Greenwich Village (pronounce /ˌgrɛnɪtʃ ˈvɪlɪdʒ/), often simply called the Village, is a largely residential area on the west side of downtown (southern) Manhattan in New York City named after Greenwich, London, England. A large majority of this district is home to upper middle class families. Greenwich Village was historically noted as the internationally reputed bohemian capital, and the birthplace of the Beat Movement. Ironically, what provided the initial attractive character of the community eventually contributed to its gentrification and commercialization.