When it comes to the Upper East Side, we all know the clichés of Botox-ed ladies frequenting designer boutiques, and socialites drinking wine at high-end restaurants.
Yes, walking down 5th or Madison, you’ll probably see evidence of this, but there’s a lot to the Upper East Side that you might not see in movies or TV shows. Keep reading for your go-to guide to the neighborhood that has housed the Rockefellers, Roosevelts, and Kennedys over the years, the Upper East Side.
History
PC: Tax Trials
Walking around on the Upper East Side, you can’t help but notice the history behind the buildings. The neighborhood was originally developed by affluent New Yorkers, building mansions along Fifth Avenue after the opening of Central Park in the the late 1800s. Even the wealthiest families liked the idea of sacrificing their larger homes to be near the new park.
Working-class people later settled closer to the 2nd and 3rd Avenues as a result of the elevated East Side train line. Still, with its broad avenues and ancient architecture, the upscale atmosphere of the easte neighborhood prevails today.
Accessibility
PC: The Real Deal
The Upper East Side of Manhattan runs east of Central Park from 5th Avenue, to the East River, and stretches north from East 59th Street to East 96th Street.
Traveling in and around the Upper East Side is fairly easy as the neighborhood has a number of major subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, F, and Q, with the N, R, and W running along 59th Street.
Lifestyle
If you’re looking for museums and galleries, the “Museum Mile” on the Upper East Side won’t disappoint. Along 5th Avenue, you’ll find the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Solomon F. Guggenheim Museum, the Frick Collection, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.
If shopping is more your style, catwalk down Madison Ave between 60th and 82nd Streets to visit all of your favorite luxury boutiques. Many fashion gurus have their flagship stores here, showcasing their inventory in high-end spaces.
Restaurants
PC: The Good Life of NYC
Similar to the homes you see on the Upper East Side, the best restaurants in the neighborhood are some of the oldest. The quality and type of restaurants on the Upper East Side vary from extremely fancy on Park Ave to more relaxed comfort food in Yorkville.
Take a seat in Sushi of Gari, if you want some of the best sushi in the city. If you’re near the Met, stop into Via Quadronno for legendary sandwiches or delicious pasta for lunch. Looking for a nice date night venue? Try Daniel, for a fantastic French, fine dining experience. Finally, if you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, brunch, or even football game, Jones Wood Foundry is a healthy favorite in the neighborhood.
Cost
PC: Koket
With the beautiful scenery and old charm of the Upper East Side, it’s no surprise that the cost of living on the Upper East Side is 60 percent higher than the New York average. The median asking rent is $2,400 a month and the median sales price is $1.1 million.
While real estate is some of the most expensive in the city along 5th Avenue, as you move away from the park, prices become much more reasonable, especially for co-ops and rentals in the area.
Still, the primary advantage of living in New York City’s prime residential neighborhood is the superior housing. If you’re willing to pay the price, living on the Upper East Side can get you beautiful amenities such as large rooms, tall ceilings, windows in each room, expansive closets, and even working fireplaces, that you might not find in other neighborhoods.
Final Verdict
PC: StreetEasy
After looking at all the characteristics, no other neighborhood has quite the glitz and glamour of the Upper East Side. As one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city, right on the edge of Central Park, the Upper East Side is perfect for anyone who wants a fresh breath of air that feels miles away from the chaos of the city.
