A sort of chic, northern cousin to the similarly low-rise West Village, Chelsea attracts many young professionals with its proximity to Midtown, all public transportation, movie theaters, bistros and family entertainment. The world-famous Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex offers basketball courts, a golf driving range, live music, a microbrewery and even riding stables within its renovated waterfront stretch between 17th and 23rd Streets (where the Titanic was headed on its ill-fated voyage). Blocks away, the newly hip Meatpacking District, while not always "family friendly,” with its velvet rope club scene and notorious bars, like the original Hogs ‘n’ Heiffer (the inspiration for the movie, "Coyote Ugly") draws scores to its cobble-stoned streets each night.
In addition, Chelsea is full of great artist's lofts. Condo conversions are all the rage, and in general, Chelsea has fewer high-rises than many other parts of Manhattan; this often translates to unique, large floor plans, original details, high ceilings and windows, and stunning façades. As a trendy neighborhood of art and culture, Chelsea also attracts a large, thriving gay community.
