Apartments for rent in SoHo New York
106 apartments for rent
106 apartments for rent
Full Floor SoHo Loft Oversized and quiet one-bedroom loft in prime SoHo with 1.5 bathrooms and three bright exposures! This expansive space has an efficient layout and spans over 76 feet in length! At over 1,100SF, this elegant loft features huge (nearly) floor-to-ceiling picture perfect framed windows, 10'5" high ceiling, rich Brazilian walnut hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, recessed halogen lighting, central AC & heat, direct key-locked elevator entry, and a brand new washer/dryer tucked away neatly in a spacious laundry closet. The living room offers two exposures: South and West, bringing in an abundance of light and downtown skyline views of the World Trade Center. At the rear of the loft, you are welcomed by a generously proportioned and pin drop quiet master suite with Grecian marble bathroom. Closets come already outfitted with Elfa closet systems, furthering the utility this loft offers. The Gila Condominium is a contemporary, boutique building with only four units, giving one discrete exclusivity in the most recognized and desired neighborhood in the world, SoHo. Quick and easy approval process! Available May 15th.
Welcome to the epitome of refined living at 100 Vandam Residences, where timeless elegance seamlessly blends with contemporary luxury. Embrace the serene ambiance from the expansive windows and outdoor balcony of Unit 3D, a luxurious 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence that captures the essence of modern sophistication. Nestled in the heart of West SoHo's vibrant Hudson Square enclave, this modern residential tower offers an unparalleled living experience that caters to every facet of your lifestyle. Key Features: Outdoor Balcony: Step out onto your private outdoor balcony and enjoy the fresh air and tranquility it offers, perfect for outdoor relaxation. Primary Bedroom with Ensuite Bath: The primary bedroom features an ensuite bath with dual sinks and a rain shower, adding a touch of opulence to your daily routine. Ample Closet Space: Enjoy generous closet space in the primary bedroom, providing sufficient storage and organization space for your wardrobe. Spacious Secondary Bedroom with Private Bath: The second bedroom boasts a private bathroom with a bathtub, ensuring comfort and convenience for occupants. Modern Aesthetic: Embrace the sleek and contemporary design of this residential tower, where modern finishes and clean lines create an ambiance of sophistication. Poliform Kitchen: The whitewashed elm kitchen, a masterpiece by Poliform, is a balance of style and functionality. Chic Bleu de Savoie marble countertops complement top-tier Gaggenau and Miele appliances. Bosch Washer-Dryer: Enjoy the convenience of a Bosch washer-dryer, seamlessly integrated into the residence, providing efficiency and ease for your laundry needs. Ample Storage: This unit also includes ample storage space, ensuring that you have room for all your belongings. Amenities: Theater-quality screening room Elegant lounges for relaxation and socializing Recreational room with candy canteen 24-hour attended double-height lobby State-of-the-art fitness center with yoga, Pilates studio, and boxing space Spacious laundry room with ample storage Pet-friendly environment Prime Location: Experience the convenience of city living with the Hudson River Greenway, diverse dining options, and shopping in SoHo, TriBeCa, and Greenwich Village, all within easy reach. Accessible subway lines include the 1/C/E. Schedule Your Tour: Elevate your living experience by scheduling a private tour of this modern masterpiece today. To arrange a tour, please contact our leasing director Colleen. Please note* furnished images are from our model unit with the same layout on a higher floor.
Very spacious 1 bedroom apartment is available for immediate moving in date. Large windows, high ceilings and amazing location! Very well maintained prewar building in the heart of SoHo. Newly renovated kitchen with SS appliance. Large fridge. D/W. Windowed bathroom and great closet space. Queen size bedroom. Live in super. Laundry and Dry-cleaning just 1/2 block away. 3 blocks away from Washington Square Park. 1,A,C,E,B,D,F,M,N,R,6 trains just steps away. Best NYC restaurant and shopping as soon as you step out from your apartment. Don't miss this great opportunity. Call/E-mail to schedule a visit.
