Charles St, West Village
Ranked 7th best street in West Village
Great for
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
Not great for
- Childcare
- Internet Access
- Medical Facilities
- Parking
- Parks & Recreation
Who lives here?
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
rating details
Oct 12, 2010
- Clean & Green
- Cost of Living
- Eating Out
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Neighborly Spirit
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Peace & Quiet
- Public Transport
- Safe & Sound
"Artist's street"
Charles isn't the most happening street in the West Village but the artists have always seemed to love living on it. Right at the corner of Charles and the West Side Highway is Mark Seliger's studio. He's the main photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine and he is an incredibly nice man. He's always out and about in the neighborhood. Across the street is a huge Meier building that Natalie Portman owns a condo in. The corner of Washington and Charles is a beautiful building that used to be the village Police Headquarters from the end of the 19th century to the end of the 20th century. It is now an incredibly expensive residential building appropriately named the Gendarme Apartments. The corner of Greenwich and Charles is where Diane Arbus lived for some time. And, directly next door is a really unusual building that I love. It was a tiny old farmhouse that used to be in the Upper East Side hundreds of years ago. The entire house was moved to its current location and it doesn't fit in at all but it's really cool. The author of Goodnight Moon lived in this house when it was uptown. Now, just rich people live here. NYC Bomb Squad is at Charles and Hudson which I think is kind of weird.
The writer of The Little Bear lived at 92 Charles. Woody Guthrie lived next door. A bunch of writers lived directly across the street, the most notable being Sinclair Lewis (until 1913). The model Ann Barton lived at the corner of Charles and West 4th. She was e.e. Cummings' muse and second wife. They broke up several times because she kept cheating on him. He wrote about her all the time so she's kind of famous because of it. Across the street is a great Spanish restaurant called Sevilla. Richard Wright lived at the corner of Charles and 7th and James Cain lived next door to that. Elizabeth Bishop lived directly across the street and hated it, claiming it was "on the verge of the village, unfortunately." I tend to agree with this particular block of Charles because Greenwich is pretty gross in comparison to the West Village. It starts to get a little Greenwich rowdy and dirty around this block. But, it's still really expensive and much prettier than the majority of Manhattan. Charles is a really arty street and always has been and I really like that. It still maintains the spirit, in a way, that started to go when it started really expensive.
The writer of The Little Bear lived at 92 Charles. Woody Guthrie lived next door. A bunch of writers lived directly across the street, the most notable being Sinclair Lewis (until 1913). The model Ann Barton lived at the corner of Charles and West 4th. She was e.e. Cummings' muse and second wife. They broke up several times because she kept cheating on him. He wrote about her all the time so she's kind of famous because of it. Across the street is a great Spanish restaurant called Sevilla. Richard Wright lived at the corner of Charles and 7th and James Cain lived next door to that. Elizabeth Bishop lived directly across the street and hated it, claiming it was "on the verge of the village, unfortunately." I tend to agree with this particular block of Charles because Greenwich is pretty gross in comparison to the West Village. It starts to get a little Greenwich rowdy and dirty around this block. But, it's still really expensive and much prettier than the majority of Manhattan. Charles is a really arty street and always has been and I really like that. It still maintains the spirit, in a way, that started to go when it started really expensive.
Pros
- Historical
- Celebrity residents
- cute street
Cons
- expensive
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
- Retirees
- Tourists
- Gay & Lesbian
- Students
- Trendy & Stylish
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"Take it easy"
If you want to relax and take it easy then Sheridan Square is an ideal place to come to and Charles Street is one the most laidback places around. If anyone knows how to relax and take life easy, it is people who follow jazz and this area has been one of the key locations for the musical movement. It may not play as prominent part in today’s community but there is still a relaxed air about this street.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"Lovely environment in the heart of a hip neighborhood. "
Charles Street offers a great mix of nightlife and residential living. The Bars and Restaurants bump until the early morning hours and the street is never ever dull. Mary's Fish Camp has a huge draw and for good reason, it's just full of life. Charles Street is also one of those perfect people watching streets. You can be simply entertained by watching people stroll on by.
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"Lively and Friendly Atmosphere"
Charles Street is close to Christopher St. and Gay Street as well as Sheridan Square and thus it offers a truly lively and friendly environment. Where it intersects with Hudson Street Bayard's Ale House offers a friendly bar environment. Mary's Fish Camp, on Bleeker is a friendly casual spot for dinner and fun. The area just exudes a friendly vibe that can not be beat and it's so close to the action that residents and visitors will never be out of things to do and places to stop by.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"On Charles Street"
Charles Street is a great street in the Village and a great place to live. With lots on the nearby 6th Avenue, as well as a few unique restaurants on this street, this is a great place to both rest and entertain yourself. Not to mention the housing options here are brilliant and the people are diverse and full of exuberant energy, this is a fantastic neighborhood.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
- Families with kids
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"West Charles Street"
This street is vivacious and full of energy, something the Village doesn't lack at all. Some say that it is up and coming, but I have a feeling that it's been hip for quite some time. There is a lot going on on blocks very close to this one and the housing options seemed plentiful and reasonable. I enjoyed the quiet in comparison with the more packed blocks in the city!
West Charles Street St is close to the following metro stations: 6 at Spring Street, F, J, M, Z at Essex St- Delancey St, and the J, M, Z at Bowery. It is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is moderate, and it is a good neighborhood for all people!
West Charles Street St is close to the following metro stations: 6 at Spring Street, F, J, M, Z at Essex St- Delancey St, and the J, M, Z at Bowery. It is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is moderate, and it is a good neighborhood for all people!
The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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"Camera and people watching"
Sheridan Square is the pulse of what village life is today! The area around Sheridan Square has been pre-eminent among jazz clubs for the past 75 years. The Square is also a very prominent spot to live, whether gay or straight, the place rocks. We’ve lived in this area for a long time and it’s a vibrant spot – you’re always guaranteed to see unusual activities taking place. Take a camera.
Recommended for
- Professionals
- Singles
advisor2008
Hi rickyrade,
Back in the day this area was considered Greenwich Village. And, as a (Visitor / Tourist) I also found it was a great place to shop, eat & people watch.
I enjoyed that part of NY as I met a few friends along the way during my weekend visits...
Thanks for sharing!
-PC25754
Back in the day this area was considered Greenwich Village. And, as a (Visitor / Tourist) I also found it was a great place to shop, eat & people watch.
I enjoyed that part of NY as I met a few friends along the way during my weekend visits...
Thanks for sharing!
-PC25754
Mar 29, 2008
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The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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