If you’re planning on living in Chelsea, good on you! Chelsea is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, thanks to its laid-back vibe, friendly populace, and active social scene. Real estate is expensive here, so prepare to open your wallet for the privilege of living here. But if money is not a major concern, there are many great reasons to move to the area.
Culture-Centric Area
From art galleries to bookstores, Chelsea is a culturally vibrant neighborhood that draws people from all over the world to its streets. Once upon a time, Chelsea was home to performance spaces hosting avant-garde art companies and indie book stores. Today, it’s home to some of the most famous art galleries in the world, including the Gladstone, David Zwirner, Sean Kelly, and the Gagosian Galleries. The Chelsea Gallery Map gives you an instant glance of what exhibits are opening and closing.
Fabulous Restaurants
Chelsea is chock full of excellent restaurants featuring cuisine from all over the world. The best part is that there’s something for every pocketbook. Looking for a fabulous brunch after a hectic week at the theater? Cookshop on Tenth Avenue between 19th and 20th Streets serves up some of the tastiest huevos rancheros in the city, with a scintillating Bloody Mary to wash it all down. Looking for a gorgeous sushi place perfect for impressing the hard-to-impress? Japanese restaurant Morimoto fits the bill. Headed by Iron Chef and Nobu alum Masaharu Morimoto, this is the place to enjoy both sushi and kaiseki, specially prepared multi-course Japanese meals. Eat off the chef’s omakase menu for a real treat. On a strict budget? Hit up Los Tacos No.1 in Chelsea Market for some $3 grilled cactus tacos or $4 grilled steak quesadillas.
Laid-Back Scene
If you’re looking for a part of the city that has a laid-back energy, Chelsea is it. Apartments may be on the pricey side, but the vibe is anything but uptight. This makes the area a huge draw for people involved in the arts and other non-corporate pursuits. There’s a great bar on every corner, each one catering to all types of visitors. The Half King Irish bar on 23rd Street draws in writers and creative types, due in no small part to owner/author Sebastian Junger of The Perfect Storm fame. The Bathtub Gin is perfect for those looking for an old-school, speakeasy vibe. Boxers on West 20th Street is an extremely popular gay sports bar.
Free Wifi!
Thanks to a Google initiative, certain parts of Chelsea have free Wifi in the area inside West 19th Street, Gansevoort Street, the High Line, and Eighth Avenue. A move that was started to spur commercial development in Chelsea’s Silicon Alley neighborhood, the program has benefited the people living in Chelsea.
Image Source: Flickr/joevare
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