Neighborhood Boundaries: 14th Street to the south (start of Union Square); 26th Street to the north (end of Flatiron); 6th Ave to the west; Lexington Ave to the east

Subways: 4, 5, 6, N, R, and Q

Architecture: Cast iron lofts, classic pre-war skyscrapers, and increasingly, new construction buildings

What I Like Most About It: The Union Square/Flatiron District isn’t just my favorite “jumping off” point for many other downtown neighborhoods (i.e. the East Village, Greenwich Village, West Village, Chelsea). It’s a fabulous place in and of itself to hang out in. You can take something to go from the numerous food trucks along Union Square or Fifth Ave and enjoy your lunch al fresco in Union Square Park or Madison Square Park on a warm, sunny day. You can easily run whatever household errands you need, thanks to the presence of Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, and you’re just a short walk Bed, Bath and Beyond, the Container Store, Harmon Beauty and more on the border between Flatiron and Chelsea. You can also enjoy a day of shopping thanks to all the shops along the “Ladies Mile” on Fifth Ave (but trust me guys, it’s not just for ladies!). And if you want to enjoy a night out on a the town, you have a bevy of restaurants and bars to choose from. Added bonus – if you don’t feel like cabbing it, Union Square station offers great access to all of Manhattan and beyond, thanks to the 4, 5, 6, N, R, Q and L train. Plus, you can catch the F or the M at 14th or 23rd Street.

Favorite Places and Spaces