2 Bedroom in the heart of SOHO! this apartment has a broker fee Available for June Occupancy Apartment features: - Full/Queen size bedrooms - Washer/Dryer in unit - Heated bathroom floors - Heated towel rack - Glass-enclosed rainfall shower for a complete spa-like retreat - Living room that accommodates a couch, table, and entertainment stand. - Central AC in the bedroom and the living room. Separate thermostats. - The kitchens are chic yet functional. A clean, modern aesthetic is achieved with handcrafted cabinetry, Caesar stone countertops, and a dishwasher. - State of the art Video Intercom with additional features Located in Manhattan's most desirable neighborhood, 137 Thompson offers everything you might want in a Soho apartment! From its modern, luxurious interior to its classic, charming pre-war exterior, the building is in walking distance from all the neighborhood's popular restaurants, trendy boutique stores, and contemporary art galleries. 137 Thompson is situated on a quaint tree-lined street in the heart of Soho, offering a vibrant downtown living experience with a cozy relaxing vibe.
Welcome to 147 Grand St! Just three flights up to this perfectly laid out 3 bedroom with modern renovations. *Available June 1st* Apartment Features: -Ample Sunlight -Spacious Bedrooms -Open Kitchen to Living and Dining -Kitchen equipped with tons of storage and Stainless Steel Appliances -Dishwasher -Washer/Dryer in unit -Exposed Brick Building Features: -Voice Intercom system -Local Superintendent Neighborhood Features: SoHo, short for South of Houston Street, is a captivating neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan known for its artistic flair, historic cast-iron architecture, and upscale shopping. It's a vibrant hub where cobblestone streets lead to a treasure trove of boutiques, art galleries, and renowned dining establishments. SoHo seamlessly blends its rich artistic heritage with a modern, cosmopolitan vibe, making it a sought-after destination for those who appreciate the intersection of creativity and luxury. From its iconic loft buildings to its bustling streets, SoHo offers a unique blend of culture, style, and sophistication that captivates residents and visitors alike Convenient access to public transportation makes traversing the city a breeze, allowing you to seamlessly navigate to other iconic neighborhoods and attractions within New York City.
Experience true luxury living in this expansive 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom loft at 496 Broadway, residence 3, located in the heart of Soho. This authentic full-floor residence boasts modern finishes and a unique blend of elegance and comfort. Spanning 1450 sqft, the loft features soaring 11' ceilings, dramatic arched windows, a charming brick wall, and reclaimed wood floors. The well-appointed kitchen, perfect for entertaining, showcases an impressive marble island, custom white cabinetry, and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a washer dryer. The adjoining massive dining area creates an inviting space for gatherings. The guest bathroom, complete with a large glass-enclosed shower, is conveniently situated across from a spacious walk-in closet and additional storage space. The Primary Bedroom suite is a haven of tranquility, offering a wall of windows, a spa-like master bath with a freestanding soaking tub, a large glass-enclosed shower, double vanity, walk-in closet, and a generous dressing room. The Secondary Bedroom features serene views and ample closet space, providing a comfortable retreat. Nestled in the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, The Apiary Lofts offer a prime location, close to the finest dining, entertainment, shopping, and public transportation options. Don't miss the opportunity to make this luxurious loft your new home.
Renovated Studio Located on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of Soho, this 6-story stunner offers the perks of new construction without losing any of its pre-war charm. Recent renovations include a common rooftop terrace, new elevator, and fitness and laundry rooms. There is a virtual doorman to assist with deliveries. Apartment Features: Chef-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances Charming exposed brick wall Large living space High ceilings and large windows Spa-style bathroom with chrome finishes Premium wide-plank hardwood floors Recessed lighting Central A/C Building Features: On-Site Superintendent Package RoomVirtual Doorman Laundry Facilities On-Site Fitness CenterShared and furnished roof deck Charming and quiet residential block Centrally located to all of Soho's best dining and shopping Sleek, tastefully designed hallways.
