Whether you prefer lo mein or linguine, there's an old-world flavor to this little neighborhood -- which means there are a lot of old-world (read: tenement-style) housing options, too.

Increasingly, however, the new world is making its presence known in this 'hood, which is bordered by bigger (and better known) downtown nabes like SoHo and the Lower East Side. As Little Italy's pizza parlors become increasingly crowded out by Chinatown, a new threat has entered the nabe: gentrification. Boutiques (which are particularly concentrated in the 'hood's northern area, Nolita, as in North of Little Italy), upscale bars and restaurants have all arrived -- and, of course, there are new condos to go along with them.

On the western reaches of the area lies One Kenmare Square (210 Lafayette St.), a curvy, glassy, 11-story condo building from Andre Balazs. Prices in early 2005 started in the high $500,000s for a studio.

Closer to the heart of Little Italy/Chinatown lies 123 Baxter St., a seven-story luxury condo that made a splash with its robotic parking garage. More affordable new digs can be had at Hester Gardens (158 Hester St.), a no-frills condo where one-bedrooms start at about $500,000.