Characterized by centuries-old buildings and high-rise residences, Civic Center is the epicenter of New York City’s government. Municipal buildings, like City Hall and the New York Supreme Court, continue the area’s legacy of historical significance. “Even though it’s a busy business district, the neighborhood becomes more residential after 5 p.m.,” says Ariel Cohen, a broker at Douglas Elliman who has been selling downtown Manhattan properties for 18 years. Neighbored by high-cost areas, like the Financial District (FiDi) and Tribeca, Civic Center residents benefit from the multifarious shopping and dining nearby for comparatively lower home prices.
Global cuisine and assorted shopping in nearby areas
Though there are few restaurants within the confines of Civic Center, there are plenty of options on the perimeter. Upscale eateries in Tribeca, like Terra Wine Bar, are ideal for special occasions or business dinners. In Seaport, Jean-Georges’ Tin Building and Front Street offer a variety of cuisines like French and Mexican. Locals head to Chinatown for popular dim-sum restaurants, such as Golden Unicorn and the vegetarian Buddha Bodai. The Whole Foods and Target Grocery in Tribeca and Key Food in FiDi are within walking distance. For shopping, there are Westfield stores at the Oculus, designer ateliers at Brookfield Place and a combination of the two in SoHo.
A limited housing pool with a broad price range
Since most of the infrastructure in Civic Center is government-owned, the housing stock is quite low. According to Cohen, prices depend on the unit’s condition and the building’s services, amenities and location. “Is it a new development, a newly converted product or a renovated one? How do you get into the building, and what are the common charges? These are all things to consider,” Cohen says. “But generally, people like that it’s price-point friendly versus living in the belly of Tribeca, where you’re going to pay a lot more.” One-bedroom units cost between $700,000 and $1.8 million, two-bedrooms between $1.7 million and $6.7 million, and multi-bedrooms between $2.7 and $24.5 million. A handful of ultra-luxe condos have opened in converted office buildings: The 50-story, Art-Deco-inspired skyscraper at 25 Park Row offers sleek interiors and panoramic views of the Hudson River, the iconic Woolworth Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and One World Trade. Though most residential towers were built postwar, exteriors typically reflect the ornate look of government buildings with facades in Revivalist, Neoclassical, Gothic and Beaux-Arts styles.
Small units in postwar condominiums start around $800,000.
Luxury condos are available along neighborhood parks and the Tribeca border.
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Parks and museums mark historic sites
City Hall Park is a part-paved, part-landscaped green space at the heart of Civic Center. Today, the park’s shaded benches and paths provide a peaceful retreat, but the space was once a gathering point for major historical events, like George Washington’s reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian promenade ends at the park, making it easy to walk into DUMBO for the day. Two blocks away, Thomas Paine Park contains a large fountain, several monuments and Foley Square, which hosts a year-round farmers’ market. Two museums, one artistic and one historical, sit between the parks: An immersive, multi-sensory installation dubbed The Hall des Lumières and the African Burial Ground National Monument, a sacred space with a visitor center that marks a colonial-era cemetery for the enslaved.
City Hall Park has an eclectic collection of sculptures on display.
The famous "Triumph of the Human Spirit" sculpture grounds Foley Square at Thomas Paine Park.
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Residents can walk the Brooklyn Bridge or use public transit
Drivers can quickly traverse or leave the city via FDR Drive, the West Side Highway or the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Numerous Citi bike docks, 10 subway stations and five bus routes serve the area. The whole neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly, but crowds are common near the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade at City Hall Park, especially on the weekends.
Popular public schools with industry-specific programming
Kindergarten through 8th graders can attend P.S. 397 Spruce Street School, rated an A by Niche and well-regarded by neighborhood parents. Career academies—like the Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers, Manhattan Early College School for Advertising or The Urban Assembly Maker Academy—are available for high schoolers.
Educational opportunities abound at Civic Center's Spruce Street School
Urban Assembly Maker Academy in Civic Center takes a problem-solving approach to learning.
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Spacious and inviting, this newly renovated alcove studio is move-in ready. The two double-paned 7 picture windows offer excellent light and incredible city views. With approximately 550 sq. ft., the unit features an open kitchen and an expansive living area that can easily accommodate a home office. The brand new kitchen and bath are outfitted with cabinets and fixtures from Spain by
Located on the top floor of 180 Park Row, this spacious and sun-drenched studio offers a rare opportunity to design your perfect living space from the ground up. The unit is ready for a complete renovation, allowing you to bring your vision to life. Two expansive windows fill the space with natural light, framing breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, Midtown, Columbus Park, and the iconic
Welcome to Residence 7C at Chatham Towers, a beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom haven perfectly positioned at the crossroads of Chinatown, Tribeca, and the Financial District. Offering seamless access to the best of downtown Manhattan, this thoughtfully designed home blends comfort, convenience, and style. Venture inside to discover beautiful hardwood floors that flow
Perched atop a celebrated Beaux-Arts landmark building in the heart of Tribeca, this magnificent Penthouse offers nearly 4,800 square feet of refined indoor and private outdoor space with 3 large bedrooms, a bonus den or office, 3 full and 2 half baths, a rooftop terrace made for entertaining, with indoor and outdoor kitchens. This home blends timeless architecture with contemporary luxury.
Affordable 97 Acre Recreational & Hunting Tract – Near Hillside & Morgan Brake Refuges Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta flyway, this 97 acre recreational gem offers a rare and affordable opportunity for duck and deer hunting enthusiasts. With a diverse mix of flooded hardwood timber and 25 acres of row crop fields, this tract is ideal for creating your dream duck camp or
Brandt WatsonUnited Country-Southern States Realty
Rarely Available! Welcome to your 3-bedroom, spacious, light-filled apartment. This large, southwest-facing corner apartment is situated on the 5th floor, with natural sunlight filling the rooms all day long. Make this home your own with a kitchen ready to design just the way you dream. The structure can be opened to create a large open space, integrating the living area with the
This sophisticated one-bedroom residence with a separate study and one-and-a-half baths is located in a stunning Beaux-Arts landmark building in Manhattan, with interiors designed by Gabellini Sheppard. Upon entering, a grand foyer leads into a home distinguished by unique craftsmanship, ample closet space, and custom chevron-patterned hickory hardwood floors throughout. The open-concept kitchen,
Kevin MaherCompass
$14,500 per month
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,750 Sq Ft
Available for move in as early as August 18th, partially furnished or unfurnished, for a one or two year lease. Pets allowed on a case by case basis.Welcome home to 15B, a grand 1,750 square foot two bedroom, two-and-a-half bath residence designed by Gabellini Sheppard and furnished with modern, stylish Modani furniture. This home is located within one of Manhattan’s finest Beaux-Arts
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,225
Median Age
49
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$63,158
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,330
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
76.6%
College Graduates
60.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.5%
% Population in Labor Force
49.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
90/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
100/ 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.
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.
