6.9 out of 10

Waverly Pl, Greenwich Village

Ranked 13th best street in Greenwich Village
40.7307152021833 -73.9955641534214
Great for
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Public Transport
  • Eating Out
  • Nightlife
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  • Parking
  • Peace & Quiet
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A Hidden Gem"

You might be forgiven if, upon coming to Waverly Place, with its beautiful Georgian brick buildings and quiet tree-lined promenade, you think you've stepped into the 19th century. There's something of Edith Wharton's New York in this idyllic side-street off Washington Square. Though prices are similarly elevated - we wonder if Wharton's Lily Bart could have afforded some of these stately townhouses - if you can afford it, Waverly Place is one of the city's loveliest spots. A stone's throw from the greenery of Washington Square Park, Waverly Place is also within easy access of the artier scene of Astor Place and the East Village. Bridging the elegant gentility of the West Village with the faux-trashy vibe of the East, this street has plenty of delights of its own. While it's mostly residential, locals can nevertheless enjoy a drink at Murphy & Gonzalez or dine at Babbo. Pop into the Washington Square Hotel for a posh drink - but be sure to keep an eagle eye on your tab!

At night the place can get inundated with students from nearby NYU however, destroying the idyllic vibe - so don't get too attached to the peace and quiet!
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Quiet
  • overlooking the park
Cons
  • Expensive
  • watch out for all the students
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
2yrs+

"Cool street that is really rich in history"

Waverly Place isn't quite as beautiful as other West Village streets (like Perry St, for example), but it still maintains the West Village aesthetic while possessing some of the coolest hangs and historical sights in Manhattan.

Joe the art of coffee (corner of Waverly and Gay) has, arguably the best coffee in the city. It's really small and kinda drafty but most places in Manhattan are. There's always cool music playing and the hipster barrista's are really serious about their coffee making. There are a couple of benches out front which are great for people watching on a nice day and there is always some network in the area that doesn't have a firewall so you can sit with free wifi there all day and never be bothered.

A spot every one should take a look at on Waverly is the triangle building where Waverly and Waverly cross. It's called the Northern Dispensary, it's abandoned and it's pretty hard to miss. It is dictated in the lease for the building that it can be used only for public works / service. When it was erected, in 1837, it was a free clinic for the poor. Edgar Allan Poe frequented the clinic for cold remedies. The building was later converted into a dental clinic for the indigent and was shut down in the 80's for refusing to work on an HIV patient. It has been abadoned ever since, still has old dental chairs in the window, and is rumored to be quite haunted. The place is really creepy (especially at night).

Edgar Allan Poe lived on the corner of Waverly and 6th ave. There is a plaque outside of his apartment; it's a really cool thing to take a look at before popping over to Waverly Inn for a late dinner. The street is beautiful and rich with artist residences but it still retains some of the gritty, artsy cool that most other West Village Streets have lost.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5
2yrs+

"Pretty street"

This street is one of the more picturesque areas in the city, from the iconic arch of Washington Square Park to the brownstones lining the streets, many owned by NYU. It makes for a great walk or jog. Up the street from the park is Joe’s one of Manhattan’s most famous coffeehouses. The street becomes Washington Square North while it borders the park.
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Who doesn't love Waverly Place"

It's hard to argue against those brownstones. On the strip between Broadway and University Place, Waverly Place is nothing to write home about, and to my taste totally overrun by NYU students. However, the part that overlooks Washington Square Park and then commences into the West Village is a piece of real estate I covet longingly. The brownstones near Washington Square Park are just gorgeous, and almost all owned by NYU. I think a few are residential, though many are used as meeting places for various NYU organizations, etc, and there are also a few private doctors' practices. Waverly Place has rowdy spots, for example the above-mentioned bit near Broadway, and the part where it crosses Christopher Street, but that just serves to remind you that you are really and truly in the middle of the world, and surrounded by New York City legend at every corner. Who doesn't love the signature arch of Washington Square Park and the lively park hang-abouts in summertime? Who hasn't heard of the Village Vanguard for live jazz? Babbo and North Square Restaurant, both near the park, are pricey but excellent places to dine out. The street does a funny Y shape as it nears Christopher Street, and, confusingly, both spokes of the Y are called Waverly Place. Right at this complicated fork, near Grove, there used to be a tiny underground jazz place known only to professionals, but at some point the students found out about it, decided it was the next cool thing, and I think that might be a reason it's since disappeared.
Pros
  • overlooking the park
  • Beautiful
  • Quiet
Cons
  • watch out for all the students
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
2/5
2yrs+

"Not all coffee places are the same"

Probably because of Friends, New York is synonymous with coffee houses for many tourists but this has led to so many really bad coffee shops opening up and tricking unsuspecting tourists. One place that this is definitely not the case is Waverly Place and if you are in the area, pop into Joes and get a great cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Clean, safe, you see the occasional tv show being filmed"

I love this neighborhood – it’s gorgeous with its tree-lined streets and brick buildings. It makes for an interesting stroll, as there are always other people around, and there are a lot of coffee shops and food stands in the area that cater to students. I would move in here any day of the week – but unfortunately, I don’t make enough money…
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5
2yrs+

