Heavy on history but light on actual Italian.
Little Italy has a below average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for New York City.
'Little' is the operational word in 'Little Italy' these days. As gentrification pushes out long time tenants and Chinatown encroaches on Little Italy's historic boundaries, there's not much Italian left in this lower Manhattan neighborhood. Once covering fifty square blocks, it's now down to a fraction of that. But the annual Feast of San Gennaro parade still attracts a large number of Italian-Americans from around the city.
The main drag, Mulberry Street, features a number of good (and not-so-good) Italian restaurants that mostly bring in tourists looking for an authentic experience. (Insider's tip: there's much better Italian food elsewhere in this city). On the other blocks you'll find quieter, tree-lined streets of brick apartment buildings, historic churches, small museums, and the spectacular edifice that once headquartered the New York Police and has since been converted into luxury condos (its domed penthouse was listed for USD $40M).
The great thing about Little Italy is its location: it's right in the middle of a collection of fantastic neighborhoods, all within easy walking distance.
Little Italy is bordered on the north by Nolita, on the east by the Bowery, on the south by Chinatown, and on the west by SoHo.
Commute:
Wall Street: 1.5 miles / 20 minutes by car / 15-20 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 3 miles / 25-30 minutes by car / 20-25 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 6.5 miles / 30-35 minutes by car / 25-35 minutes by transit
Little Italy LOCAL schools
Little Italy Local Flavor 
Highly rated Malaysian restaurant known for its roti and a venue big enough to accommodate large parties.
Part hype, part actually really good, this place has been around for generations. Fans say the canoli is the best around.
This place is super cheap, super fast and super super tasty.
Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients possible. Claims their rustic interior will make you feel like you’re in an Italian villa.
This iconic building was formerly the NYC police headquarters and is now upscale condos.
