About Manhattan
Manhattan is one of five boroughs that make up New York City, though many think of it as New York City itself. More than 1.6 million people live on Manhattan Island in just under 23 square miles, with the Hudson River to the west, the East River to the east, the Harlem River at the north end, and at its southern terminus the Hudson and East rivers flow into New York Harbor. Densely populated and extremely expensive, the Big Apple is a coveted place to call home for its diversity, dynamic atmosphere, and international prestige. Considered a world capital of culture, finance, and media, Manhattan is home to New York City government buildings as well as the United Nations. Iconic Central Park and architectural wonders from the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building to the Brooklyn Bridge draw a steady stream of visitors and new residents.
Living and Working in Manhattan
Manhattan is home to dozens of unique neighborhoods, longstanding like Greenwich Village or relatively new like NoMad. Wherever you settle, it’s said you can get nearly anything you need within a few blocks. At Public Storage you’ll find plenty of storage locker options to help you store items or keep workout gear between treks to the gym. Our Manhattan storage locations throughout the borough help you find the right storage solutions. Neighborhood parks dot the island, but if the skyscraper shadows get to you, it’s a short trek to the Hudson or East rivers for a wide-open view. Fifth Avenue divides east from west, while Lower Manhattan is known for finance and Midtown for business. Some say anything above 59th is Uptown, others anything north of Central Park. Some New Yorkers go their entire life without owing a car.
Residents pursue careers in finance, healthcare, law and other professional services, retail, manufacturing, and education. Data security, software development, computer engineering, and management positions across a variety of sectors are other strong contenders. Hospitality and tourism provide a range of options as well, especially for young arrivals and those with stars in their eyes.
Manhattan Housing
The median home price in Manhattan is over $1 million, and rents start double the national average. But the options are dizzying: Downtown lofts in TriBeCa and Chinatown, stately apartment buildings around Central Park, Harlem brownstones, Upper West or East Side walkups, riverside penthouses, basement studios. In general, expect big rent for a tiny space. Many newcomers secure sublets until finding a more permanent address. We have plenty of small storage units near you to store excess clothes and furniture while you settle in to your new surroundings.
Manhattan is a metropolitan mecca. As the song goes, if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.
NYC Storage
Living in the borough means you have to get creative with living in tight spaces. With our mini storage units conveniently located near you, you can quickly unload items in your unit and help provide flexibility at home. Our NYC self storage options are great for small businesses in the are looking for small and large storage units to help their company grow.
Manhattan Schools
New York City Public Schools are highly rated, and there are numerous private schools as well. Some young families stay in Manhattan while others migrate to the suburbs. New York University, Columbia University, Hunter College, Fordham University, and City College of New York are major options for higher education.
Things to do in Manhattan
For green spaces, Central Park offers year-round recreation, culture, and nature. The High Line, one of the newest, is a linear park and rail trail on the West Side. Its transformation from an abandoned rail spur to destination is typical of Manhattan, which is steeped in tradition yet always changing. Must-visit museums include the American Museum of Natural History, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney, and the Guggenheim. Galleries and specialty museums abound. Madison Square Garden is home to NBA Knicks games and concerts by A-list entertainers. Nightlife is a hallmark of Manhattan, with live music, dining, dancing, and cocktails to fit every taste and budget. Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Lincoln Center are world-renowned venues, while smaller spaces with newly minted creations abound. Exploring the city on foot is a favorite pastime.
Manhattan Transportation
With one of the largest public transit systems in the world, you can get just about anywhere in the city by bus or subway. Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and Penn Station connect commuters and tourists arriving by bus or train to the subway for access to Manhattan and all the other boroughs except Staten Island. The ferry to and from Staten Island is free to ride 365 days a year. West Side Highway and the FDR on the east side move north-south a bit quicker than the avenues. More than 20 bridges and 15 tunnels connect to Manhattan Island dating back to the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened in 1883.
Manhattan History
The Lenape were the original Native American residents of the island. Mohawk ironworkers are renowned for erecting its skyscrapers and bridges. Manhattan was briefly the U.S. Capital just after the Declaration of Independence was signed.
The interplay of reinvention and historic preservation are part of its allure, as are strong contrasts. From pizza slices and gourmet eateries with year-long waitlists to Broadway marquees and gritty downtown theater, Manhattan is a place where something new can be discovered around any corner.