen: Located on the west side of Midtown, this neighborhood has a lively restaurant scene and a mix of old and new buildings.
- Murray Hill: A more residential area on the east side of Midtown, known for its historic brownstone buildings.
- Flatiron District: Named after the famous Flatiron Building, this area is known for its unique architecture and popular shops.
Lower Manhattan: Where It All Began
Lower Manhattan is the oldest part of the city, filled with history, financial centers, and trendy neighborhoods.
Historic Lower Manhattan Places
- Financial District: This is the southernmost part of Manhattan and home to Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange. It's a global center for finance.
- Greenwich Village: Known for its artistic history, charming streets, and lively nightlife. It was a hub for artists and writers in the past.
- East Village: Once part of Greenwich Village, this area is now known for its unique shops, music venues, and diverse restaurants.
- Lower East Side: This historic neighborhood was once home to many immigrant communities. Today, it's a vibrant area with trendy bars, boutiques, and art galleries.
- Chinatown: One of the oldest and largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. It's famous for its delicious food, bustling markets, and cultural festivals.
- Little Italy: A small but famous neighborhood known for its Italian restaurants and annual Feast of San Gennaro.
- SoHo: Short for "South of Houston Street," SoHo is famous for its cast-iron buildings, art galleries, and upscale shops.
- Tribeca: Short for "Triangle Below Canal Street," Tribeca is a trendy area known for its loft apartments, celebrity residents, and film festival.
- Battery Park City: A modern neighborhood built on land reclaimed from the Hudson River, offering beautiful waterfront parks and views of the Statue of Liberty.
Islands Around Manhattan
Manhattan is an island itself, but there are also smaller islands nearby that are part of the borough or closely connected to it.
- Ellis Island: A historic island that served as the main entry point for immigrants coming to the United States.
- Governors Island: A former military base that is now a public park, offering great views and recreational activities.
- Liberty Island: Home to the iconic Statue of Liberty.
- Randalls and Wards Islands: Two islands that are connected and house parks, sports fields, and various facilities.
- Roosevelt Island: A narrow island in the East River, known for its unique tramway and quiet residential areas.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Barrios de Manhattan para niños
- Neighborhoods in New York City
- List of Bronx neighborhoods
- List of Brooklyn neighborhoods
- List of Queens neighborhoods
- List of Staten Island neighborhoods
- Tin Pan Alley (Location)
