11th Ave, Chelsea

11th Ave is really remote. I don't know anyone who lived on 11th and I can see why for a number of reasons. There is no decent public transportation on 11th Avenue and because there isn't really traffic there isn't much in the way of bars or restaurants. And, because of that, 11th Ave can be really sketchy at night. I wouldn't want to be walking alone after midnight in this neck of the woods. But, there are a couple of noteworthy things about 11th Avenue.
The Daily Show Studios is on 11th and 52nd Street. If you wanna catch a glimpse of Jon Stewart or get into the audience, 11th Ave is your spot. Just down the way, is the Landmark Tavern. It has been in business since the 1860's and it used to be on the water because the Hudson used to come up to 11th.
The corner of 11th and 22nd used to be the Longshoreman's Association that inspired the movie On the Waterfront. It is now, apparently, Sandy Meisner Studios. Sandy Meisner never taught here, though, and his apprentice opened William Esper Studio in the theatre district so I don't know how prestigious the school could possibly be.
At 21st street, 11th Ave goes back to being directly on the water which at least makes the view nice if not still quite scary at night.
The corner of 11th and 14th houses Pier 54. This is where the Titanic was supposed to dock on it's maiden voyage. Instead, it is where the Carpathia docked with its paltry number of Titanic survivors. The Lusitania launched from this same pier which tells me that I do not ever want to be involved with a boat that has ever touched this pier. It must have bad energy or something.
As far as New York nightlife history goes, 11th Ave was the most prominent Ave for gay clubs and leather bars before the AIDS epidemic. There are still a few stragglers here they have mostly shut down. Once 11th connects back at the water, there are a lot of really famous piers and a ton of parks, but the most utilized ones are below 17th.
I wouldn't live on 11th Ave because it is so far from everything. And, there's not really much to see unless you're really into boating or boating history.

If you want to live next door to Lindsay Lohan, then 11th ave and W 42nd street is the block for you, otherwise, there is really nothing much to do here. This is the type of block that goes mostly unnoticed in New York City. Virtually devoid of traffic, it is easy to drive through but it's not really worth stopping in. there are a couple of high rise apartments and condos here that run on the very pricy side, but otherwise, the closest sign of life starts around 8th ave and Times Square. It is a good place to live if you value quiet and buildings with many amenities, but if you are looking for an area with things to do, look elsewhere.