Once a gritty industrial area, TriBeCa (Triangle Below Canal) has evolved into a posh, artsy enclave, albeit one that relishes its hard-scrabble history. The enormous loft spaces that drew artists here in the first place are still sought after both as residences and galleries, while luxury mid-rises have become increasingly popular. The eponymous international film festival—co-founded by Robert De Niro—helped put TriBeCa on the map. The actor, who also owns a hotel and several restaurants here, has been credited with igniting the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene.

Anywhere you walk, you’re likely to encounter celebrities in their natural habitat. From Jay-Z and Beyonce to Taylor Swift, the A-listers who make TriBeCa home are too numerous to count. Not surprisingly, you’ll pay a premium to live next to Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Biel, and housing stock is limited by low turnover. But for those who can afford insider status in a refined—but surprisingly laid back—neighborhood, TriBeCa is worth the price.