An Upper East Side Neighborhood Guide

Quintessential Upper East Side. {photo by Scott McCulley}

An Upper East Side Neighborhood Guide

The Upper East Side is like the little black dress of Manhattan – trends will come and go, but this area of the city is a classic. With its slower pace, luxury hotels, museums, comedy clubs, hole-in-the-wall spots and boutiques, the UES is home to a mix of students, families, celebrities, old money names, and even yours truly. Boundary-wise, the Upper East Side extends from East 59th to East 96th Street, and from Central Park/Fifth Avenue to the East River. Several mini-neighborhoods lie within those borders, and each comes with its individual culture and vibe. Dream of moving there? Here’s an Upper East Side neighborhood guide.

Lenox Hill – East 60th to East 77th Street, between Park Avenue and the East River

Lenox Hill may be my favorite part of the Upper East Side as this section (particularly the East 60s) is known for its gorgeous townhouses and tree-lined blocks. Located on the cusp of Midtown East, it’s also quite a bustling place with Hunter College and Lenox Hill Hospital in the area.

After living on East 66th for a couple of years, I discovered Lenox Hill has a cool, younger atmosphere and I love hanging out in the neighborhood when I need a chilled-out night on the town. Some of my favorite spots include Ritz Diner, Java Girl (adorable little coffee shop), Baker Street (my local watering hole), and Maya (amazing frozen margaritas and huaraches).

Lenox Hill runs through the heart of the Upper East Side. {photo by Scott McCulley}

Upper East Side Historic District – East 59th to East 75th Street, between Third and Fifth Avenue

Overlapping with Lenox Hill is the Upper East Side Historic District. Its boundaries were expanded in 2006 and now include several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as the Sara Delano Roosevelt Memorial House and the Gertrude Rhinelander Waldo House. With architecture dating back to the Victorian Era, this part of the Upper East Side makes for a beautiful walk around the neighborhood.

Walk through the Upper East Side Historic District.

Yorkville – East 79th to East 96th Street, between Third Avenue and the East River

Yorkville, where I live, has been a historically significant part of New York City since 1776 when George Washington chose to station troops along the East River. During the late-19th century, Yorkville attracted many German, Irish, Lebanese, and Eastern European immigrants, eventually becoming known as “Little Germany.” As Tracy wrote there are a few local attractions including Gracie Mansion, Carl Schurz Park, and the East River Promenade (my favorite hangout spot during warm summer nights).

Location-wise, Yorkville really is fantastic, as you can enjoy a riverside stroll, shop along 86th Street, or pub crawl down Second Avenue. Plus, Fairway and Whole Foods are mere blocks from each other. Living in this slice of the Upper East Side is relatively quiet compared to the rest of NYC, very family-oriented, and its real estate is on an upswing because of the Second Avenue subway.

Strolling through Carl Schurz Park is a must for Upper East Siders.

Museum Mile – Fifth Avenue, between East 82nd and East 105th Street

As its name suggests, Museum Mile is a section of Fifth Avenue known for its wealth of cultural displays – specifically, nine museums. Although part of this “mile” reaches beyond the Upper East Side, the majority of Museum Mile is located within its boundaries. Some of the most notable stops along this stretch include the Jewish Museum, National Design Museum, Guggenheim Museum, Neue Galerie New York, and, of course, the acclaimed Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Jewish Museum is one of a selection of cultural institutions on Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile.

Carnegie Hill – East 86th to East 96th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Lexington Avenue

Carnegie Hill encompasses what I’ve come to think of as “the expensive avenues” – that is, Lexington, Park, Madison, and Fifth. This Upper East Side neighborhood is hands-down the quietest, with the majority of its occupants being wealthy professionals, retirees, and families with children.

While it’s not the best place to go for exciting nightlife, Carnegie Hill is a gorgeous area during the day with stunning townhouses, co-ops, and charming cafes. Some local attractions are Andrew Carnegie’s mansion (built in 1901, and Carnegie Hill’s namesake) the Otto H. Kahn House, and the 92nd Street Y, a legendary cultural institution offering classes, lectures, performances, and more. And along Madison in the 90s, you wouldn’t want to miss spots like SaraBeth’s, Paola’s, and all hangouts for Upper East Side locals.

The Upper East….Home sweet home.

Would you consider moving to the Upper East Side? How about living on the Upper East Side? Let us know in the comments!

Posted on March 2, 2016