Renovated 2 Bedroom *Photos are representative of layout and renovations. Please request video for exact apartment details* Located on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of Soho, this 6-story stunner offers the perks of new construction without losing any of its pre-war charm. Recent renovations include a common rooftop terrace, new elevator, and fitness and laundry rooms. There is a virtual doorman to assist with deliveries. Apartment Features: Chef-style kitchen with stainless steel appliances Charming exposed brick wall Large living space High ceilings and large windows Spa-style bathroom with chrome finishes Premium wide-plank hardwood floors Recessed lighting Central A/C Building Features: On-Site Superintendent Package RoomVirtual Doorman Laundry Facilities On-Site Fitness CenterShared and furnished roof deck Charming and quiet residential block Centrally located to all of Soho's best dining and shopping Sleek, tastefully designed hallways.
There's more to life at 121 34th St than first impressions. What meets the eye is a boutique building that stands out from the rest with its polished, yet classic exterior. A soaring ceiling and ultramodern chandelier welcome visitors to your secure lobby. The 6-story building features a Mircom mobile entry system, indoor parking indoor parking (1 car for $150/mo, 2 tandem car parking for $225/mo) and metered electric car charging, bike racks, secured package room, and fitness center. The kitchen is where the heart of your home is. Finished with quartz countertops and equipped with state-of-the art General Electric stainless steel appliances, ample soft-close cabinetry, and recessed lighting, every kitchen is a chef's dream. Our oversized bedrooms offer huge closets to hold your laundry, fresh from the full-sized washer/dryer in each unit. Expansive views of the city are available on higher floors, and every home benefits from thoughtfully chosen construction materials to assure privacy and comfort. All units boast grand scale Pella windows with custom solar shades, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and gorgeous LED light fixtures, including illuminated mirrors in the luxury baths. You will love coming home to spacious, well-lit hallways, wide-plank vinyl floors, and your beloved pets (allowed with a few restrictions). Offering a bus to Manhattan every three minutes, Union City is a hop to Madison Square Garden (22 minutes), a skip to Chelsea Market (30 minutes), and jump to the New York Stock Exchange (40 minutes). Easily access all major highways north, south, and west, as well as bus and ferry service, LightRail, Lincoln Tunnel, and George Washington Bridge. Surrounded by an extensive transportation, business and commercial hub, you'll be steeped in a unique urban experience as a Union City resident.
NO BROKER FEE and PARKING INCLUDED! Flora... located smack in the middle of the main street of the "Center City Core" district and the heart of Union City...the neighborhood is its best amenity. 11 minutes to Mid-town Manhattan. Condo-quality construction and finishes throughout the entire building. Looking for that extra room for your home office? All 32 residences feature spacious open layouts with 2 bed/2 baths. Sleek European-inspired 42" cabinetry and quartz counters. Top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances. Luxuriously appointed baths with floating vanities. In-unit washer/dryers. Window treatment included. Generous walk-in closets with built-in wardrobes. Upgraded sound-proofing, Fitness room, etc. No Amenity Fee! No Broker fee with 18 Month Lease. 1 Outdoor assigned parking space included.
NO BROKER FEE!! NO AMENITY FEE! Located only 150 ft west of Park Ave, Weehawken, which offers under 25 minutes transit to NYC and is known as "restaurant row". Steel and concrete construction adds to sound proofing and energy efficiency. Building features include Swiftlane Entry System, package delivery rooms, indoor parking garage, bike racks, fitness center, and common outdoor sundeck. Residences offer spacious open floor plans, European cabinetry, Stainless Steel appliances, over-sized bedrooms, walk-in closets, in unit washer/dryer and much more. Tenants responsible for all utilities including water & sewer. $125 compact car parking, $200 SUV parking. Renter's Insurance Required. Pet Friendly. *Photos are a sampling from a model unit within the building. *Prices change on weekly basis depending on availability.
