Forsyth St, Lower East Side

Just south of Confucius Plaza, Division Street marks the gradual merging of Chinatown proper with the housing projects and low-income-developments that dot the very eastern section of the Lower East Side. Division Street is just a stone's throw from the lower/middle-income development Knickerbocker Village. It's not exactly ugly, although it's a far cry from the charming historical town houses of Greenwich Village. Yet Division Street, as its name implies, suffers from being the border of two neighborhoods. There's not much to do here, although the Museum at Elridge Street is an insightful look into the history of the Lower East Jewish community. Dining options are plentiful in Chinatown - Fuleen Seafood is right on Division Street itself - or try some non-Asian dining on the eastern end of the street at Bacaro or Les Enfants Terribles. Seward Park is the area's closest patch of greenery, and is of a relatively decent size.

The length of Forsyth street in New York City borders the Sarah Roosevelt park on the western side, which is a long and narrow strip of green. The park offers tennis courts, a soccer field, and a running track. There’s quite a bit of shopping, good restaurants and access to public transportation in the area.

Most tourists know the Forsyth Street that starts at Houston Street and runs down as an outer boundary to the Lower East Side, but the street continues further down to Canal Street, where it shows the influence of Chinatown. On its western side, along the length of the street, you have the Sarah Roosevelt Park, a long strip of playgrounds that run the length of the street. A lot of this slice of park seems to be under construction right now. The Lower East Side incarnation of Forsyth Street is predictable for its Lower East Side vibe, but lower still, as the street meets Hester Street and Pace High School, it cuts off and then re-emerges to curve around the mouth of the Manhattan Bridge. Here is where things get really interesting, because you are in the non-tourist part of Chinatown, an altogether different world. On this street there is a tiny vegetable market, apparently only for the locals, because who else would venture this far into Chinatown for some cheap squash? And it really is cheap, folks. There are no signs and I didn't hear much English spoken among the vendors and the customers. Just a bunch of crates informally stacked together, and customers picking through them. Meanwhile, literally above your head, is the roaring, trembling Manhattan Bridge as the trains pass by.

The city is working on improving this street – as in they are working on the literal street pavement and changing traffic patterns, likely to make it safer for pedestrians (not that it seemed bad to begin with). A lot of families seem to live around here, even if it is close to the trendy Lower East Side (usually the case is that the families were there first).

A street so close to the bridge is doomed from the start, in my opinion, but Forsyth Street has managed to hang onto some charm. There are a few interesting markets and stores but otherwise it's largely residential. It's proximity to the bridge can make for an interesting morning full of traffic however it isn't horrible enough to stay completely away from.

I wouldn't come here just to have a stroll. Really, the only reason I would come here is to catch the Chinatown bus out of the city. This street is relatively quiet compared to the rest of Chinatown, but its proximity to the Manhattan bridge makes for a lot of car traffic. It is not exactly a hot spot in terms of nightlife or even tourist attractions. I think it is a nice place to live because it is quiet and the neighborhood is relatively clean. It's a bit far from public transportation, but if you don't mind walking then it's okay. The real estate here is probably inexpensive, but you probably also have to share your apartment with a few unwanted critters. Once, I have come across a market here that sold some pretty good vegetables, including some Asian varieties, rarely found in the United States.

Forsyth Street is a good place to live. I would recommend it for just about anyone. The lovely people, the convenient neighborhood, and the relative quiet came at quite a surprise on this stretch of cement. The Grotto looked like a good place to eat a more refined American meal and was reasonably patronaged by 7pm.

Forsyth Street 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!