NoMad - Software Hub and Great Place to Work, Play, and Live
The NoMad district of Manhattan is vibrant, exciting, and a hub for software companies and startups. It's also a place for upscale apartments and condos, boutique hotels, and delightful places to eat.
This neighborhood is a great place to work, play, and life, but what is its history? Why might you want to consider living or working there? And why is it such a center for tech?
What is NoMad?
NoMad has nothing to do with digital nomads. It's an abbreviuation for North of Madison Square Park. Generally, the term refers to the rectangular area bordered by 6th Avenue to the northwest, W 30th Street to the northeast, Lexington Avenue to the southeast, and W 25th Street to the southwest. While the neighborhood is called "north" of Madison Square Park, its typical border runs through the park. However, the border is variable, with some sources including the entire of the park in this area, and extending the western border to Seventh Avenue.
This is a relatively small area, but it packs in a lot, including the southern end of Broadway. It's a neighborhood in the heart of everything. The NoMad designation, however, is relatively recent. In fact, the name was coined by the New York Times in 1999.
The History of NoMad
Although the name wasn't coined until 1999, the area has been important since Madison Square Park opened in 1847, attracting luxury hotels and entertainment venues. The neighborhood became dominated by elegant brownstones and was a place for New York's elite. It was a place to see and be seen. Much of this 19th century architecture remains today. The iconic Flatiron Building, known for its triangular shape, is a significant landmark here
However, in the 1880s through the 1930s, the area became a center for the arts...except for the part west of Broadway, which was called Satan's Circus because of the plethora of brothels and gambling dens. The area declined until the 21st century. Now, though, it has recaptured its place, and is home to more and more high-profile businesses.
NoMad as Software Hub
The timing of the revitalized NoMad has made it a hub for software companies. For example, while headquartered in Chicago, Thoughtworkshas an office in NoMad. They're a global technology consultancy that helps companies with their entire IT system, including data analysis, AI, and digital products for companies that range from Bosch to Sephora.
Software consultants evensor have their headquarters on 5th Avenue and help companies with software development and cybersecurity, as well as the Evensor Academy online learning platform. Other companies in the area include Enigma Technologies, SJ Innovation, Maxsource Technologies, and Unified Infotech. There's a software company on almost every block, and they attract high paid tech workers to the area, whether commuting or living in Manhattan.
These tech companies continue to attract more of the same, bringing vibrant startups to NoMad and creating a forward-thinking energy that helps support the entire neighborhood as a great place to work. It's an easy commute from any of New York's boroughs, too, with conveniently located subway stations on the R, W, and G lines. It's also convenient to the PATH train for New Jersey ressidents.
So, why are all of these companies in NoMad? NoMad is part of the larger area of New York known as Silicon Alley (although some consider that term obsolete since the dot com bust). And it gives four main advantages:
Proximity to other technology hubs, with easy transportation throughout Manhattan, the New York area, and beyond.
Access to coworking spaces to foster collaboration and help people connect with likeminded professionals.
Office space that was relatively cheap and easy to obtain during the dot com boom, causing a historical pattern that lingers today.
The sheer energy of being in the heart of Manhattan, which attracts younger workers.
NoMad might not be as famous as some software hubs outside New York, but that's only because people aren't paying attention. With new startups, it's only going to become even livelier.
NoMad As A Place To Live
NoMad is not a cheap place to live. Luxury condominimums overlook the city or the park, many of them priced at well into seven figures. However, cheaper co-ops are available if you know where to look.
Luxury condos are the thing here, many of them spacious and most of them with beautiful views and well-designed interiors.
Living in NoMad, though, is really about location, location, location! You have quick access to the beautiful Madison Square Park and easy access to the rest of Manhattan. Head northweast to Midtown and Central Park or southwest to West Village and Soho. It's easy to get out of New York too, if that's your desire, with quick access to Penn Station, Union Station, and the airport.
This is a place for young professionals who want to experience everything about the City That Never Sleeps...and, of course, for those who work hard at the software startups and don't want to deal with a lengthy commute.
NoMad As A Place To Play
NoMad is also a great place to visit...and to play. Attractions include the National Museum of Mathematics for the kids...and the Museum of Sex, which is definitely not for the kids. Oh, and check out the indoor golf course that lets you play virtual rounds on world-renowned courses.
Beautiful architecture includes the New York Life Building, but you're also between the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building. Much of the neighborhood shows its roots, making it a great place for street photography. You also have access to the High Line with its great views and fun public art.
It's not the shopping center 5th Avenue is further up, but there's still plenty of opportunities to be parted from your money, and Macy's is right at the edge, between 6th and 7th Avenue. But what you really want to come here for is the food.
Have you ever visited a Shake Shack? It might or might not be your favorite fast casual chain, but it started here. In fact, the first Shake Shack was a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park that was set up to raise funds for a public art project. That original hot dog cart is now a permanent stand in the park, with outdoor seating and special beer. It's worth a pilgrimage.
If you want something more up market, though, there are many options. New York as a whole tends to have a restaurant on every corner. How about Koloman for French-Vietnamese food. It's a special occasion kind of place with triple seared wagyu beef, samon en croute, and cheese soufflé. And then there's Atomix...the Atomix. You have to make a reservation, and you have to race with others online to get it on the first of the month. It's worth it if you can get in, though. Zaytinya, part of Jose Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup is great for a crowd, and is decidedly more accessible with amazing Mediterranean small plates.
Looking for something more casual? Tortazo is authentic Mexican, specializing in tortas (not tacos) with any protein you want. if you prefer Tacos, Tacombi is a well known chain with a location here. There are also Sweetgreen, Oakberry, Joe & the Juice and many, many more.
After dinner, consider 230 Fifth, NYC's largest rooftop bar, which always allows walk-ins. When the weather allows, enjoy fantastic views of the Empire State Building while appreciating one of their specialty cocktails and/or some classic bar food.
The Future of NoMad
Boom and bust? The dotcom bust looked like it was going to knock NoMad down, but the neighborhood got back up. The variety of software startups here likely insulates the neighborhood from, for example, the cryptocurrency bubble.
NoMad is also a playground, with boutique hotels and people with money coming here to use it as a base to explore New York. The neighborhood may or may not stay a software hub, but it will stay a lively place that attracts the "in" crowd. Location will always be important, even in a world of remote conferencing and the internet. Nothing replaces being in a tech hub and able to collaborate with friends...and rivals.
Private Office in NoMad
One of the things that attracts people to NoMad is office spaces. The expense of office space means that many new companies are looking to use shared spaces, as are individuals who want somewhere to work other than their home.
Broadway Suites has long provided shared, private, affordable work spaces for individuals and teams in New York City. We have convenient locations, and provide you with a Manhattan address and zipcode. Our new location at 37 W 26th in NoMad is right by the PATH train as well as the F, M, N, R, and W lines. We are right here to give you access to the NoMad tech hub, to provide spaces to meet with startups or collaborate with your own people. We love NoMad and we hope you will too!
Check out our newest location and secure your office space today.
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