Columbia St, Lower East Side
Ranked 9th best street in Lower East Side
Great for
- Cost of Living
- Peace & Quiet
- Pest Free
- Public Transport
- Safe & Sound
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
Mar 01, 2012
- Clean & Green
- Cost of Living
- Eating Out
- Gym & Fitness
- Lack of Traffic
- Neighborly Spirit
- Nightlife
- Parking
- Parks & Recreation
- Peace & Quiet
- Pest Free
- Public Transport
- Shopping Options
- Safe & Sound
"A little drop zone"
There's really not much to say about Columbia street other than it looks like a wasteland and kind of is. There are a few public buildings, one deli and that's about it aside from the bridge. The street serves more as a dropping zone for the bridge than for any kind of real commercial or residential purpose.
Houston and Columbia has two housing projects and the east village library called Hamilton Fish Library. It's a pretty good library and it's sort of a shame that it's in the midst of only projects. It's not that I have anything against projects, but after dark they're scary and I watched Candyman a few too many times as a kid. So, this library is not a go to for me.
The next block over is the Williamsburg bridge. The bridge was built in 1903 and gave rise to the Jewish community that once dominated Williamsburg (before the hipsters). They could easily walk over the bridge from the cheaper Willburg residences to the Jewish synagogues that prevailed over the Lower East Side. I've walked over the Willyburg bridge more times than I can count. It's a great walk in the spring but the Columbia street area is mighty depressing looking as you descend.
Houston and Columbia has two housing projects and the east village library called Hamilton Fish Library. It's a pretty good library and it's sort of a shame that it's in the midst of only projects. It's not that I have anything against projects, but after dark they're scary and I watched Candyman a few too many times as a kid. So, this library is not a go to for me.
The next block over is the Williamsburg bridge. The bridge was built in 1903 and gave rise to the Jewish community that once dominated Williamsburg (before the hipsters). They could easily walk over the bridge from the cheaper Willburg residences to the Jewish synagogues that prevailed over the Lower East Side. I've walked over the Willyburg bridge more times than I can count. It's a great walk in the spring but the Columbia street area is mighty depressing looking as you descend.
Pros
- easy bridge access
Cons
- Dirty
- scary at night
"Decent location to call home. "
Columbia Street is a quiet retreat from the noise of the rest of the city. It's mostly residential and offers views of East River Park and Downing Park depending on where on the street you are. It' snot the be all and end all of anything and tourists will be bored out of their skulls but it isn't a horrible place to settle down and call home.
rating details
Jul 03, 2008
- Childcare
- Clean & Green
- Cost of Living
- Eating Out
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Medical Facilities
- Neighborly Spirit
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Peace & Quiet
- Pest Free
- Public Transport
- Resale or Rental Value
- Shopping Options
- Safe & Sound
- Schools
"Columbia Street is Ok"
Columbia street is an average New York City street with lots of brown buildings, Lots of trees, walking and calm. This street is close to the Upper New York Bay, a scenic spot to reflect. This street is mainly residential and houses people from all walks of life. Norfolk 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!