I Want to Live in New York!｜Life in the Lower East Side
I Want to Live in New York!｜Life in the Lower East Side
- 1 I Want to Live in New York!｜Life in the Lower East Side
I lived in the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan for about ten years. On a personal note, this neighborhood was one of the best places for pursuing music. In this post, I’ll share the highlights of living in the Lower East Side and why I recommend it.
One of the best things? You can live here almost without needing the subway if you use Citi Bike—everything is within walking or biking distance.
It’s a fun area where you can walk anywhere♩
Where is the Lower East Side?
The Lower East Side (LES) is a neighborhood located in downtown Manhattan, New York City, on the east side of the island. It’s a compact but culturally rich area, known for its immigrant history, music venues, and vibrant lifestyle.
The History of the Lower East Side
What makes the Lower East Side fascinating is its history. This was the first neighborhood where immigrants settled in New York. At one point, nearly 6,000 people lived crammed into this small district. Families shared communal bathrooms, washrooms, and kitchens. Infrastructure was poor, and sanitation was a major issue.
Waves of Immigration
- Early arrivals: Germans and Irish
- Later: Jewish, Italian, and other Europeans
- Post-WWII: Puerto Ricans and Chinese
Over time, immigrants spread out. Germans moved to the Upper East Side, Italians built Little Italy, and the Chinese community established Chinatown.
The Birthplace of American Musical Theater
After the Germans, Jewish immigrants came and played a key role in shaping New York’s culture. They were the ones who created the very first Broadway musicals. Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and many others came from this area.
This neighborhood also gave birth to Tin Pan Alley, where sheet music publishing started—making LES a cornerstone of American music history.
🎟️ If you’re curious about immigrant life back then, I highly recommend visiting the Tenement Museum.
Music Venues in the Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is still known for its live music scene. Popular venues include:
- PIANOS – where up-and-coming bands perform and young crowds gather.
- The Living Room – a legendary venue (now closed) where Norah Jones began her career.
Many live houses and lounges attract musicians, artists, and creators. My own creative career also started right here in LES.
Essex Market – A Local Favorite
When I lived in the Lower East Side, the old Essex Market was still around. Today, the new building has opened across the street, but many of the longtime vendors remain. You can find fresh fish, local coffee, cheese, bread, and all kinds of specialty items.
It’s one of the best places to shop like a local.
Iconic Shops and Culture
The Lower East Side has long been home to unique businesses. For example, the famous 1915 eyewear shop—once frequented by Allen Ginsberg and John Lennon—was founded by Jewish immigrants from Belarus. Their stylish black-rimmed frames became iconic thanks to this shop.
Proximity to Chinatown
One of the great things about LES is its walking distance to Chinatown. You can easily shop for Asian ingredients, or grab delicious Chinese, Vietnamese, or other Asian food. There are even some amazing pho restaurants just around the corner.
Close to Brooklyn Too
The Lower East Side is also very close to Brooklyn. Whether by bike, Citi Bike, or just crossing a bridge, it’s easy to go back and forth. If you work in Manhattan but love Brooklyn’s vibe, LES is the perfect spot to live.
Transportation is also convenient—late at night you can still easily catch a Yellow taxi, making it a safe and practical neighborhood for creatives and night owls.
💳 Tip: Use the OMNY contactless system for the MTA subway and buses—it’s fast and easy.
Conclusion
Living in the Lower East Side was one of the best decisions I ever made. I walked everywhere, from East Village to cozy cafés, music venues, and Chinatown. It’s a neighborhood full of history, creativity, and convenience.
If you’re moving to New York or just curious about its neighborhoods, I highly recommend experiencing life in the Lower East Side.
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