Get to Know Your Neighborhood!

MARCH 18, 2008

Welcome to our new look! Now you'll find out a little more about a block, a building, the city—maybe even your neighbors—

when you get your daily SmartMatch recommendations.

On the Block: Getting to Know Your Neighborhood
You’ve narrowed your favorite ‘hoods down to a few or you’ve just moved into a new one and you want it to feel like home. So how are you supposed to get a real feel for your own corner of the city?

First, every neighborhood feels different depending on the time of day. Spend some time in the morning to watch the commuter crowd and the tots on their way to the playground and school. Then make the rounds after dark to see who’s out and about when the sun goes down. Spend a few hours of your day off working or reading in a local café rather than your home office. Bring a friend or go solo for a beer at a local bar (The smaller the better: In Manhattan a pub or hole-in-the-wall isn’t a health hazard, it’s a spot for locals).

Community Boards provide a world of information. Attend a Community Board meeting (NYC.gov) to find out some of the issues that you may end up dealing with later. If you have a dog (or even if you don’t) spend some time at the closest dog run or park. Investigate the shelves at the closest deli or bodega—that way you’ll know the score when midnight Ben & Jerry’s cravings hit. Go online to check out your neighborhood’s blogs, sites and forums; these have taken the place of the neighborhood free paper. Some other places to investigate: Local supermarkets, weekend farmer’s markets, your Post Office, community center or bookstore.

ALSO IN NEW YORK CITY INSIDER

This is your member's center

Get to Know Your Neighborhood!

MARCH 18, 2008

ALSO IN NEW YORK CITY INSIDER

Buy & Sell

Rent

Buildings

Insights

Company