Photo of the Flatiron building in New York by Francois RouxThe Flatiron District is located in Central Manhattan, New York roughly bounded by Sixth Avenue to the west, 25th Street to the north, Park Avenue South to the East and 18th Street to the south. Basically, it is enclosed between Chelsea, Midtown East and the Gramercy – Union Square area.

The neighborhood is another one of Manhattan’s unique niche areas which originally grew up in the late 19th century when the “Ladies Mile” shopping district developed around Broadway and many cast iron buildings were constructed with neo-classical, Beaux-Arts and Second Empire Style influences.

The neighborhood’s signature building, The Flatiron Building, is its namesake because of its historical significance to the city. The building was the tallest skyscraper in the city when it was built and its unique triangular shape around Broadway and Fifth Avenues makes it one of New York’s most memorable structures.

The Housing:

The Flatiron District has limited housing and many of the offerings are expensive, but people find that the location is well worth the price. The predominant housing options are lofts located on the side streets and newer high-rise condos scattered on the Avenues. New York Habitat can help you find housing very close. For example, consider furnished apartments in Gramercy and Union Square or a vacation rental accommodation in Midtown East to stay in the heart of the district.

Consider this furnished studio apartment in Murray Hill (NY-14539)

or

This 1-bedroom vacation rental apartment in Midtown East (NY-12330)

The Culture:

The neighborhood is small but includes many of the city’s top restaurants, the always popular Madison Square Park and a unique mix of shopping. Some of the popular restaurants include Craft and Craft Bar by chef Tom Colicchio that serves new American food, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, specializing in southwestern food, and Tabla, an Indian restaurant facing Madison Square Park.

Photo of Met Life Tower in New York by Francois RouxAs for shopping, the neighborhood has become a magnet for large national retailers but has plenty of local flair as well. There is a large Home Depot on 23rd Street as well as a Filene’s Basement and a Container Store on Sixth Avenue. The neighborhood also features one of the original Barnes and Noble stores – from before the bookseller became a national chain — as well as Paragon Sports on 16th Street and Broadway, one of the city’s most famous independent sporting goods stores.

Madison Square Park, which fills the land between Fifth and Madison Avenues from 23rd to 25th Streets, is one of the neighborhood’s highlights. The park includes a famous burger stand, which is run by the owners of the Union Square Grill and includes some of the best burgers in the city. If you decide to go for a burger, come early or prepare to wait because the secret is out. You can even enjoy a glass of wine (plastic) with your burger while sitting at a table in the park.

The Location:

People who live in the neighborhood often choose it because of its central location halfway between Herald Square and Union Square. Many midtown offices are within walking distance, though if you prefer there are several subway lines that serve the neighborhood including the 6 train at 23rd Street and Park Avenue South, the R,W trains at 23rd Street and Broadway, and the F,V trains at 23rd and Sixth Avenue. With all of these options, accessing any part of Manhattan is relatively easy.

When looking for Union Square apartments, consider the Flatiron District. Its easy access to Midtown East or Midtown West offices, close proximity to Madison Square Park and top-notch restaurants make it an attractive choice.

Photographs provided by Francois Roux Photography