Neighborhoods

Soho

SoHo

Soho (“South of Houston”) was once an area zoned for artists and their studios (AIR means Artist in Residence). Artists lived upstairs and their storefront galleries and studios were at ground level. No more. The extreme revitalization of Soho has pushed most of the artists out. Now Soho is about all things high-end: retail shopping, high-end eateries, and high-end tourists. With stores like Prada, Chanel, and Agnès B, Soho is known for its shopping. Art galleries that have remained are expensive, and need to be in order to keep up with the high rents. Chic restaurants like Balthazar, Savoy, and the Hampton Chutney Company populate the area. Despite the exodus of artists, Soho still retains a spectacular European style, with old-world architecture and cobblestone streets. In terms of housing, Soho has some of the city’s best lofts.