**No BROKER FEE **Offstreet Parking INCLUDED Beautiful Fully Renovated 2 Bedroom/ 2 FULL Bathroom Condo in the private gated St. Michaels Walk Community. Located just behind the iconic St. Michaels Cathedral, the condo features: - Cherry Wood Floors THROUGHOUT the unit. - Newly installed recessed lighting throughout family room and kitchen area - Beautiful OPEN Kitchen with Granite Counter-tops and Stainless Steel Appliances - 2 Full bathrooms - Washer and Dryer In-Unit - AIR CONDITIONING - CORNER UNIT filled with NATURAL LIGHT - bay windows upstairs and downstairs! - Private Gated Community with One Assigned Parking Spot INCLUDED in rent and one flex spot available to you or a guest. - Master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet - Beautiful park-like community with brick walkways and BBQ picnic area within the gates! - Less than 1 Mile from the Lincoln Tunnel, and a short ride from Holland Tunnel - Just minutes from Hoboken! - Close to Restaurants, Parks, Schools, Public Transportation. Bus to NYC on the corner! NO BROKER FEE! **NOTE** - Condo is UNFURNISHED - no furniture shown in pictures will be in condo on move - in date.
Incredible opportunity! Completely renovated 3-bedroom apartment with laundry included. Located in a central area of Union City, with easy access to transportation, markets, parks, churches, and more. Everything you need at your fingertips! Don't waste time, schedule your appointment today! If you're seeing this ad, it's still available! Increible oportunidad! Apartamento de 3 dormitorios completamente renovado, con lavanderia incluida. Ubicado en una zona centrica de Union City, con facil acceso a transporte, mercados, parques, iglesias y mas. Todo lo que necesitas al alcance de tu mano! No pierdas tiempo, agenda tu cita hoy mismo! Si estas viendo este anuncio, todavia esta disponible!
Retreat from the ordinary and find your center. Jog along the waterfront. Meet friends for coffee. Zip into the city for a meeting. Retreat home and exhale. In the calm environs of RiverHouse 9, you're free to pause, reset, and reinvigorate yourself for everything that awaits you outside.
Welcome to luxury on the edge of the Hudson River. Here, a lifestyle that befits the city that never sleeps is waiting. A place to engage with your surroundings, explore, and truly connect with the city. It is RiverHouse 11 at Port Imperial. RiverHouse 11 believes in superior design, with every brick, pane of glass, and plank of wood. It makes life seem effortless, with the proper flow to every space, as well as elegant finishes at every turn. RiverHouse 11 is a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing home with spacious, well-placed features, in an enviable location.
Vivian
Welcome Home to Harbor 1500 Welcome to Harbor 1500. A brand new collection of luxury apartments designed to deliver a waterfront lifestyle experience like no other. This modern collection of studio, one and two bedroom homes boasts spacious light-filled living, a wealth of unique resident amenities and an unparalleled view of the New York City skyline that will quite literally take your breath away. We invite you to be inspired. We LOVE your dogs! No breed or weight restrictions.
Welcome Home to Hamilton Cove Set in Weehawken's premier destination on the water, Hamilton Cove connects you to the best of region with ease, from NYC thrills to Hoboken charm where everything is right within your reach. Sleek and curated resort-style amenities create a sophisticated retreat at Hamilton Cove. Enjoy luxury, spacious interiors, and find a respite from the bustle of life with a suite of unparalleled community offerings. Offering 12, 14, 18 and 26 month lease terms. We love your dogs! No Breed or Weight Restrictions!
The Cliffs offers apartments that are both classy and sophisticated to match your lifestyle. Select the perfect studio apartment or one- or two-bedroom home from our spacious floor plans that start at 1117 square feet and go up to 1522 square feet. Find modern features and amenities like oversized windows, granite countertops, exposed brick walls, wide plank flooring, and more in your new home. Find the perfect blend of comfort and grandeur here, especially with the many community amenities you will instantly gain access to, such as the 24-hour fitness center, outdoor grilling stations and picnic area, and on-site parking. *Interested in purchasing? Ask us about available homes for sale.
This new 50-unit luxury rental residence is ready to exceed all your expectations. Its efficient, contemporary design emphasizes quality craftsmanship and comfort. Located in McGinley Square, a lively micro-neighborhood within Journal Square that's affectionately known as the "heart" of Jersey City, 99 Storms represents your modern lifestyle. The mix of studio, one and two-bedroom units ranging from 400 to 1,035 square feet are intelligently constructed with today's most-wanted elements.
