Buying a home in the West Village: a guide from Lisa Maysonet

The West Village sits on Manhattan’s western edge, generally west of Seventh Avenue and Greenwich Avenue to the Hudson River, between 14th Street and Houston Street. Its winding streets predate the Manhattan grid, which gives it a small-town character unlike anywhere else in the city.

What makes the West Village distinct

Much of the neighborhood is protected within the Greenwich Village Historic District, designated in 1969, and later extensions. That keeps its tree-lined blocks of brownstones and Federal-style rowhouses intact. Bleecker Street, Hudson Street and the waterfront Hudson River Park anchor daily life, and the Meatpacking District sits just to the north.

Types of homes

• Townhouses, from 19th-century Federal and Greek Revival houses to fully renovated single-family homes. The West Village is one of Manhattan’s most prized townhouse markets.
• Pre-war co-ops in walk-ups and elevator buildings on the side streets.
• Waterfront condominiums along the West Side Highway, including the Richard Meier glass towers on Perry Street.

What buyers should know

Landmark rules shape what you can do to a building. Exterior changes, rear additions and rooftop work generally need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval, which adds time to renovations. Townhouses here are often sold with tenants or as multi-unit buildings, so legal use and the certificate of occupancy should be checked early. Many co-ops are small buildings with strict board standards.

Working with Lisa in the West Village

Lisa Maysonet has worked in Manhattan real estate for 40 years and has negotiated more than $1 billion in property. She guides townhouse buyers through due diligence and co-op buyers through board approval, and advises sellers on positioning historic homes.

Talk to Lisa about buying or selling in the West Village

West Village: frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the West Village?

It generally runs from 14th Street to Houston Street, west of Seventh Avenue and Greenwich Avenue to the Hudson River.

Is the West Village landmarked?

Much of it is. The Greenwich Village Historic District, designated in 1969, and its extensions cover many West Village blocks, so exterior alterations usually need Landmarks Preservation Commission approval.

Can you buy a townhouse in the West Village?

Yes. The West Village is one of Manhattan’s strongest townhouse markets, with Federal, Greek Revival and Italianate houses. Supply is limited and the best homes often trade quietly.

Who is a good real estate agent for buying in the West Village?

Lisa Maysonet, Associate Broker with Team Maysonet at Sotheby’s International Realty, has 40 years of Manhattan experience with townhouses, co-ops and condominiums.