MANHATTAN

Upper West Side Neighborhood Guide

Situated between Central Park and Riverside Park, the Upper West Side is known for its capacious greenery and indelible history. Being the home of distinguished landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and cult-favorite grocery store Zabar’s, the neighborhood certainly lives up to its historical reputation of a desirable location with entertainment and breathtaking architecture. With the perfect marriage of tree-lined streets and the dynamic atmosphere on Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues, residents enjoy the multifaceted composition of this NYC neighborhood. Within this scenic neighborhood, you will find parents with children strolling around, adorable dogs, and residents and tourists taking in the fresh air on sidewalk restaurants. The Upper West Side is also recognized for its cultural focal point, being home to Lincoln Center, the Beacon Theatre, the New York City Ballet, and Juilliard.

Upper West Side Real Estate Stats

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

$2,000,000

MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE

$4,550

An Abbreviated History of The Upper West Side

The Munsee Native Americans, a subtribe of the Lenape, occupied the area of the Upper West Side in the early seventeenth century when Dutch immigrants settled. The raids and warfare of the Munsees temporarily stalled the Dutch expansion but they continued north into the territory then known as Bloomingdale. The Bloomingdale District, now known as the Upper West Side, consisted of farms and villages along Bloomingdale Road, which was later renamed the Boulevard and absorbed into the city life. Still considered the country, the “West End” remained largely undeveloped throughout the nineteenth century, even with its increased metropolitan feel. Broadway, bit-by-bit, began to replace Bloomingdale Road. Gentrification of the Upper West Side began in the late nineteenth century with Columbia University’s relocation to Morningside Heights, using land once held by the Bloomingdale Asylum. By 1910, high-rises began their transition to the area with grand projects such as The Dakota and The San Remo. Columbus Avenue became known for commerce, Amsterdam Avenue known for low rent housing, Riverside Drive for its elegant residences, and West End Avenue for its quiet neighborhood feel. The Upper West side is now home to impressive buildings, diverse entertainment, stylish stores and lovely restaurants making it a desirably wonderful neighborhood.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARIES

  • Central Park West to the East
  • West 110th Street to the North
  • The Hudson River to the West
  • West 59th Street to the South
Broadway – Seventh Ave 1 2 3
Eighth Ave A C B D

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

  • Quaint streets
  • Proximity to Central Park West
  • Several green parks
  • Slower pace of life
  • An abundance of restaurants and cafes
  • Farmers markets
  • Community feel

What to expect

Cafés

+50

Colleges / Universities

8

Community Gardens

10

Dog Runs

5

Libraries

8

Parks

5

Playgrounds

8

Restaurants

+80

Yoga Studios

13

Upper West Side Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Get to know the neighborhood by visiting its most notable landmarks and sites. From museums and sculptures, to parks, markets, and hidden neighborhood gems, you’ll find everything you need to know about the neighborhood’s most unique and historical attractions.

Lincoln Center

Lincoln Center is the home of New York City’s most renowned performing arts venues and companies. Within the establishment sits the Metropolitan Opera House, New York State Theatre, and Avery Fisher Hall. Designed in the 1950s, the vision behind Lincoln Center was to house the most talented performers all in one pristine location.

Metropolitan Opera House

Founded in 1883 and located on Broadway at Lincoln Square, The Metropolitan Opera House has been the home of performers such as Christine Nilsson, Marcella Sembrich, Lilli Lehmann, Nellie Melba, Emma Calvé, and many more. It  is the largest repertory opera house in the world with a seating capacity of around 3,850. In addition to its performances, the opera house also hosts the spring American Ballet Theater and other non-opera productions including gala fundraisers and comedic events.

New York City Ballet

The New York City Ballet is one of the largest dance organizations in the world. Located on the UWS, the program houses over 90 dancers with over 150 works in their repertoire. It was founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein and quickly became well known for its contemporary and athletic style. Their mission in founding the New York City Ballet was to reimagine the principles of classical dance and make ballet accessible to the public.

American Museum Of Natural History

Founded in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History is  dedicated to programs of scientific research, education, and exhibition across 45 exhibition halls as well as a planetarium and library. Exhibition highlights include a Tyrannosaurus rex and mammoth skeleton, blue whale model, and Willamette meteorite. Residents of the Tri-state area enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission.

The San Remo

Built in 1930, the San Remo was the first historic twin towered building in New York City. Located on Central Park West, the 27 story building was designed by Emery Roth with grand entrances and pre-war detailing. Now considered an exclusive apartment building, the layout of the apartments in the San Remo are generously spacious and grand, even compared to the upscale surrounding area. Search properties for sale or rent at The San Remo here.

The Dakota

Taking a spot in cultural history including film and art, The Dakota is considered by some to be one of the most famous buildings in New York City. The Dakota was built in 1884 and is the city’s first luxury apartment building. It has been around for many years while other buildings beside it have come and gone. It has been home to many famous actors, artists, and musicians including John Lennon, Lauren Bacall, Leonard Bernstein, and Judy Garland. The building was designated as a city landmark in 1969 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Beacon Theater

Broadway’s historic Beacon Theater opened in 1929 as a movie palace for motion pictures. Today it is known as one of New York’s leading entertainment and live music venues. The acoustic designs make the theater the perfect accompaniment for musical performances, and it has hosted many famous artists and shows, including the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, and Mariah Carey.

Architecture In The Upper West Side

Beaux Arts

Renaissance/Baroque Revival

Gothic Revival

Art Deco

Notable New Yorkers

Who Have Lived in the Upper West Side

ANNE HATHAWAY

Actress

JOHN OLIVER

Comedian

JERRY SEINFELD

Comedian

GAYLE KING

Broadcast Journalist

TINA FEY

Actress

YOKO ONO

Singer

JORDAN PEELE

Filmmaker

MICHAEL STRAHAN

Athlete

Popular Food & Drink

DAILY PROVISIONS

375 Amsterdam Ave

LEVAIN BAKERY

351 Amsterdam Ave

MERMAID INN

570 Amsterdam Ave

SUSHI OF GARI

370 Columbus Ave

THYME AND TONIC

474 Columbus Ave

MIZNON NORTH

161 W 72nd St

PER SE

10 Columbus Circle

MASA

10 Columbus Circle

All Notable New Yorker photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Anne Hathaway by Rene G; Photo of John Oliver by Neil Grabowsky; Photo of Tina Fey by Mingle Media TV; Photo of Yoko Ono by Earl McGehee; Photo of Jerry Seinfeld by slgckgc; Photo of Gayle King by U.S. Department of State from United States; Photo of Jordan Peele by Peabody Awards; Photo of Michael Strahan by Felicia Juenke;

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