Situated in a residential neighborhood near the heart of Jersey City's commercial and shopping area, The Apartments at 85 Van Reypen Street are located in one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the city. Featuring spacious, sun-lit apartments with thick walls, hardwood floors, new windows, a courtyard entrance and with heat and hot water included, our apartments offer an architecturally diverse urban living experience. Located close to Journal Square and other public transportation, our apartments are also in close proximity to Routes 280, 1 & 9, 440, 78 and the New Jersey Turnpike. If city living is what you desire, then The Apartments at 85 Van Reypen Street is the community for you. *Advertised photos may not be of actual unit available, please contact for more details. * Photos presented may not be of the available unit! Please reach out to leasing staff for unit pictures!
Imagine a new standard in Jersey City living; one where residential skyscrapers and run-of-the-mill style is left behind. Where a truly eclectic blend of modern design meets unparalleled convenience in a quaint tree-lined cove set apart from the crowds and the bustle. Welcome to Lenox, Paulus Hook. Welcome to extraordinary. Now leasing.
Overlook Flats is Journal Square's newest luxury rental property. Overlook Flats offers spacious home layouts with crafted, high-end finishes, along with an unparalleled amenity package including rooftop pool with Manhattan views, state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga studio and virtual training, along with co-working, resident lounge and game room, among many others. Overlook Flats is a resort-style living experience in close proximity to many transportation options. Arrange your visit today to be among the first to experience unsurpassed living.
Wavecrest Gardens is a beautifully landscaped, gated community, adjacent to Rockaway Beach. Featuring blossoming greenery and waterfront breezes, the community offers everyday conveniences including on-site laundry facilities, a fitness center, and on-site parking. Find yourself near multiple transit options, and a quick 45-minute commute to Manhattan on the A train. Sunlit apartments feature renovated kitchens, spacious layouts, and a range of floorplan options. Come see why life is better at the beach in Far Rockaway.
A new architectural masterpiece now dazzles the shores of the Rockaways with the addition of THE TIDES at Arverne By The Sea. Spectacular beachfront, affordable & luxurious apartments, offering modern open living spaces and high-end finishes. Amenities will include a roof deck with pool and lounge, indoor and outdoor dining experiences, private parking available for a fee, bike storage and more.
60 Wharf Drive, a 40-story luxury residential rental tower, is the newest addition to West Wharf, New York City's premier waterfront destination at the crossroads of Brooklyn's historic Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods. Our elegant new glass and steel tower pairs a vibrant mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury rental residences, many of which include private balconies, with an unmatched variety of health and wellness, play, and work-from-home amenities designed to inspire and enrich your lifestyle. 60 Wharf Drive living is defined by spacious apartment layouts, elegant finishes, and well-crafted finishes. Each pet-friendly residence offers keyless entry for seamless home and amenity access, 9'-0" ceilings (14'-0" ceilings in select residences), floor-to-ceiling windows for immersive views and daylight filled rooms, high-performance individual HVAC climate control for year-round comfort, wide-plank blonde oak hardwood floors, custom kitchen islands with bar-stool seating (select residences), luxury fixtures, gas cooktops, design-forward stainless-steel appliances, deep soaking tubs, rain shower heads, frameless glass shower screens and primary bedroom walk-in closets (select residences). Indulge in Harbor House, West Wharf's membership offering of more than 100,000 sf of spectacular luxury amenities accented by stunning skyline views. Highlights of Harbor House's indoor amenity offerings include: a swimming pool and children's walk-in wading pool with East River views; a fitness center with state-of-the-art workout equipment and climbing wall; a yoga studio; a full basketball court with practice half-court hoops; (2) PGA golf simulators; a bowling alley; a children's playroom; a spa including hammam and salt rooms, saunas, steam rooms, hot tub, treatment rooms, experience shower and more; a wood-paneled billiards room and lounge; dog-grooming stations; a podcast recording / music room; a teen game room; (2) screening rooms with an adjoining lounge; a demonstration kitchen; a reservable party room with catering kitchen; and a co-working hub with collaboration spaces, private conference rooms, and breakout areas. Highlights of Harbor House's outdoor amenity offerings include: a rooftop swimming pool with sunset lounge and bar; a landscaped outdoor children's play area with water feature; a terrace wellness lounge; barbecue grills, a stunning waterfront esplanade park with seating and modern picnic tables; ample outdoor green areas for jogging, relaxing, and enjoying breathtaking Manhattan skyline views; and Wharf Plaza, a tree-lined plaza with seating. Additional building conveniences include: a 24/7 Concierge; an on-site building management and maintenance team; storage rooms for lease; complimentary bicycle storage; staffed package room; valet; a state-of-the art laundry room with lounge seating; multiple oversized elevator cabs; Wharf Drive, a private drive for lobby drop-off by car; an in-building parking garage with charging stations; a dedicated loading dock and elevator for ease of move-in; and a complimentary flat TV and picture hanging move-in service. Located at the crossroads of Brooklyn's historic Greenpoint and Williamsburg neighborhoods, West Wharf thrives on a vibrant mix of local green and waterfront parks, shops, galleries, and restaurants ready to explore. West Wharf is accessible by the G and L subway lines; B24, B32 and B43 bus routes; and the NY Ferry (Greenpoint and North Williamsburg stops).
