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Alphabet City

Alphabet City

Urban Core Neighborhood in Manhattan, New York

New York County 10002, 10009

$1,110,634 Average Value
$1,352 Average Price per Sq Ft
40 Homes For Sale

Alphabet City is a blend of past and present

Stretching from Houston to 14th streets and from Avenue A to the East River, Alphabet City is an eclectic mix of old versus new. Like its larger neighbor, the East Village, Alphabet City is largely made up of prewar rowhouses and tenement-style buildings—many of them rentals—but a growing number of co-ops and luxury condos have debuted in the last decade. This shift is reflected in the area’s commercial space, where neighborhood establishments and historical bars dot the same blocks as new mom-and-pop shops and trendy cocktail lounges. “Alphabet City feels like a true neighborhood, which can be hard to find in Manhattan,” says Yesim Ak, licensed associate real estate broker with Compass, who has been selling real estate in downtown Manhattan for 13 years. “Also, there are fewer tourists in the area, which makes it feel truly local.”

Alphabet City is the perfect neighborhood for lunch and happy hour.
Alphabet City is the perfect neighborhood for lunch and happy hour.
Alphabet City's iconic 5-story brick residences stand tall.
Alphabet City's iconic 5-story brick residences stand tall.
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Independently owned restaurants and a vibrant nightlife

Filled with local eateries, Alphabet City’s culinary scene is global in taste and laid-back in atmosphere. Casa Adela, a cash-only, BYOB hole-in-the-wall, has paid homage to the neighborhood's Puerto Rican community since its opening in 1976. Locals also frequent Bobwhite Counter for authentic southern fare and Nowan for unique, Korean-American fusion. Though highly rated restaurants are aplenty, it’s Alphabet City’s nightlife that draws a crowd. Grungy dive bars line Avenue A, attracting college students and artsy types alike, while more upscale wine and cocktail bars tempt those from around the city. “Mainstream businesses aren’t set up here, so it’s ideal for people who want a more local experience with great nightlife,” says Candice Milano, a licensed associate real estate broker with Brown Harris Stevens.

Taste the vibrant Latin vibes at Yuca Bar in Alphabet City.
Taste the vibrant Latin vibes at Yuca Bar in Alphabet City.
Alphabet City has a vibrant nightlife with dozens of bars to choose from.
Alphabet City has a vibrant nightlife with dozens of bars to choose from.
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A relatively affordable neighborhood for home buyers

Since the 1950s, Alphabet City has become an enclave for creatives. “The artistic legacy of the East Village and Alphabet City is absolutely a draw for people looking to move here,” Ak says. “People think of the neighborhood’s punk-rock scene in the ’80s and they come to New York City wanting a taste of that. Often, people find that in Alphabet City for a relatively affordable price point.” Small renovated co-ops—some of which are HDFC, income-restricted—are in the $400,000 to $600,000 range, while new luxury condo units with two to four bedrooms go for between $1.8 million and $5 million. Prices tend to be consistent throughout the neighborhood, even in buildings close to the cluster of NYCHA public housing towers spanning three superblocks along Avenue D.

Nestled in Alphabet City, intimate apartment buildings and historic townhouses.
Nestled in Alphabet City, intimate apartment buildings and historic townhouses.
Contemporary living meets urban vibe with modern apartments in Alphabet City.
Contemporary living meets urban vibe with modern apartments in Alphabet City.
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A city park beloved by locals

Today, Tompkins Square Park looks like a typical urban park, with basketball courts, playgrounds, a dog run, and small stretches of shaded lawn. But like the rest of Alphabet City, the park is laced with history. A relic of the temperance movement stands near the west end of the square, while the park’s oldest trees are maintained by a devoted committee of volunteers. The concerns over homelessness and gentrification that came to a head in the 1980s are still being addressed today through programs like weekly food distribution. The park hosts annual events like DanceFest in May and the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival in August, plus weekly attractions like the year-round Greenmarket. Nearby, small member-run gardens like 6BC Botanical Garden and La Plaza Cultural offer a quiet respite from busy city streets.

