Upper West Side

Sandwiched between Central Park on the east and Riverside Park on the west, the Upper West Side neighborhood enjoys the distinction of being both a hub of arts & culture and one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Manhattan. Once a land of rolling hills and farmland well on the outskirts of New York City proper, this neighborhood began developing in earnest in the decades following the building of Central Park in 1858. Today, the neighborhood embraces a delightful blend of old-world charm and modern culture, with quiet, shady streets lined with attractive brownstones bookended by historic “old-money” coops and luxury high-rise condos with breathtaking views of Central Park and the Hudson River.

Residents of the UWS enjoy the benefits of being in walking distance to two of NYC’s most beautiful parks, along with world-renowned cultural institutions like the American Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Center. And yet, much of the neighborhood is just far enough removed from the major tourist routes that you’ll find a much quieter, more relaxed vibe than in other parts of the city—not to mention some of the most diverse dining and shopping options along Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues that you’ll find anywhere in New York.

Understandably in high demand, the affluent Upper West Side is home to some of the priciest real estate in NYC, especially considering some of the showplace apartments and townhomes in the areas near Central Park and the river. However, you can also spot a deal here and there, especially the northernmost reaches of the neighborhood.