One of the oldest inhabited areas of Manhattan, Civic Center will look familiar to anyone who has ever watched an episode of Law and Order. The neighborhood—which featured prominently in the show—is predominantly comprised of government buildings such as courthouses and City Hall.

Those looking to make their home here will be rewarded with a chance to live in some of the most architecturally distinctive buildings in the city. Many were converted into residences from the late 19th- and early 20th-century publishing houses that once dominated the area and retain their original character. You can even own a piece of a genuine landmark—the Gothic-revival Woolworth Building—at one time the world’s tallest skyscraper. Today, the Frank Gehry-designed 8 Spruce Street claims boasting rights as one of the loftiest residences anywhere. While neighborhood amenities tend to cater to the 9-5 weekday crowd, Civic Center’s proximity to Tribeca and Chinatown mean that nightlife and shopping are never far away.