By Thelonious Johnson
Noho—short for North of Houston—has become one of the most in-demand neighborhoods in NYC. Once known as the Warehouse District, the neighborhood’s distinct loft buildings have been transformed and modernized. This perfect blend of sophistication and creativity has also generated the art scene like no other. On any given night, there are galleries hosting exhibitions of up-and-coming artists and photographers, as well as public theaters showcasing new productions (think: Hamilton just a few years ago).
NoHo is surely attracting younger, hip families and is the perfect place to foster the creative spirit in youth. And with everything you could want to discover within walking distance, it is certainly shaping up to be the epitome of New York City.
A BRIEF TOUR
NoHo has a plethora of fine dining, café, and bar options, such as Joe’s Pub and The Library at the Public with live music and performances. A true dining staple and a personal favorite is Il Buco (47 Bond Street). The restaurant has a rustic European setting , instantly transporting you through ambiance and tantalizing your taste buds. The Bond Street location also has a gorgeous wine cellar, perfect for hosting your next party. Specialty housemade pastas, Risotto, and the grilled Provitello Farm veal chop are a few of the dishes that are sure to satisfy your palette.
If you prefer Japanese food, there’s Bohemian. This “secret” restaurant’s entrance is located behind a butcher shop on Great Jones Street in a historic building, once home to Andy Warhol. So exclusive is this place (there is no published phone number), you can only gain access through existing patrons. The neighborhood also provides a liberating shopping experience with designer boutiques to fill your afternoons. Some of my favorite boutiques are SSUR (296 Elizabeth Street) for some trendy streetwear, C’H’C’M’ (2 Bond Street) featuring classic clothing, shoes, and jewelry sourced from designers around the world. There’s also C.C. Filson (40 Great Jones Street) specializing in outdoor clothing, accessories and luggage. For the trendiest fashion looks head to Oak (28 Bond Street) where you’ll find the chicest finds for both men and women. Shopping in NoHo is sure to put you at the forefront of fashion and give you a certain je ne sais quoi.
NATURAL BEAUTY IN THE CITY
A stroll down the cobblestone streets where great artists of the past once roamed may even inspire you to create and discover your own artistic talent. NoHo is also home to some of the few community gardens left scattered throughout the city, giving its residents a sense of serenity and natural beauty.
Whether you are visiting the city or live here and want to explore new finds, NoHo is a destination to give you a taste of old and new, trendy and creative, and decadent and indulgent. You may find that you end up liking it so much you are in need of your own loft in the neighborhood. If the stars align, you may even end up finding your mail addressed to a coveted Great Jones Street or Bond Street address in NoHo.
NOHO REAL ESTATE
Real estate finds range from new and modern buildings to 19th-century architectural wonders. Whether you’re looking at street level or upwards, the details show the vast design elements that are prominent in classical, pre-war buildings, as well as modern, contemporary designs.
The average price for a studio rental is around $3,000 a month, with one bedrooms ranging from $3,500 to $5,000 and two bedrooms from $5,500 up. If you’re looking to purchase, you can find co-ops for around $1 million and condominiums ranging from $2 million for a one bedroom up to $12 million for some breathtaking penthouses.
LOCATION IS EVERYTHING
Clearly, NoHo is a beacon for celebrities, supermodels, directors, producers, and corporate executives with a taste for the arts, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself rubbing elbows with an A-lister once in a while. This neighborhood is easily accessible by public transportation. In NoHo you get great value for your investment. New Yorkers know that location is everything. NoHo provides history, character, innovation and continuous exploration of modern trends and arts.
Thelonious “TJ” Johnson is a licensed broker with Brown Harris Stevens, recently has teamed up with Ogden Starr, and enjoys sharing his tips on his favorite city. If you are looking for a residence in NoHo—or anywhere else throughout Manhattan—contact him for any of your buying or selling needs. Visit bhusa.com/real-estate-agent/thelonious-tj-johnson.