Moving to Chinatown is a great option for those people who love oriental Asian culture and cuisine. Chinatown in Manhattan is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City, that is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the Western Hemisphere.
Today, Chinatown has two fairly distinct sections. The western area which is home to the older Cantonese residents who arrived in the mid-20th century. On the other side is the east area which is where the newer immigrants, mostly from Fujian province, have settled. This area of the neighborhood is also known as Little Fuzhou, a reference to the capital city of Fujian province.
Chinatown is popular for its bustling streets, colorful markets, and delicious Chinese cuisine. The neighborhood is also home to several historic Chinese-American landmarks, such as the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Not surprisingly at all, this part of Manhattan is a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Cost Of Living In Manhattan’s Chinatown
The cost of living in Chinatown, Manhattan can vary depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and food costs. However, in general, this is relatively high comparing it to other neighborhoods in the city and the country.
The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chinatown is above $3,000 per month, while the median home price is around $1.5 million. Additionally, transportation costs, such as subway fares, can also add up. However, there are also many affordable food options in the area, such as street vendors and mom-and-pop restaurants.
Moving to Chinatown – rental and housing market
The rental and housing market in all of Manhattan is relatively high if you compare it to other neighborhoods in the city. However, rental prices can vary depending on the specific location within Chinatown and the amenities offered by the building.
Chinatown has a mix of older and newer buildings, with many of the older buildings being tenement-style walk-ups. Some of the newer buildings in the area offer amenities such as elevators, doorman, and fitness centers. These amenities can drive up rents and housing prices.
The housing market in Chinatown is affected by the overall housing market in New York City. However, Chinatown is considered as a desirable neighborhood for many New York City residents, which can drive prices up. Since Chinatown is in the Lower Manhattan area and we all know that this is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, prices are naturally high. Still, Chinatown is much more affordable for renters than any other part of Lower Manhattan.
How to commute to Chinatown?
When relocating to a new neighborhood it is good to know what are your commuting options. You will be glad to know that after moving to Chinatown you won’t have any hard time commuting since this part of the city has a great public transportation network. The options for public transportation in Chinatown, Manhattan include subway lines such as the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W, as well as the J and Z lines.
Additionally, several bus lines, such as the M15, M22, M103, and M9, serve the area. The M9 bus is a crosstown route, while the others run north-south. The M15, M22, and M103 all have stops on East Broadway, which is a major street in Chinatown.
The area also has access to the ferry. The Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to Staten Island and is free of charge.
How Will Your Lifestyle Change After Moving To Chinatown?
Manhattan’s Chinatown is a bustling and vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious food, and unique shopping experiences. As the name says, this neighborhood is predominantly populated by Chinese immigrants. There is no surprise that many businesses and street signs are in Chinese.
The streets are full of vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and other goods, and there are many traditional Chinese medicine shops and markets. The neighborhood is also home to many traditional Chinese festivals and parades, such as the Chinese New Year Parade.
Additionally, there are many Chinese restaurants, bakeries, and dim sum parlors, as well as bars and clubs for nightlife. Overall, the lifestyle in Chinatown is lively and full of energy, with a strong sense of community and tradition.
Local attractions and amenities
Chinatown in Manhattan is home to many local attractions and amenities that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Some popular attractions that you must visit no matter if you are moving to Chinatown or just passing through are:
- The Chinese Scholar’s Garden – A traditional Chinese garden features rock formations, ornate bridges, and a teahouse.
- Museum of Chinese in America – This museum documents the history and culture of Chinese Americans, with exhibits on topics such as immigration, discrimination, and the Chinese-American experience.
- Mahayana Buddhist Temple – This temple is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with daily prayers and a large golden Buddha statue.
- Columbus Park – Everybody loves parks, and this one is a popular spot for locals to play chess and relax. It also features traditional Chinese gardens and a playground.
- Canal Street Market – Who can say no to a little bit of shopping, especially in a place like this? This indoor market is home to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fashion and jewelry to food and home goods.
- Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – A must-visit spot! This ice cream shop is famous for its unique flavors like Black Sesame and Ginger.
- Eldridge Street Synagogue – The first synagogue built by Eastern European Jews in New York City, it is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark.
- Confucius Plaza – It is a housing complex that also has a public plaza, it was the first housing project in New York City built with the participation of a Chinese community organization.
Overall, Chinatown in Manhattan offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities that offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant community.
Pros and cons of moving to Chinatown
Let’s be honest, no city is perfect, and every neighborhood has its ups and downs. Chinatown is no exception to this. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding where to live. It’s also a good idea to visit the neighborhood and talk to people who live there before making a decision.
Some pros of living in Chinatown are:
- Convenient location – Chinatown is located in Lower Manhattan, close to other popular neighborhoods such as SoHo and Tribeca. It’s also easily accessible via subway and bus lines.
- Cultural diversity – Chinatown is known for its vibrant Chinese community, and there are many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural events to enjoy.
- Affordable housing – Compared to other neighborhoods in Manhattan, Chinatown tends to have more affordable housing options.
Cons of living in Chinatown are:
- Noise and crowds – Chinatown is a densely populated neighborhood and can be quite noisy and crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
- Limited green spaces – There are few parks or green spaces in Chinatown, which can make it feel cramped and urban.
- Limited nightlife options – While there are plenty of restaurants and shops in Chinatown, the nightlife options are more limited compared to other neighborhoods in Manhattan.
- Poor air quality – Air pollution is high in Chinatown, which can negatively impact the health of residents.
Moving To Chinatown With Zenith Moving
Deciding whether or not, you need the help of professional movers when moving to Chinatown depends on several factors. Think about the distance of the move, the size and weight of your belongings, and your physical capabilities and available time.
If the move is a long distance, or if you have a lot of heavy or bulky items, we advise you to hire movers since moving is a challenging task. Additionally, if you have physical limitations or a busy schedule, hiring movers can save you time and energy.
In case you still didn’t find the moving company, you are in the right place! Zenith Moving Company offers you a wide variety of moving services you can choose. Here you can get informed about all our services and decide which plans fit you the best.
When you make a decision contact us through this link so we can schedule a free estimation and make a personalized moving plan.
