Introduction
Welcome to the Lower East Side, one of the most vibrant corners of Manhattan. Here you'll find Jewish delis and faux speakeasies, rusty tenements beside glass high-rises, college bros enjoying the bars and elderly Chinese residents playing cards. Scruffier than the glossy East Village nearby, the Lower East Side is filled with hole-in-the-wall dives and modest storefronts hawking surprisingly expensive wares. Stumbling upon them feels like a discovery, until you learn they've been featured in style magazines. Historically an immigrant neighborhood, it has pleasing old-world vestiges, such as shops that sell only pickles or bialys or hats, some in business for over half a century. But due to skyrocketing rents, they're a dying breed. Regardless, it's impossible to deny Lower East Side's only-in-New-York character.
Transportation
The Lower East Side covers a large area of southeastern Manhattan between Chinatown and the East Village. It is roughly bounded by the East River, the Bowery to the west, Houston Street to the north, and Canal Street/East Broadway to the south. It is served by the B/D/F/M and J/D subway lines. Those living near the western edge of the neighborhood can easily walk to the #6 train at Canal Street. The easternmost part of the neighborhood is poorly served by subways, but the M21 and M55 bus lines help connect it. The M9 and M15 go up and downtown. The bike-sharing CitiBike system has been a game-changer for many in this subway-starved area.
Livability
If you're looking to live in a diverse neighborhood with great nightlife, people-watching, shopping and culture, the Lower East Side is an easy sell. Moving here means living where you go out, with a lot of interesting diversions any time of day. There aren't any expansive green spaces, but there are several small neighborhood parks with basketball courts. Hamilton Fish Park has an Olympic-sized pool and playground. Corlears Hook Park, on the East River, has large and small dog runs, and great views of the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges.
