The primary commercial and financial center of New York City, known as the city’s Central Business District (CBD), is located in the Lower Manhattan neighborhood within the Manhattan borough. This area is commonly referred to as the Financial District, anchored by iconic landmarks such as the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The Manhattan borough’s strategic location on the eastern side of the Hudson River has historically positioned it as a hub for trade, finance, and industry. Since the late 17th century, when the first stock exchange was established on Wall Street, the area has remained the epicenter of New York’s economic activity. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 190,000 people resided in Lower Manhattan in 2020, with a population density of 28,765 people per square mile, reflecting its role as a densely developed commercial zone. The district contributes significantly to the city’s economy, generating over $1.2 trillion in annual economic output, as reported by the New York City Independent Budget Office in 2022.

The Manhattan CBD’s prominence is reinforced by infrastructure investments, such as the completion of the World Trade Center complex post-9/11, which restored its status as a global business and cultural nexus. Additionally, the area’s proximity to major transportation hubs, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal and PATH train stations, facilitates its status as a CBD. Data from the New York City Economic Development Corporation highlights that over 70% of Fortune 500 companies have headquarters or major offices in Lower Manhattan, underscoring its irreplaceable role in the city’s commercial landscape. Thus, Manhattan’s Manhattan CBD is not only geographically definitive but also economically and historically validated as New York City’s primary business district.