SPECTACULAR WATER, PLAZA AND CITY VIEWS. A VARIETY OF FLOOR PLANS WITH ROOM FOR EVERYONE. Waterside is a waterfront community which sits on a two-acre landscaped plaza with spectacular river and city views. Year-round activities take place on the plaza and in our newly opened Lewis Davis Pavilion, where residents can relax, study or work with complimentary Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a children's playground with splash fountains and a brand new, three-level health club with a 7-lane indoor heated pool, two training floors, cardio center, live class studio, locker rooms with saunas and an outdoor sundeck. And finally, our on-site retail spaces; a Gristede's grocery store, a dry cleaner, and nail salon and spa.
The Vanguard sits in the heart of The Shipyard, Hoboken's most coveted neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities at The Shipyard, including a fabulous waterfront park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, rooftop pools, sun decks, children's play areas and much more.
The South Independence sits in the heart of The Shipyard, Hoboken's most coveted neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities at The Shipyard, including a fabulous waterfront park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two rooftop pools, sun decks, children's play areas and much more.
The North Independence sits in the heart of The Shipyard, Hoboken's most coveted neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities at The Shipyard, including a fabulous waterfront park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two rooftop pools, sun decks, children's play areas and much more.
The Berkshire sits in the heart of The Shipyard, Hoboken's most coveted neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities at The Shipyard, including a fabulous waterfront park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two rooftop pools, sundecks, children's play areas and much more. As the newest addition to The Shipyard community, The Berkshire is truly "GREEN", receiving a LEED Gold certification.
The North Constitution sits in the heart of The Shipyard, Hoboken's most coveted neighborhood, with breathtaking views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor and the Manhattan skyline. Residents have access to an impressive array of amenities at The Shipyard, including a fabulous waterfront park, a state-of-the-art fitness center, two rooftop pools, sun decks, children's play areas and much more.
The median SoHo, New York, NY rent is $8,250 which is above the national median rent of $1,469. In addition to the rent cost, you need to also account for costs of basic utilities consisting of water, garbage, electric and natural gas. Check with your local SoHo utilities for estimates.
There are currently 106 apartments for rent on the Zillow platform in SoHo, which fluctuated -13.16% over the past 30-days.
HotPads amenity filters and keyword searches allow you to target exactly what you're looking for in the SoHo, New York, NY area. We surface the largest marketplace of apartment rentals to search through, so you can feel confident you'll find the best available rental in SoHo. When new apartment listings come on-market, our recommended searches will notify you in real-time, giving you an advantage to contact landlords and property managers as fast as possible.
