West Village

My first year at NYU, I was one of the noisy bar-goers who haunted the East Village on weekend nights. I loved the bar scene, but it taught me that as much as I adored the quirky area, I wouldn't be able to stand actually living somewhere so constantly crowded.

So when I searched for an apartment last April, I looked in the West Village, where calmer streets (and convenient subway stops) beckoned. Yes, housing here is typically more expensive, but if you're willing to search, you'll find something in your price range.

The West Village is bursting with wonderful restaurants and bars that are often unexplored by freshmen too concerned with Artichoke and Bar None; exploring the food and drink scene is my favorite part of living here. Also great: living near the High Line and Hudson River Park, both perfect for lazing and picnicking. Basically anywhere in the neighborhood is within a 20-minute walk of campus, and that walk is guaranteed to be beautiful as you walk along the brownstones.

I'll be moving out at the beginning of April. As much as I'm excited for a change of pace, I'm going to miss the West Village, a neighborhood that made me feel more comfortable and at peace than any other area in New York.