Serenity amidst the city hustle at Tompkins Square Park, Alphabet City.
Serenity amidst the city hustle at Tompkins Square Park, Alphabet City.
Alphabet City locales will find fresh baked breads stacked at the Tompkins Square Green Market.
Alphabet City locales will find fresh baked breads stacked at the Tompkins Square Green Market.
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Highly rated community schools with cultural programming

The area has two elementary schools with A ratings from Niche, including P.S. 19 The East Village Community School, which offers weekly programs with Alvin Ailey dance company, Lincoln Center musicians, and other local partners. Tompkins Square Middle School also earned an A from Niche, with a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. High school students can attend East Side Community School, which earned a B+ rating from Niche, has a 92 percent graduation rate, and offers peer tutoring and college advisory services.

The student to teacher ratio is 12 to 1 in Alphabet City, New York.
The student to teacher ratio is 12 to 1 in Alphabet City, New York.
East Village Community School is apart of the PS 19 Asher Levy Campus.
East Village Community School is apart of the PS 19 Asher Levy Campus.
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Minimal public transportation

Transportation in Alphabet City is relatively limited, with many residents relying on the bus, including the M14 and M15 express buses, or one of the 20-plus Citi bike stations. Otherwise, the nearest subway lines are the L to the north at First Avenue and 14th Street, and the F to the south at Second Avenue and East Houston Street. Proximity to FDR Drive to the east simplifies farther commutes.

Multiple express and local buses run through Alphabet City providing convenience for residents.
Multiple express and local buses run through Alphabet City providing convenience for residents.
Citi Bike stations throughout Alphabet City provide alternative travel options for locals.
Citi Bike stations throughout Alphabet City provide alternative travel options for locals.
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Teddy Willson
Written By
Teddy Willson
Franklin Abreu
Photography Contributed By
Franklin Abreu

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Melissa Leifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Laguardia

21 min drive

Bus

Av C & E 8 St

Bus

Av D & E 4 St

Bus

Av C & E 6 St

Bus

Av A & E 5 St

Bus

Av A & E Houston St

Bus

Av D & Loop

Bus

E 10 St & Av D

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Alphabet City US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$926,875
Median Single Family Price
$677,500
Median Townhouse Price
$5,337,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$1,200,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$750,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,352
Number of Homes for Sale
40
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
9.60
Median List Price
$972,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
602
Median Year Built
1928
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,561
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,055
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,109
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
703
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
527

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 2:30pm

    514 E 11th St Unit 2-A, New York, NY 10009

    $700,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 514 E 11th St
    • Unit 2-A
    • New 1 day ago

    Located in the heart of the East Village, 514 East 11th Street, Apt 2A is a newly updated 1-bed, 1-bath home in the heart of one of NYC''s most vibrant neighborhoods. This inviting residence seamlessly blends pre-war charm with boho-chic vibes. The cozy fireplace creates a gorgeous focal point as soon as you open the front door. Surrounded by exposed brick and thoughtfully

    Peter Perez Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    11am - 12pm

    189 Ave C Unit 6-A, Eastvill, NY 10009

    $715,000

    • 1 Bath
    • 671 Sq Ft
    • 189 Ave C
    • Unit 6-A
    • New 1 day ago

    FIRST SHOWINGS: Sunday, 4/2711am-12pm By Appointment OnlyThis gem of a studio in a modern elevator condominium has everything you’re looking for. The layout offers space for a sleeping area, living area, and a dining area at the generous breakfast bar. With two exposures, Apartment 6A gets great light. The large windowed kitchen features Bosch and Fisher & Paykel appliances including a

    Clinton Stowe Compass

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 2pm

    327 E 3rd St Unit 5 A, New York, NY 10009

    $585,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 327 E 3rd St
    • Unit 5 A
    • New 1 day ago

    Impeccably designed and fully renovated, this 2-bedroom HDFC home boasts incredibly low maintenance of just $416 per month. As you enter this sun-filled corner apartment, you'll immediately notice the perfectly appointed open chef's kitchen with a breakfast bar that seats up to four. The kitchen features ample white cabinetry, granite countertops, and a suite of premium Bosch

    Jill Letts Corcoran Group

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Melissa Leifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
30,830
Median Age
38
Population Density
128 ppl/acre
Population under 18
16.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,721
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$83,336

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
82.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
48.9%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19%
% Population in Labor Force
59.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

98 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

97 / 100

Rider's Paradise

Transit Score®

100 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Alphabet City