FASHION CENTER (view all listings)

The Fashion Center, also known as the Garment District, has undergone tremendous change over the past few years. New York's dynamic fashion-design hub is now becoming its own diverse residential community. What is drawing people is not just the reams of beautiful garments - it's the convenient location in the heart of Midtown West, the mix of housing, and the close proximity to many restaurants, commercial offices, retail stores, and public transportation. These pluses play well against the backdrop of style, cutting-edge clothes, millions of shoppers flocking to snap up the bargains, and F.I.T's bright-eyed hopefuls aiming to be the next Ralph Lauren or Donna Karan. Other highlights are Macy's, Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.

Bordered by Fifth and Eighth Avenues, the area runs from 34th Street to Times Square (42nd Street). Among its blend of low and high-rise apartment buildings, "Fashion Central" is seeing a number of luxury buildings go up. Still growing, this neighborhood is likely to become ever and ever more desirable.