Understanding the streets in Manhattan is very simple. All the street north of Houston Street, run in a grid pattern. The major avenues, such as 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th Avenues run north to south and the numbered streets run east to west.Fifth Avenue is the dividing line between the East Side and West Side of Manhattan. Therefore, any buildings west of Fifth Avenue will have the word West or W in the their address. For example 123 West 42nd Street.The same process will be applies to buildings located east of Fifth Avenue. For example 123 East 42nd Street.Now the only avenue, that does not follow the north-south pattern is Broadway. It follow the route of an old Native American trail.I hope this information is very helpful.Good luck
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