The EAST VILLAGE is one of the most historic and diverse neighborhoods in Manhattan. The area features abundant Art Deco architecture, parkland and quiet rows of red brick houses. The East Village is bounded by 14th Street on the north, Houston Street on the south, Fourth Avenue on the west, and the East River. Some consider it the counter-culture capital of the world with an established music/art scene, funky shops and bars.The East Village consists mostly of walk-up buildings, many of which are being renovated, while high-rise apartment buildings are not as prevalent. The East Village maintains its hip, colorful personality even though more families and young professionals are moving into the neighborhood. The East River Park has gotten a new soccer field and rebuilt amphitheater, and the green center of the neighborhood is Tompkins Square Park bordering Avenue A. Neighborhood dining ranges from pocket-sized French bistros, to at least two dozen Indian restaurants, to pierogi palaces, and everything in between.