Housing & Real Estate

The UES is dominated by:

• Pre-war co-ops (often with strict board requirements)

• Luxury condos (newer developments like 520 Park Avenue)

• Historic townhouses (especially in Carnegie Hill)

• High-end rentals (along the East River)

Prices are among the highest in NYC, but Yorkville offers relatively more affordable options.

Transportation

• Subway: Q (2nd Ave), 4/5/6 (Lexington Ave), F (63rd St)

• Buses: M1/M2/M3/M4 (Madison/5th Aves), M15 (1st/2nd Aves)

• East River Ferry (at 90th St)

• Citi Bike stations throughout

Who Lives Here?

• Old-money families in historic townhouses

• Finance/executive professionals in luxury condos

• Surgeons & doctors (near hospital district)

• Young professionals in Yorkville rentals

Atmosphere & Vibe

The Upper East Side is refined, polished, and residential, with a mix of wealthy families, established professionals, and young professionals drawn to its safety and convenience. While it lacks the nightlife of downtown, it offers a quiet, sophisticated lifestyle with tree-lined streets, doorman buildings, and proximity to Central Park. The neighborhood is divided into distinct pockets:

• Carnegie Hill (north of 86th St) – More residential, with historic townhouses.

• Lenox Hill (60s–70s) – Upscale apartments and medical centers (near NYU Langone, Hospital for Special Surgery).

• Yorkville (east of Lexington Ave) – Slightly more affordable, with remnants of its German and Hungarian immigrant roots.

Key Landmarks & Attractions

• Museum Mile (5th Avenue) – Home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum.

• Central Park – The neighborhood’s western border, offering the Reservoir, Conservatory Garden, and playgrounds.

• Carl Schurz Park – A scenic waterfront park along the East River, home to Gracie Mansion (the mayor’s residence).

• Madison Avenue – Luxury shopping (Prada, Hermès, Valentino) and designer boutiques.

• 92nd Street Y – A cultural hub for lectures, concerts, and classes.

Dining & Shopping

The UES is a haven for fine dining, classic bistros, and gourmet markets:

• Daniel (Michelin-starred French cuisine)

• Café Boulud (Upscale French-American)

• Sant Ambroeus (Iconic Italian café)

• Eli’s Essentials & Orwashers (Gourmet bakeries)

• Schaller & Weber (Old-school German butcher & deli in Yorkville)

For shopping:

• Madison Avenue (Luxury fashion & jewelry)

• Bloomingdale’s (Flagship department store)

• Secondhand designer boutiques (e.g., Michael’s Consignment)