Welcome to Upper West Side
A cultural enclave with edge.
The Upper West Side has a longstanding reputation for attracting the culturally-aware. Artists, professors, filmmakers, and writers made their homes on the Upper West Side and helped it develop into an urban oasis for intellectual curiosity.
The Neighbors
Residents that love the low-key (but never dull) atmosphere.
Today, the Upper West Side is a popular place to live due to factors like spacious real-estate options and great schools. Although it’s mostly known for its beautiful homes, the Upper West Side caters to just about everybody.
What to Expect
A sprawling artistic neighborhood with easy access to greenspace.
There’s no lack of greenery on the Upper West Side with both Central Park and Riverside Park. In Central Park, Strawberry Fields, the Great Lawn, and Sheep Meadow are luxurious during the spring. Farther west along the Hudson, Riverside Park offers sweeping views of the Hudson River and a quiet path.
The Lifestyle
Casual strolls along quiet streets and plenty of opportunities to indulge in your cultural curiosity.
In the Upper West Side, many blocks feel like quiet, small-town neighborhoods. Blocks get a little busier farther south near Columbus Circle. The busy traffic circle is a public transportation hub, entrance to Central Park, and a popular shopping destination. The Upper West Side is home to some of the greatest cultural institutions the city has to offer. Lincoln Center hosts the New York City Ballet, The New York Philharmonic Orchestra and a number of other performing arts programs. The American Museum of Natural History located in a pocket of Central Park has over 45 exhibits and scientific collections, as well as a planetarium and library.
What Not to Expect
Dusk-till-dawn nightlife right outside of your doorstep. The entertainment scene is centered around relaxed bars and restaurants.
The Upper West Side isn’t considered a destination for hardcore partiers. A row of bars on Amsterdam Avenue is popular for sporting events and low-key nights out. The Upper West Side is also a destination for fine dining, with renowned restaurants like Jean Georges and Per Se.
The Market
Pricey high-rises and townhouses, but buildings farther north can be more affordable.
The Upper West Side has a large number of condo, co-ops and high-rise buildings. Streets lined with brownstones make the Upper West Side feel like mini suburban neighborhoods, with grassy lawns, playgrounds, and grade schools on every block. Farther north above the 90s there are smaller, more affordable buildings. Out here, you can still find walk-ups for a steal.
You'll Fall in Love With
The intimate and inviting spirit of the neighborhood.
Cozy brick apartment buildings and tree-lined streets give the neighborhood an intimate and friendly vibe, like a childhood home imported to NYC. That's proabably why residents of the Upper West Side have no problem staying young at heart.
