What is the importance of Greenwich Village in the novel, The Wishing Game?

Hugo used to dream about living in Greenwich Village. He thought that is where serious artists lived, and he dreamt of associating with all of these artists. When he looks for a place to live there early in the novel, his fascination has diminished and he cannot find a place he wants to live even though he can now afford it. This symbolizes how his dreams have changed and how he is disillusioned.