TriBeCa, the shortening of the neighborhood’s original designations: Triangle Below Canal Street (though it’s shape is not perfectly triangular) is one of the most well known neighborhoods in New York. That’s saying a lot, considering New York is, more or less, a city full of popular neighborhoods. But TriBeCa was not always trendy.

Until the 1960’s, textile mills dominated the neighborhood. It wasn’t until the early 1970’s that people began to seek special zoning permits to renovate the industrial buildings, which had fallen into disuse. Artists and bohemians created loft spaces in the aged buildings. It is a testament to their foresight that today TriBeCa’s real estate is some of the most valuable in the country. Unfortunately for people looking for the past glory of TriBeCa, the bohemian flavor has all but disappeared. Today, boutiques, hip cafes, and stylish restaurants can be found along the neighborhood’s main streets. The TriBeCa film festival, fathered by Robert De Niro, brings filmmakers and fans together in late April and early May. It is a showcase for some of the world’s best independent films.

That’s not all the glamour that the area offers. Harvey Keitel, David Letterman, and Mariah Carey, as well as a host of other celebs, maintain residences in TriBeCa.

Though you, like 99% of the world, might not be able to afford a loft home in the neighborhood, visiting, even to window shop, is still worth the effort. The unique architecture and the kind of café lifestyle make TriBeCa seem accessible to visitors. And not everything is glitz and glamour. Washington Market Park is a family friendly park with a large community garden and even the occasional event.

New York is not known as the world’s most exciting city for nothing. TriBeCa went from vacant ghost town to wickedly popular neighborhood in 30 years; that speed of change makes you want to scour the city for the next “big thing.”