Neighborhoods Already Discoved, but not mainstream?

Original poster here....just to clarify...I know chelsea is pretty mainstream already...but I was thinking perhaps the High line development would make it a more popular spot than it already is??? The area has pretty good transportation, etc, but doesn't enjoy the same prices as the village or UWS so far....

To me, nice stuff in Chelsea seems just as expensive as the Village and getting close to the UWS. I like Hells kitchen, especially the northeast part of it. Great access to transporation, good services, i.e. shopping (Dags on 10th & 55 and WholeFoods at 8th & 58), restaurants & bars (9th and 10th), entertainment, arts, etc. Prices aren't low, but they are lower than Chelsea and UWS. I just keep thinking this area will take off - but I think a lot of people have been saying this for 10 years...

Do you think that UWS is more expensive than the village? A broker recently told my wife and I that we were basically priced out of downtown (the nice parts, including the village) but we would be able to find something on the UWS.

Based on what I've seen. But I think they are pretty close at around $1000+/sft. I guess it depends on how "upper" you mean by UWS. If you are talking about Morningside Heights or North, than the Village is substantially more expensive.

I happen to think Murray Hill is terrific - I used to live there. But only between Fifth and Lexington (maybe Third), and only between 32nd to 39th - so it's a small pocket. There are lots of lovely co-op units in that area if you look carefully (mostly built or changed to residential in the 1930's and 1940's), and while not cheap, the location is certainly less costly than prime areas like the Village, SoHo, NoHo, TriBeCa, Chelsea, and the UES and UWS. In addition, you're in the center of the island, there's lots of taxi and bus service, and you're right on the 4/5/6 green line. It's also a slightly quieter, family oriented area, with very few 'hotspots' - but you're a short ride (or even a walk) from any grooviness uptown, downtown, or the Chelsea/west side may offer. It also is close to Grand Central, which makes it nice for commuters or getting out of the city on the weekend quickly. I found the area well serviced by all the amenities one requires (dry cleaners, nice markets, shoe repair, post office, etc.), and the many of the streets are quite pretty.

We bought in Murray Hill-same story used to live there 7 years ago. BTW the PS -Mary Murray School is also v. good.

Madison Park / Midtown South (or Flatiron North:) is one of the last pockets that hasnt appreciated as quickly as everything around it. Probably the most central part of NYC.

Morningside Heights is also starting to get pricey.

That's why the little part of Harlem immediately east of Morningside Heights is quickly shaping up to be an extension of the Upper West Side. Lots of Victorian brownstones, with large-lot new doorman buildings. One of the safest areas in Manhattan, says the Community Data at http://www.nytimes.com/pages/realestate/communities/index.html -- the West Village (for example) has fully twice the crime rate as the "Morningside Heights/Harlem" area, with just plain "Morningside Heights" a little higher in crime than MH/H.

What's up with the Bowery? 1000, 1100, 1300 sf???

Any thoughts on SE Tribeca / City Hall area?