Begin to explore the history and culture of one of the most fashion-forward districts of New York City. What started as a pioneering neighborhood of avant-guard artists, SoHo has flourished into arguably the most expensive neighborhood in Manhattan. From the latest luxury apartment developments to the scores of high-end fashion storefronts, SoHo’s neighborhood is a dynamic and bustling area sure to keep you on your toes.

SoHo Neighborhood’s History

The now high fashion SoHo neighborhood has undergone multiple transformations throughout the years. From its origin as a quaint suburban community to Manhattan’s first red light district, and finally its current commercial hub, this neighborhood has seen its fair shares of ups and downs. Yet, one can still find pockets of its rich history hidden among modern billboards and renovated high rises. Take the iconic cobblestone streets, for example, a relic of the industrial beginnings of SoHo’s neighborhood. In fact, the famous lofts and cast-iron building, first established during the industrial revolution, are protected by the NYC’s Landmark Preservation Commission as historic artifacts of the SoHo’s history.

South of Houston

SoHo apartments are found in the slice of downtown Manhattan from South of Houston Street and encompassing everything north of Canal between Broadway and Crosby. And while this downtown hub may be one of the commercial capitals of Manhattan, many residents of these SoHo apartments opt to work in various other places around the city. With the close vicinity of eight different train lines, this neighborhood is a short ride from Midtown and Uptown alike.

A Verbal Look Book:

There are a few staples to expect when walking down an avenue in SoHo’s neighborhood. When you leave your SoHo apartment, you may encounter a social media influencer having an impromptu photo shoot in the middle of the street. Chances are you’ll bump into an incognito celebrity doing their grocery shopping. But aside from the premium retail shops and crowds of tourists, SoHo apartments, in all their pre-war beauty, are a huge attraction. Their vibrant colors and elaborate facades only add to the charm and charisma that’s been attracting artists and free thinkers since the 1960’s. SoHo has successfully blended the aesthetic of old world Europe while making way for a new incarnation of American style and culture.

So, Now What Do I Do?

When you leave your SoHo apartment, take a ride downtown to experience the bustling neighborhood. You’ll be hard-pressed to avoid Broadway Avenue, the main hub for retail spaces and high-end boutiques. But should you venture away from the main avenues you’ll find the beautiful side streets of SoHo’s neighborhood have much more to offer. Explore galleries like the famous New York Earth Room, or the Broken Kilometer and then get a quick bite one of SoHo’s classic French bakeries Maman. Perhaps try your hand at tennis at Hudson River Park Tennis Courts, or tour the beautiful Petrosino Square. Once you’ve experienced the loud neighborhood centers and the quiet corners of SoHo you’ll never want to leave.