The Most Accessible Neighborhoods in New York City

A lot of people dream of going to New York, but the truth is even seasoned travelers can be intimidated by the hectic atmosphere in the city. Getting from one point to another can get confusing, especially if you’re lost in the middle of a busy crowd. Even something as simple as hailing a taxi can turn into a free for all. Needless to say, all of this is more challenging for PWDs.

But after a few visits to the city, I learned that the city government considers accessibility as one of its priorities. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio even declared that the city is keeping their doors open to everyone, and they make a conscious effort to accommodate tourists with special needs. The city’s accessibility combined with excellent quality of living and vibrant culture attracted over 600 million visitors last year. And with such a high number of visitors, a considerable portion choose to remain and live in the Big Apple. In fact, NYC is still the most valuable real estate market in the US, and Yoreevo estimates that there are around 30,000 real estate agents in the city to help meet the demand in housing. Residential developments and city projects include accessibility right from the planning stage, and it shows in the city’s neighborhoods.

But of course, some neighborhoods are more accessible than others. For visitors with special needs in terms of accessibility, here are the best areas in NYC to explore.

 

Central Manhattan

 

 

Despite its highly dense population, Manhattan has the most accessible subway stations among the city’s neighborhoods. That is not really a surprise, as it’s home to some of the most popular destinations in New York, including Central Park, the Empire State Building, and the Museum of Modern Art. Central Park, for instance, has paved walkways that make wheeling a breeze.

 

Times Square

 

 

Times Square can get really crowded and busy, but it’s generally accessible. 330,000 people go here every day, most of which are tourists, which is why the streets are developed and frequently maintained. It’s home to NYC’s Broadway Theater District, so it’s a must-visit especially for theater fans.

 

Greenwich Village

 

 

Greenwich Village is also called the Bohemian capital of the city. It has served as the home of many artists, thinkers, and celebrities ever since New York became the world’s cultural epicenter. Locally known simply as ‘the Village’, the sidewalks have plenty of ramps and they are easy to navigate. This is very helpful as you check out different landmarks like Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest functional non-Broadway theater in New York City. There’s also the Tenth Street Studio building, which hosted exhibits by artists such as Winslow Homer, Edward Lamson Henry, Frederic Church and Albert Bierstadt. If you simply want to relax and go people-watching, Washington Square Park is the place to be.

 

Brooklyn

 

 

Brooklyn was once an infamous urban jungle, but it’s now fully developed. Along with these developments came accessibility, as the city renovated its sidewalks and improved building regulations for the benefit of all its citizens and tourists. Its most visited attraction, the Brooklyn Bridge Park has lots of ramps. The Brooklyn Heights promenade is also wheelchair-friendly and can be accessed via the Montague Street entrance. Other places worth visiting include Prospect Park, Ample Hills Creamery, and many other establishments in midtown Brooklyn.

 

Little Italy

 

 

Little Italy in Lower Manhattan is known for its restaurants and delis. It was initially populated mainly by Italian immigrants, hence the name, although it is now a cultural melting pot. Many of its attractions provide the utmost convenience for PWDs, such as Canal Street and Columbus Park. Both streets are paved and spacious, allowing wheelchair users to travel along the streets with relative ease.

If you’re planning on visiting NYC soon, check out these tips for wheelchair users before going to the city.