The Upper West Side is a cultural mecca in New York City due to the vast artistic outlets found there. The Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center are just two of the many points of interest that can be enjoyed in this part of Manhattan. The neighborhood boundaries are Central Park West and the Hudson River, from East to West and 110th street and 59th street, from North to South.
Accessibility: Transit in UWS is plentiful. You have access to the A, B, and C lines running up the west side of Central Park as well as the 1, 2, and 3 line for service up and down Broadway. For service on the western most edge of the neighborhood, take advantage of the M5 bus which runs on Riverside Drive from 135th street to 72nd before cutting over to Broadway and continues all the way down to South Ferry.
Lifestyle: This neighborhood is where you want to live if you like quiet living with a slightly suburban feel. You still have the accessibility of NYC but you also get quiet bars, quaint eateries, and tree-lined streets. The closer to Columbus Circle you are, the busier it will be as far as nightlife and traffic go.
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Restaurants and Shops: You can truly have it all on the Upper West Side. If you want the shopping mall experience, go to the Shops at Columbus Circle. Located in the Time Warner Center, this high-end building includes designers like Michael Kors and Burberry as well as top notch restaurants like Per Se and Porterhouse. Further north in the UWS you will find smaller, independent shops and restaurants for more of a Main Street, USA feel.
Cost of living: If you are looking to buy in UWS, the median sale price in 2014 was $1.4 million, which is 7% higher than the median sale price in Manhattan as a whole. Rentals are also more expensive than on average, but only by 2%. Average rent in the area for a one bedroom is $3,300/month.
The Upper West Side has everything you need for a quiet yet cultural experience in NYC. Whether you’re a young professional or a family of four, you will have no trouble making UWS your home.