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As knowledge of animal welfare and fears for a healthy life surge, so does veganism. Being vegan means, you don’t eat or drink any animal product. Those can be the direct flesh or any discharge such as milk, cheese, and eggs. In a city, options like steak houses and ice cream shops often line streets. This makes it tough for vegans to find a fitting eatery.
One of the best places for a vegan to move to is New York City. This is because New York is one of the more welcoming cities for them. Still, with five boroughs, you’re sure to come by a lot of non-vegan options. To help you decide which place is best for you, we’ve chosen five areas that have the most options for vegans. We picked these based on restaurants, communities, and the cost of living. Within these places, any vegan is sure to find plenty of options for late-night meals, fast take-out, and folks with similar beliefs.
Here’s what we found.
Lower East Side, ManhattanLower East Side, Manhattan
For great vegan options near vibrant nightlife, check out the Lower East Side. There is plenty of hip and inclusive bistros with vegan-friendly options, as well as vegan grocery stores. Orchard Grocer is a great shop to fuel your home cooking. One unique aspect of the Lower East Side’s vegan options is their desserts. It can be challenging to find tasty vegan sweets, but places like Dun-Well Doughnuts are all over!
You’re likely to immerse yourself in the vegan culture here, as this is a must-visit spot for many vegans. This will allow you to feel as if you’re part of a large community of like-minded individuals. Another benefit of the LES is how there are so many new and exciting options popping up constantly. There’ll always be something new to try! Say goodbye to the salad and hummus plate, and hello to fancy, decadent picks.
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Upper East Side, ManhattanUpper East Side, Manhattan
Next to the beautiful greens of Central Park, the Upper East Side is full of cheap vegan-friendly choices. Options for local plant-based fast food, takeout, and late-night meals are things that draw vegans to the Upper East Side. Another benefit of this area is you’ll be within walking distance of Stephen’s Greenmarket. This is an iconic year-round farmers market, clothing drop, and composting station. You’ll never be too far from fresh fruits and veggies.
About the vegan community, there is a fast-growing group of vegans who reside in the Upper Eastside. Since this area is close to Central Park, it becomes a common meeting ground for vegans. Consider having a picnic with takeout from Green Bean Café – their seasonal menus and fresh food are perfect for vegans. With a strong sense of friendship, the Upper East Side could be the ideal place for you.
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Astoria, QueensAstoria, Queens
To avoid the hustle of Manhattan, if you travel east, you’ll reach Astoria, Queens. As one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in New York City, tons of various eateries exist. This gives everyone an option they’d enjoy, including vegans! Many trendy and ethnic diners like No5nyc have transformed their menus to make room for the growing vegan community in Astoria.
For those on a budget, Astoria is the most affordable vegan-friendly area to live in. Not only is the food worth the cost, but the town boasts cheaper living costs than other New York locations. It’s vital to note you don’t have to give up the city feel and view even though you’re in Queens. There are fantastic skyline sights, and it’s only a short 15-minute ride to Midtown Manhattan from there. Speaking of skyline views, Fresco Cantina offers meals at an affordable cost right by the East River. Keep in mind, more desirable places do seem to be rising in price as of recently. Because of this, you may find yourself in a less wanted unit.
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Williamsburg, BrooklynWilliamsburg, Brooklyn
As the fourth neighborhood on our list, Williamsburg is the trendiest. With trend comes new fads, one of which is veganism. Walking past painted murals on the sides of buildings, you’re sure to find many brick and mortars with tasty options. For example, Wild Ginger, an Asian fusion restaurant, is a must-try for all vegans in Williamsburg.
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Because this is a hipster location, you’ll likely be around nightlife. Bars and clubs have been changing their menus to fit in with the growing vegan culture there, so you’ll never miss out on the party.
For all of your cooking and kitchen needs, there are many markets open in Williamsburg year-round. McCarren Park Greenmarket is one of them. Offering a farmer’s market and composting, vegans will appreciate how green this location is. If you care for the environment and are a vegan, Williamsburg may be an excellent spot for you.
East Village, ManhattanEast Village, Manhattan
Known for its lively nightlife and old-school venues, East Village is the center of vintage in NYC. Thanks to the growing level of vegans in the area, hip restaurants like Bali Kitchen now have vegan options. One of New York City’s most famous markets, Tompkins Square Greenmarket, is in East Village. It’s open year-round and offers healthy, fresh vegetables and fruits. This is perfect for the vegan home cook.
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While the East Village is fast-paced, it also offers plenty of peaceful locations. A calming yet upbeat place is perfect for vegans eager to keep busy. In the East Village, you’ll always be around fresh produce and a community of great people.
Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts
New York City is one of the most open and diverse cities in the US. This makes it no surprise that there are many neighborhoods with vegan-friendly options. Whether you’re a proven New Yorker or just a vegan looking to move, New York City has you covered.
Choosing the location that best suits you and your life will improve the odds of loving your time there. Whether a hipster vibe or a chill area, New York City’s vegan culture will not upset you!