Welcome to SoHo, the neighborhood justsouth of Houston Street in Lower Manhattan. SoHo has a split personality. In the morning, when the sun slants on Belgian-block streets and charming storefronts yawn open, it feels a bit like Europe. As if in a photo shoot, stylish locals casually emerge from cast-iron buildings to grab coffee. Bikes flow down Prince Street and buttery aromas waft from French bakeries. But by midday, SoHo's narrow sidewalks are so clogged with bodies - tourists, shoppers, workers and street vendors - that it instead resembles Times Square. The art studio scene of the 1970s is pretty much gone, though a handful of artists remain by the grace of rent control. In its place are globe-trotting socialites, expensive cocktails, and Bloomingdales. Whatever the hour, there's one commonality: SoHo is a place to be.
SoHo is roughly bounded by Canal Street to the south, West Houston Street to the north, Lafayette Street to the east, and the Hudson River to the west. It's a convenient and connected location, with lots of subway options: the N/R, B/D/F/M, C/E, 1 and 6 trains. The M21 bus goes across town on Houston Street and the M5 goes down Broadway and up Sixth Avenue. There are also plenty of bike-sharing stations courtesy of CitiBike.
SoHo doesn't have many parks, but the scruffy Vesuvio Playground on Thompson Street between Spring and Prince Streets is very popular, offering basketball courts, a small pool and a playground. Leafier green spaces are just outside the neighborhood. A few blocks north in Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park, with a recently-refurbished playground and dog run. To the west, Hudson River Park has those and other amenities, including sunny lawns, an island-long bike path, and a sports fields on Pier 40 at the end of Houston Street.
This isn't the best neighborhood for families. Though it's relatively quiet at night, daytime crowds verge on unpleasant. Given its narrow, clogged sidewalks, it's not a fun place to push a stroller. There are a few kid-friendly places, such as the Scholastic Store and Citababes indoor gym, but families would likely prefer more low-key areas like the West Village or Tribeca.
SoHo is primarily a shopping district. The main streets are Prince, Spring, Broadway and West Broadway, all filled with major chain stores such as Apple, Bloomingdales, Uniqlo, Prada and Gap. The cobbled back streets have fashionable boutiques and quirky specialty stores, including local favorites like the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe and Opening Ceremony. Modern home and furniture design stores abound, useful for filling the airy lofts above. Alessi, Design Within Reach, Ochre, Dwell Studio and Jonathan Adler sit within a few blocks of each other. Mixed among the storefronts are plenty of fine food and drink stops for the harried shopper, ranging from the enduringly stylish Balthazar to old-school pub Fanelli's.
Though SoHo is no longer the arts hub it was in the 1960s and 1970s, a few remnants remain. You can get a sense of the old neighborhood at Donald Judd's loft and studio on Spring Street, which has been preserved and recently opened to visitors. The nonprofit Drawing Center perseveres on Wooster Street, offering exhibitions and school programs. Galleries like the Artists Space, Team and Spencer Brownstone keep the neighborhood current.
The area that's now SoHo was mostly hilly farmland until the late 1700s. A Native American trail that ran the length of Manhattan passed through it, later becoming Broadway. Some of the land was owned by former slaves freed by the Dutch West India Company, making it the first free African-American settlement on Manhattan island.
The hills were eventually leveled and the soil used to fill in the polluted canal and marshland to the south of the area. Once it became suitable for development, the area was quickly built up, lined with red-brick Federal townhouses for the wealthy. In the mid-19th century, the neighborhood transitioned from a residential tract to a commercial and entertainment district. Broadway was lined with stores, hotels, theaters and music halls, while the cobbled side streets became a red-light district. Between 1860 and 1865, the neighborhood's population dropped by 25%, due to its increasingly sordid character and an influx of manufacturing businesses. Old buildings were demolished and replaced with factories and warehouses constructed with cast iron, and SoHo became a center for the textile and dry-goods industries. As the city pushed northward at the turn of the 20th century, major businesses moved out of SoHo and were replaced by smaller, less-fashionable ones. The beautiful cast-iron buildings sat largely forgotten until the 1960s, when artists moved in and used the large lofts as studios. The artists were able to get the warehouse zoning laws modified in a way that allowed both them and the remaining industry to use the buildings, and the area became a hive of contemporary art. A large part of the neighborhood between West Broadway and Crosby was designated the SoHo-Cast Iron historic district in 1973. This revitalization spurred growth, which drew high-end boutiques and priced out artists.