"During the 90s, escalating rents forced many people out, and today the East Village is no longer the hotbed of dissidence and creativity it once was. Nevertheless, the error remains one of downtown Manhattan's most vibrant neighborhoods, with boutiques, thrift stores, record shops, bars, and restaurants are plenty. it's populated by a mix of old-world Ukrainians, Puerto Ricans, students, punks, artists, hipsters, and burnouts feeding continuous energy through the streets 24 hours a day."
Dunford, Martin (2006). The Mini Rough Guide to New York City. New York:The Penquin Group.
The East Village has always been home for one of the most character full buildings in Manhattan. Apartment buildings in the area from prewar tenement houses to the luxury building with a swimming pool. Although the East Village has grown and become a lot more modern you can still find the occasional "dump" where there is a bathroom in the kitchen, or even worse there is no bathroom at alll you would need to share a bathroom with everyone on the floor. Apartments in the East Village are highly desirable and in some buildings expensive, however you look hard enough and you will find the right apartment.
