Union Square, Manhattan, NY
About Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square is a bustling neighborhood on the south east side of Manhattan. It’s anchored by the famous park after which the region is named. It’s a tiny, exclusive district that only covers about 12 blocks. The neighborhood is bounded by 5th Ave to the West, Lexington Ave to the East, 14th Street to the South and 18th Street to the North.
Union Square is a major cultural hub and attraction in New York City. Hundreds of thousands of people come through the neighborhood every day. It's a cultural landmark and a point of convergence between Midtown, the East Village and Greenwich Village. It’s also a transportation hub, with several subway lines running in and out of the neighborhood. For such a small neighborhood, there is a lot going on in Union Square. It’s a mecca for college students, tourists, street performers and many other important groups.
History of Union Square, Manhattan
The area that is now Union Square was initially farmland. When that portion of Manhattan was set to be developed in 1811, John Randall – the civil engineer responsible for developing Manhattan at the time – noticed that Broadway (then called Bloomington Road) ran at an angle to the Bowery. This made it difficult to develop buildings in the area, so Randal decided to form a public square instead. In the 1870’s the Rialto, NYC’s first commercial theatre district, grewed up around Union Square. By the early 20th Century, Union Square became a major transportation hub with several subway lines running through 14th Street. This spurred the development of tenements in the area to house the immigrants who moved to the neighborhood. Since that time Union Square has been an important location for commercial and social activity.
Demographics in Union Square
Due to its size, Union Square is often lumped together with other parts of the city when compiling demographic information. Just under 200,000 people are living in the south eastern section of Manhattan where Union Square is located. The majority of those residents are white (41% identify as such), however there are significant Asian and Hispanic communities present as well. Both Gramercy and Flatiron -the two larger neighborhoods Union Square is sandwiched between – are both wealthy areas and have a median household income of 126,000 and 160,000 per year respectively. The median income in Union Square is somewhere in between this range.
Transportation in Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square is a transportation hub and there are many options available to residents. The 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R and W trains all make stops at 14th Street. The BXM10, BXM7, M1, M7, SIM3C and SIM4C buses all make stops in or around Union Square. The Path train also makes a stop at 14th Street and 6th Ave, which is just outside Union Square. Plus, Union Square has several Citi Bike stations residents may pay to use.
Housing in Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square is notable for its amazing architecture. Several residential buildings surrounding Union Square are designated as landmarks. The Lincoln Building at 1 Union Square is notable for its Romanesque façade and features luxury condominiums and a doorman. The Spingler Building is another impressive example of Romanesque architecture that borders Union Square. The Zeckendorf Towers at One Irving Place are more modest and are famous for their green roof (the roof of both buildings is covered in live potted plants). 15 Union Square West is an impressive feat of modern architecture. The design of the glass and steel condominium complex is reminiscent of a Picasso Painting, in its use of cubism. The development ads a splash of modernity to the classic, pre-war aesthetic of the other buildings in the area.
Neighborhood Life in Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square is a gateway to all the rest of Lower Manhattan. Residents are known to spend days relaxing in the park, going shopping in the East Village or venturing into Midtown. The area itself is a point of convergence more than a destination, but some of the best restaurants and bars in the city are within walking distance. Residents can take a stroll by the Strand Bookstore and pick up a good read to devour in the park. They can play a game of chess with a stranger in the park or watch a performance by a talented local musician. The NYU campus is nearby, and the neighborhood is constantly full of students coming to and from classes or just hanging out. It’s a rare neighborhood that is a meeting ground for artists, intellectuals, tourists, skateboarders and a variety of other NYC communities.
Similar Neighborhoods to Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square Real Estate Trends
Union Square is a highly desirable neighborhood. There is a very limited supply of housing in the area and a high demand. The median home price is approximately $1.3 million and property values have remained relatively consistent in that area over the past 5 to 10 years. It’s a neighborhood for those who like luxury with an iconic view. Most buildings are luxury condos, but a few bare bones developments that cater to students, like Union Square Apartments, can be found as well.
The Truth About Union Square, Manhattan
Is Union Square Safe?
Yes, Union Square is safe. The area is patrolled by the 13th Precinct of the NYPD, who has reported a steep decrease in crime since the 1990’s. Union Square does receive a high amount of foot traffic and petty crime is known to occur from time to time. Residents and visitors should always be on alert when walking around at night. But overall, for a main artery of a major city like New York, Union Square is very safe.
Are the Schools in Union Square Good?
There are few schools in the Union Square neighborhood itself. However, there are several highly rated schools in the area Union Square residents may attend. The neighborhood is zoned for PS 340 Sixth Ave Elementary for K-5. Middle school students may attend JHS 104 Simon Baruch in Gramercy or the School of the Future High School (which offers 6-12). The Washington Irving Campus was formerly in Union Square but has since moved to Gramercy. Students may attend this school or any other institution in the NYC public school system for high school.
Popular Eateries Near Union Square, Manhattan
Things to Do in Union Square, Manhattan
Hang out in Union Square Park, it’s a great place to relax, play a game of chess or just sit and people watch.
Check out the Strand Bookstore, the famous new and used bookstore on Broadway features obscure literature and modern classics.
See a show at Irving Plaza, the concert venue is known to host big name acts
Stop by Academy Records on 18th, the NYC staple has a huge collection of classical, jazz and rock records
Visit Forbidden Planet on Broadway, the graphic novel and memorabilia shop is comic lover’s paradise
Is Union Square Dog Friendly?
Yes, Union Square is generally dog friendly. In Union Square Park there is a dog run where owners can exercise their canine companions. Washington Square Park and Tompkins Square Park are both nearby, giving dog owners even more options. Some of the buildings are stricter on pets than others, so depending on where you live you may or may not be allowed to have a dog. Union Square features heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic, so it may not be the best neighborhood for skittish pets. But overall, it’s a dog friendly neighborhood.
Is Union Square Good for Cyclists?
Yes, it’s a good neighborhood for confident cyclists. Bike lanes are prevalent and there are several Citi Bike stations in various positions around the neighborhood. However, Union Square is a major intersection and there is a heavy amount of foot traffic. Those unaccustomed to this kind of intense traffic may be uncomfortable, but confident cyclists will find the neighborhood easy to navigate.
3 Things to Know before Moving to Union Square, Manhattan
Union Square is constantly populated by NYU students. The area is not as crazy as other college neighborhoods but be aware that you will encounter them often.
The 14th Street Subway Station is a major stop on the subway and gets very crowded during rush hour.
Many of the people who play chess in Union Square park are masters of the game. Only challenge them if you are a serious competitor or prepared to lose.