Soho

Many of SoHo’s expansive apartments were built in the 19^th century, when the use of cast iron for building facades allowed for larger windows than in traditional brick buildings. Though SoHo has long since shedded its factory image to make way for artists, fashion designers, and Wall Street types, it remains the biggest concentration of cast-iron architecture anywhere in the world. Huge windows are one of the most attractive characteristics of SoHo’s co-op and condo lofts today.

SoHo has continued to increase in popularity over the years, and to accommodate the demand for housing its boundaries have expanded west to make room for new luxury condos (much to the chagrin of SoHo’s longstanding residents, who fear that the high-rise developments will dwarf the neighborhood’s cast-iron charm). These condos offer the most modern amenities, including landscaped courtyards, doormen, and even, at 505 Greenwich, a pet spa.

As with SoHo’s real estate, shopping and dining in the area is not for the faint of wallet. Fashion giants the likes of Prada, Chanel, and Burberry dominate the retail scene. For more boutique-y stores, walk east to Nolita.

Where: From Canal Street to Houston Street, from Lafayette

Nearest subway: 6 train to Spring Street; R/W train to Prince Street; B/D/F/V train to Broadway-Lafayette