The Upper East Side of Manhattan is one of New York's most famous neighborhoods and offers a great mix of history, culture, and convenience. From Bloomingdale's to Museum Mile, the Upper East Side is home to some of the city's best shopping and attractions. It's also centrally located with easy access to Midtown, Queens, and Central Park, and offers a range of housing options from brownstones to new construction.
The Upper East Side has long been one of NYC's most popular and prestigious neighborhoods. However, it's evolved considerably over the years and features distinct pockets and sub-neighborhoods that attract residents from all over. So if you think this may be the ideal community for you, here is a closer look at what living in the Upper East Side is really like.
Where Is the Upper East Side?
What is considered the Upper East Side? It comprises the area between the East River and Central Park, south of 96th Street and north of 59th Street. It's conveniently located just north of Midtown and across the river from Queens neighborhoods of Astoria and Long Island City.
Living on the Upper East Side offers convenient access to transportation. FDR Drive runs along the eastern edge, and the Queensboro Bridge is accessible at the corner of 2nd Avenue, offering a direct route from the Upper East Side to Brooklyn and Queens. The Q/F subway trains are also just one block west, providing a route to other parts of the city.
The UES covers a large area that itself contains a few smaller communities. Notable Upper East Side neighborhoods include Yorkville, Carnegie Hill, and Lennox Hills.
History of the Upper East Side
The Upper East Side has a fascinating history with a character and identity that has continued to evolve over the years. It was mostly farmland until 1837, when the New York and Harlem railroad started bringing commercial traffic to the northern parts of NYC.
The area around 86th street (now known as Yorkville) was the first to develop as a middle-class suburb. This area was also home to Gracie Mansion, the current residence of the NYC mayor. The flood of immigrants to NYC in the late 1800s led to the rapid development of the Upper East Side, as Lower Manhattan became overcrowded.
In the early 1900's the trains along Park Avenue were covered up and electrified to accommodate the development of upscale residential homes, which is when the Upper East Side gained a reputation for being one of New York's wealthiest and most exclusive communities.
Prominent New York families like the Carnegies and the Vanderbilts constructed elegant mansions in the neighborhood, and luxury apartment buildings were constructed to house the many people who were eager to move to the area.
Over the years, the Upper East Side has maintained its sophistication and cultural importance. However, it's evolved into a diverse community full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options that caters to New Yorkers from all walks of life.
What's Living on The Upper East Side of NYC Like?
Living on the Upper East Side of Manhattan offers a peaceful, suburban ambience with all the amenities and conveniences of the big city. It's a bit quieter and more secluded than Midtown but features easy access to bars, restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and other popular neighborhoods.
It's set up on a big grid, making it easy to get around. Plus, it's in a convenient location close to plenty of highways and train stations. The vibe changes slightly depending on what part of the neighborhood you're in. The area closer to the park has a more exclusive vibe, while the areas closer to the river have a regular, residential feel.
There are plenty of smaller parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, and the Lennox Hill area is home to some of NYC's best hospitals, including New York Presbyterian and Sloan Kettering. So living on the Upper East Side means you're never far from what you need.
What To Do In the Upper East Side of New York City
You'll find everything from world-class museums to hidden gem restaurants on the Upper East Side. Museum Mile is a section of 5th Avenue that contains some of the world's most famous museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and many more.
The Upper East Side's Central Park access is another major selling point, and residents are known to spend a sunny day relaxing on the lawn or exploring the grounds. You'll also find plenty of smaller parks scattered throughout the neighborhood, including Carl Schurz Park in Yorkville or Andrew Haswell Green Park in Lenox Hill.
If you're looking to do some shopping on the Upper East Side, Bloomingdale's is a legendary department store on 59th and 3rd Avenue, and you'll find plenty of other high-end shops and trendy boutiques along Madison Avenue. There are also a few popular grocery stores on the Upper East Side of NYC, like the Trader Joe's on 59th Street.
The streets between 2nd and 3rd Avenue are packed with amazing bars and restaurants. Soledad is a contemporary Mexican restaurant serving an array of authentic dishes, and Mission Ceviche is an award-winning Peruvian restaurant that was voted best ceviche in NYC.
Al Badawi is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and serves an array of mezze dishes. Hoexters is a classic American Bistro that's famous for its burgers and French onion soup.
If you're looking for nightlife, Bemelmans at the Carlyle Hotel is a classic. 2nd Floor Bar & Essen is also a hidden gem located on the 2nd floor of the 2nd Ave Deli. The East Pole is also a chic spot located inside a historic brownstone with a reputation for being a see-and-be-seen spot. No matter what your interests or tastes, you find plenty of fun things to do on the Upper East Side.
Upper East Side Real Estate | Upper East Side New Construction
The Upper East Side offers a great mix of low-rise apartment buildings, with larger condo and co-op buildings on the corners. You'll find everything from luxury high rises to classic New York brownstones on the Upper East Side at a range of different price points. Homes are reasonably priced but wide ranging.
You can find everything from $20 million homes with breathtaking views of the park to studio apartments for $2500 per month. Even the best Upper East Side apartment buildings offer units varying in size, quality, and price. So you can always find something that fits your budget and lifestyle.
The Treadwell is a popular condominium building in the neighborhood, offering elegant homes and a range of amenities designed to support an active lifestyle. This distinctive 21st-century apartment building features subtle references to New York's iconic Art Deco and Neo-classical architectural period with fluted terracotta details and bronze accents.
Residents enjoy a 24-hour doorman, a landscaped courtyard with lounge seating, an expansive fitness room with outdoor seating, a club lounge with a full catering kitchen, a pet spa for furry friends, and other shared amenities.
The building features studios, one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans, and a penthouse. Units come fully equipped with custom cerused lighting and medium-stained white oak cabinetry, Mont Blanc quartzite countertops, and high-performance, energy-efficient HVAC systems.
Select units also come with oversized whirlpool washers and vented dryers, and balconies and terraces with views of Central Park and the East River. With so many attractive features and convenient amenities, it's no surprise that the Treadwell has a reputation for being one of the best Upper East Side new developments.
Pros and Cons of Living On The Upper East Side
Pros of Living On the Upper East Side
- Access to Central Park, Museum Mile and other important cultural institutions
- Range of housing options from moderately priced studios to multi-million dollar penthouses
- Tons of great shopping, lively bars and award-winning restaurants
Cons of Living On the Upper East Side
- Fewer clubs and late night spots than other Manhattan neighborhoods
- Subway access in some parts of the neighborhood are somewhat limited, especially further north
- Tends to be quiet and residential, not as trendy or hip as some areas of New York
Is Living In the Upper East Side of New York Right For You?
Now that you know about all the fantastic benefits of living on the Upper East Side, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right neighborhood for you. Although learning about a neighborhood and finding the perfect home in that community are two different things entirely. Fortunately, Undivided is here to help.