"A pleasant street"

Waverly Place is a street in the Greenwich Village. It extends from Broadway to Bank St, bordering Washington Square Park. Between Broadway and 6th Ave, it is a lively street, mostly because of the presence of the NYU campus. In its western side, Waverly Place is quieter, and definitely a great place where to live.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5
2yrs+

"Love the area"

Close to the Action Waverly Place is a beautifully managed block that offers it's residents a lot of amenities. For a fast bite Gray's Papaya offers a fantastic traditional hot dog for the low, low price of $1.50. Waverly can become a bit noisy as NYU buildings and students crawl the area but most of the time it's a nice mix of lively fun and an amazing atmosphere
4/5
2yrs+

"NYU territory offers amenities and noise"

Waverly Place,like other streets in the area, has been taken over almost entirely by NYU. While living near a college campus, as strangely spread out as NYU is, does have it's advantages it also comes with pitfalls. Waverly offers a lot of conveniences that are catered towards the college crowd. Food and entertainment is not hard to find in the area, however the college atmosphere also lends itself to a certain degree of rowdiness. Older adults will find the noise level and the sheer amount of college students in the area to be somewhat intimidating and downright annoying. Young adults and young professionals, on the other hand, will likely find that the area is a fun and lively place to be. The noise level can be a bit much, but overall I don't think it's bad enough to push people out of the neighborhood. Anyone visiting or thinking of moving in should really consider the fact that this is NYU student's stomping ground.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
3/5
2yrs+

"Waverly Street Delights"

Waverly Street is a very beautiful street on the lower east side. It is nearby the wonderful Washington Square Park, where there is always live music, entertainment, and plenty of people relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. For food, you might try the wonderful Babbo LLC or North Square Restaurant and Lounge.
Waverly Street is close to the following metro stations: 6 at Astor Place, 8th St. NYU R, W is also accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is moderate, and it is a good neighborhood for most people.
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"If you want NYU as your backyard..."

If you are an NYU student, this is a great place to live. That is, if you want to live across the street from your classroom. Although this street boasts many great amenities of living next to a college campus, it also carries with it many of the downfalls.

Yes, of course it is fantastic to live around the corner from a 24-hour Duane Reade and countless open delis, bars, and restaurants. With that, however, rises the added noise pollution of drunken students spilling out of the aforementioned spaces. Most of the apartments on this street are reasonable if they are split various people, (Just ask the four college-aged boys who shared a 1 bedroom next to me). This street is a great street to visit if you’re looking for that college vibe, but then it’s nice to know you can go home to somewhere else in the city.

Waverly place, particularly between University place and Broadway is home to some of the most overpriced coffee in the city. Catering almost solely to NYU students headed to class in the old Shirtwaist Factory building (Now known as the Silver Center), these coffee shops up their prices to match the high demand. Living here, you will most likely be living above a bar one of these coffee shops, and are guaranteed a constants stream of noise from either students or cars trying to driver through without running over those students. Its proximity to Broadway and Washington Sq. Park also mixes in the added noise from occasional protests and Illegal-Immigrant marches.

That being said, it is a street that is always awake, and you will never lack someone to talk to. It is a fantastic location, right in the heart of the East Village and is surrounded by the most visited areas of the city. Consequently there is great access to the N-Q-R-S, 4-5-6, and with a short walk, even the 1-2-3 subway line. There are many shops and restaurants open late, and the area is peppered with speciality stores, supermarkets, copy shops, and countless other retailers.

If you are a college student reading this, you will certainly find appeal in living around the block from BBQ’s fishbowl margaritas.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"Coffee and movies"

A typical styled street of the west village, this is often the set of many NY based tv shows.. It’s also the location of arguably the best coffee house in Manhattan, Joe’s. Famous for knocking out one great coffee after another, this is a great spot to chill and read the paper or occasionally do a bit of celebrity spotting.. There’s also a couple of good restaurants towards 7th avenue and you’re sitting on top of the metro so a perfect location.. Close to Washington square park too which is a saviour come summer time..
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles

Best Streets in Greenwich Village

1

Washington Mews

4.5/5
"Gated privacy"
40.7315325025071 -73.9958789963183
2

Minetta St

4/5
"Quiet street in a great position"
40.7298462410132 -74.0015002570381
3

Laguardia Pl

4/5
"Crowded or empty, always an interesting park"
40.7285999460244 -73.9985103111559
"A pleasing walk through the park"
40.7302982307555 -73.9980905051492
5

University Pl

3.5/5
"NYU student housing close to Washington Square Park"
40.7328196809019 -73.9937392698026
6

West 4 St

3.5/5
"A wonderful and charming street...."
40.7310487515183 -73.999617893585
"One of my favorite areas"
40.7314463403718 -73.9970496563667
8

Washington Pl

3.5/5
"A Village Street"
40.7295862549693 -73.9949162521974
9

Minetta Ln

3.5/5
"Cool street but very small"
40.7302713538818 -74.0010681114998
10

Bleecker St

3.5/5
"Night life!!!"
40.7283866220628 -73.9996017280739

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More