9 Ave, Chelsea

9th isn't bad for an avenue but it is definitely still an avenue. There's a mix of residential but 9th is largely commercial as is to be expected of a major street.
9th Ave is pretty commercial as Chelsea begins. I think it's the slow trickle down from the grossness that is Hell's Kitchen. There are a few uninteresting eateries right around here and B and H Photo. B and H is a massive camera and its accessories shop that is the go to spot for anything photo in the city. This place is really overwhelming but really cool too. The next block down has another massive building: the Post Office. This 1913 building is absolutely gorgeous and there are some cool, old trinkets from mail delivery through the ages inside. If you have to go to the post office, which is boring as hell, this is the place to do it. It's so pretty you almost forget how annoyed you are. . . .almost.
The further south you go, the more like Chelsea 9th starts to look. There's a great old church on the corner of 28th and 9th that has a really interesting architecture to it. It's in the midst of a lot of trees and old houses too which I think adds to the look of the building.
The next few blocks south is a random mix of little eateries, public housing buildings and beautiful old church / seminary buildings. It's quite the mishmosh but a pretty nice stretch of blocks. It's not too shabby living over here because it's so much quieter than the large majority of Chelsea. And, there are even some trees dispersed throughout which is pretty rare for an avenue. It's a little scary late at night because of the lack of people but it's still really nice.
Once you get down around 15th, you hit the massive Chelsea Market. I still haven't gotten a hold of this place or whether or not I like it. Part of it looks like a food court, part of it a shopping mall, and part of it gourmet shopping. It's kind of cool and kind of annoying. There are always tourists in here and there's not a lot of energy but it is convenient. Chelsea Market along with the massive Apple store at 15th make the avenue become very commercial again as you get around 14th and start entering the Meatpacking. But, there are some great stores and a lot of conveniences. If you're gonna live on 9th, I would recommend the around the 20's. It's a lot quieter and has more of a neighborhood feel.