Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood Review - Manhattan Moving Guide 2024

Sandwiched between the Upper West Side and Chelsea on the west side of midtown Manhattan, Hell's Kitchen has attracted many young professionals looking to make it in the entertainment industry, thanks to its proximity to Broadway theaters and the Actors Studio training school.

Many famous actors, from Jerry Seinfeld to Madonna, have resided there mainly because of that.

This Hell's Kitchen neighborhood review will examine public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.

While Broadway's main theater area is outside Hell's Kitchen's borders, it is home to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Broadway Dance Center, New World Stages, Terminal 5, and Stage 48.

You'll find plenty of activities along the Hudson River piers and the ever-popular Intrepid Air, Sea, and Space Museum.

And there's always an event or exhibition at the Jacob Javits Center to the neighborhood's southern end.

Even if you don't find what you want within its boundaries, Columbus Circle, Central Park, Lincoln Center, and the Theater District are within walking distance of Hell's Kitchen.

After almost 30 years of gentrification, Hell's Kitchen, also known as 'Clinton,' has gone from being the most sketchy part of Manhattan to one of the most sought-after areas to live.

The neighborhood also sees increased commercial and residential complexes and rising rent prices.

Fun Fact: There are many theories as to how the Hell's Kitchen got its name, but one of the most popular is the story of when Two cops, one green and the other seasoned, were watching a riot in the same neighborhood involving 'youth' and 'age.' Gradually, it increased, and the seasoned officer commented, "This place is a hell of its own." The other Green Cop replied, "Hell is a mild climate for this street. This place is Hell's Kitchen."

Real Estate in Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen, like most of Manhattan, includes a mix of apartments in large luxury apartment complexes with smaller and older low-rise buildings.

There are some townhouses, but they exist mainly towards the Hudson, on the outer avenues.

Renting an Apartment in Hell's Kitchen

Hell's Kitchen has come a long way since its low-rent, crime-ridden days. Average rents have risen to some of the highest in the five boroughs.

However, Manhattan Plaza, a famously affordable building in the neighborhood since the 1970s and devoted to performing artists, is still under Section 8. 70% of the unit is dedicated to those in the performing arts and entertainment industry.

Buying or Renting in Hell's Kitchen

Like most of Manhattan, Hell's Kitchen has mostly co-ops and condos to offer the prospective home buyer, prices can range from below the city's average to above in this neighborhood.

Co-ops are likely to be far more affordable in this area- sometimes there is a very large discrepancy between co-op and condo prices.
Townhouses in Hell's Kitchen are scarcely on the market as apartments far outnumber townhouses. Most townhouses are going to be towards the west side of the neighborhood.

Transportation

Hell's Kitchen is bound by the 8th Avenue subway line on 50th Street, but a short walk to 42nd Street will get you to Port Authority Bus Terminal or 34th Street - Hudson Yards Subway.

Public & Charter Schools

Hell's Kitchen has a wonderful selection of public and private schools to choose from.

Restaurants & Dining in Hell's Kitchen

No other neighborhood in Manhattan can claim to hold the "Restaurant Row" title, thanks to its incredible selection of ethnic cuisines.

You'll be able to find all kinds of restaurants, but Hell's Kitchen is known for its outstanding Thai (particularly along 9th Ave.).

However, this 'hood has no shortage of Brazilian, Mediterranean, French, Mexican, and even Afghani food.

Any distinctive restaurants along 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Ave) are usually jam-packed with theater-goers or locals looking to savor quality flavors and tastes.

Foodies also ensure never to miss out on the annual International Food Festival, which takes over Ninth Avenue every May, shutting down 20 blocks for local food vendors to shell out only the best international cuisines.

Hell's Kitchen has something for everyone, from upscale eateries to hole-in-the-wall gems.

How Safe is the Hell's Kitchen Neighborhood?

Hell’s Kitchen’s safety record is pretty good.

According to the NYPD, Hell’s Kitchen has significantly decreased crime since 2001.

Most of these crimes are petty offenses such as larceny/theft or vandalism rather than violent crimes like assault or murder.

In terms of day-to-day living, Hell's Kitchen is relatively safe for pedestrians due to the presence of foot traffic police officers who monitor the area.

Also, Hell's Kitchen has some great concealed surveillance systems that help monitor any suspicious activity.

On top of this, Hell's Kitchen has its community watch program, encouraging citizens to report any questionable activities they may witness in the neighborhood.

All these measures have resulted in Hell's Kitchen being considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Manhattan by locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Hell's Kitchen is generally considered a safe place compared to other areas in New York City due to its low crime rate and excellent security measures taken by local authorities.

While it may not be as secluded as some other NYC neighborhoods, Hell's Kitchen still manages to maintain a high level of safety without sacrificing its vibrant atmosphere – making it an ideal destination for those looking for a great time while staying safe at the same time.