Little Italy's trendier and mellower sibling.
Nolita has a below average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for New York City.
Nolita is another tiny neighborhood tucked into lower Manhattan. Its name comes from its location – "North of Little Italy" – and it's the hipper, more mellow version of its neighbor to the south. In fact, the singer David Bowie, who was the king of cool, used to live here with his wife, Iman. Other celebs still cruise its streets and people watching here is a professional sport.
During the day, people frequent the low key restaurants and coffee shops on its tree-lined streets. This is also a trendy shopping district full of stylish boutiques, pop-ups, art galleries, and unique stores like the independent McNally Jackson bookstore. There is also plenty of nightlife, ranging from dive bars to upscale lounges, but this remains a quiet area thanks to its more mature population.
Despite the cool factor, this neighborhood has a friendly, cozy community vibe. It appeals to families, professionals, and singles alike. It's also the core of the Australian expat community in New York with several Australian-run businesses.
Nolita is bordered on the north by NoHo, on the east by Bowery, on the south by Little Italy, and on the west by SoHo.
Commute:
Wall Street: 2 miles / 10-25 minutes by car / 15-20 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 3 miles / 15-35 minutes by car / 15 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 7 miles / 20-35 minutes by car / 30-35 minutes by transit
Nolita LOCAL schools
Nolita Local Flavor 
One of New York's iconic pizza joints, Lombardi's has been serving the same smoky-crusted coal oven baked pizza since 1905.
This charming little restaurant serves home-style Latin food with unique Cuban and Central Mexican accents. The corn is awesome.
Tucked on a side street, this shop with spiffy space-age decor sells bowlfuls of rice pudding in unusual flavors.
A striking library-like space is the setting for this chic spot serving Australian fare.
Daily selections of fresh pastries and bagels from local suppliers including Ovenly, Balthazar, Murray's, and Sarabeth. They offer delicious café fare including sandwiches, soups, and salads.
The Puck Building is a historic building that was formerly the home of an influential magazine in the 1800s. Today it houses Manhattan's elite.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @nyctips_, @mokmoku, @karahleepoth, @marinegouli, and @crucial.taunt for your great photos of this neighborhood!
