The latest AAP NYC blog post is by Ruoxi (Lydia) Li, a student from the first M.S. AUD cohort, for a one-year post-professional program in New York City. In this article, Lydia interviews students living in different neighborhoods about their experiences. The following exploration offers a kaleidoscope of perspectives and advice for other students keen on navigating the city’s diverse landscapes.
Our city is a puzzle of distinctive fragments pieced together: every borough, neighborhood, and state has its own tale to tell. To bring these stories to life, I invited several students from various corners of the city to share a portrait of their neighborhood. Through their stories, we have the chance to encounter a wide range of lifestyles, distinct cultures, and fun facts about their neighborhood. Join us as we embark on a journey through the city, seen through the eyes of its young residents, to gain a better understanding of our shared environment.
Manhattan
Financial District (also known as FiDi)
AAP NYC students should know this part of the city quite well; it’s where we find ourselves almost every day at our studio. Aside from the easy commute to Fulton Street, the Financial District stands out as one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. This makes any late-night walks back home a viable option (though one’s not encouraged to).
It is no news to us that the Financial District is considered a busy neighborhood. However, this makes living on the southern tip of Manhattan a bit frustrating. Most restaurants and shops are used to catering to the business crowd. Therefore the influx of commuters during weekdays often leads to overcrowding. The absence of commuters leads to closed doors during weekends.
Hell’s Kitchen is a neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. It got its name from its notorious reputation for crime and gangster activities in the late 19th century. It has transformed into an eclectic art community, thanks to its close proximity to Broadway theaters.
The essence of this neighborhood is lively. However, unlike the constant crowds on Seventh Avenue or the ebbs and flows of commuters in the Financial District, Ninth Avenue offers a vibrant but cozier atmosphere: sidewalk seating slows the pedestrians down, allowing people to engage with each other while staying away from the hustle and bustle.
Brooklyn
The two iconic bridges connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan bring not only convenience but also visual appeal to one’s daily commute. Many would associate Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Bridge view from DUMBO, great pubs in Williamsburg, or the famous Barclays Center. If you love the artsy and relaxing atmosphere, then living in Downtown Brooklyn will be a perfect choice. Plus, it’s nice to take the East River and South Brooklyn ferry from Pier 11 and enjoy the short trip on the river.
Something you also shouldn’t miss in this area is the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory just outside Brooklyn Bridge Park. After a four-month winter break, the Brooklyn Flea Market in DUMBO is making its return in April 2024, which is a great chance to meet local artists. One drawback of living in this neighborhood would be the longer commute to Midtown and Upper Manhattan.
Queens
Also along the East River, just above Brooklyn is Long Island City, Queens. Long Island City used to be an industrial zone of New York City and has transformed into one of the most popular neighborhoods over the past decades. Its proximity to Manhattan and its lower rent has attracted a lot of young residents and artists to live there. It is the home to cultural institutions like MoMa PS1 and the Noguchi Museum.
Another plus about living in this neighborhood is that a lot of students from other academic institutions, such as Columbia and NYU, also live here. The advanced public transportation allows people to commute from LIC to major parts of the city within thirty minutes.
However, if you are not a dog person, you might want to reconsider. Occasionally, dog owners tend to walk their dogs together, which might be overwhelming for some.
Woodside
Heading a bit further into Queens, you’ll find the Woodside neighborhood. It shares a similar industrial feeling with Long Island City but with more housing at an affordable price and a variety of grocery shopping options from various cultures. If you are into Asian food, then this place is where you want to visit: the very first H Mart in the United States was opened in Woodside in 1982!
Living in Woodside comes with its advantages and drawbacks. The presence of Northern Boulevard and LaGuardia Airport nearby means it’s quite noisy on a daily basis, with the trains rattling and the airplanes taking off. Plus, getting from Woodside to other parts of the city tends to take longer compared to other neighborhoods.
New Jersey
Jersey City
People often joke that those people who work in New York City but live in Jersey City are just New Yorkers who have “done the math” and research. As someone who has lived in that neighborhood for quite some time, I can say there’s some truth to that.
Thanks to the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation) trains and bridges spanning the Hudson, commuting from Jersey City to Manhattan’s midtown and downtown areas is approximately twenty minutes. However, the energies are distinct between these two places. Jersey City offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe with an abundance of public open spaces that you can enjoy without the constant buzz of the city.
Though one might love Jersey City’s intimate atmosphere, it doesn’t have as much nightlife and recreation as New York City. One can substitute being in the heart of any downtown chaos with restful walks along the riverside. The dazzling skyline of west Manhattan is the perfect background for serious study.
Conclusion
As we draw the curtains on our exploration of New York City’s neighborhoods, from Manhattan’s bustling streets to Jersey City’s tranquil waterfront, the invitation is extended to you: venture beyond this post and immerse yourself in the city’s generous urban settings!
