The Financial District features some of New York’s most iconic buildings and historic sites. Its neighborhood includes the entire area east of Battery Park City, from City Hall south and east toward the South Street Seaport.
Living in the Financial District
Life in the Financial District offers a wealth of public parks, walkways around the waterfront, and some of the finest dining and shopping in New York City. The neighborhood has been called the fastest growing residential area in the city in recent years, as Financial District apartments in NYC offer easy access to both business locations and an increasing array of shopping choices.
Battery Park and the Financial District comprise the eastern and western sides, respectively, of the lower tip of Manhattan. The more residential Battery Park City offers spacious housing with scenic Hudson River views and amenities like a full-size Whole Foods Market and the Hudson River Greenway for exercise and time outdoors.
While the Financial District has more housing options than ever, many people wishing to relocate to Lower Manhattan choose Battery Park City apartments for more space and luxurious amenities while maintaining convenient proximity to Wall Street.
Attractions in the Financial District
The Financial District has a wide variety of attractions. Tourists flock to see Wall Street, the National September 11th Memorial & Museum, Federal Hall, Trinity Church, and the many historic buildings of the neighborhood.
The South Street Seaport includes shopping and restaurants with spectacular views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty. Since recovering from severe damage sustained during Superstorm Sandy, the South Street Seaport has gradually become revitalized. In addition to bike tours and boat cruises that depart from the seaport, the boardwalk includes esplanades and cafés that overlook the water.
Parades in New York City often begin in the Financial District. A portion of Broadway called the “Canyon of Heroes” marks the start of Super Bowl victory parades and other celebrations—in fact this is where the original “ticker tape parade” took place, in commemoration of the Statue of Liberty opening.
A History of the Financial District
Europeans began settling New York City in the heart of the Financial District. Dutch traders in the 1600s established the first seaports along the East River and Hudson River, and the neighborhood soon became populated with wood-frame houses. Many of the Financial District apartments NYC residents live in today are built on the sites of these early Dutch homes.
When the United States became a country, the Financial District held the capital of New York State and also became the capital of the United States. George Washington was sworn in as the first president in 1789 at Federal Hall.
As the world’s center of commerce, the Financial District includes many skyscrapers and iconic financial buildings. The New York Stock Exchange sits on Wall Street with its memorable bronze “Charging Bull” statue outside. The neighborhood includes the former site of the Twin Towers and the current One World Trade Center, one of the tallest buildings in the nation.
Gateway – No-Fee Apartment Rentals
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