A small-town feel and friendly artistic community provide a peaceful oasis in the city
Ensconced between Central Park on its east and the Hudson River to its west, the neighborhood of the Upper West Side in Manhattan is renowned for its relaxed, residential atmosphere and abundance of green space. Artistic and cozy, the Upper West Side is full of laid-back bars, intimate neighborhood cafes, and a population of culture-seeking intellectuals whose creative spirits lend vivacity to the quiet, tree-lined streets.
The Upper West Side’s metamorphosis throughout history has allowed it to become an incredibly diverse neighborhood, and here the area’s affluent reputation blends well with its ethnically and culturally rich population. Similar to the Upper East End, the Upper West End is a hub for exploring art and history and houses several museums, performance halls, and top universities.
Upper West Side Real Estate Market
In the Upper West Side, streets radiate with small-town energy that, in part, is created from the presence of luxurious brownstones and charming townhomes. Upper West Side real estate is expensive, but it comes with a variety of options that can cater to an array of budgets and needs. Walk-ups and high-rise condos, apartments, and co-ops can be found for more affordable price points, while those looking to embrace residential opulence have a bevy of choices to suit their aesthetic. Contact the NYC Experience Team to find townhomes, condos, co-ops & brownstones for sale on the Upper West Side.
What to Expect
- Incredible educational opportunities and adjacent to several of the state’s top universities
- Quiet atmosphere that feels set apart from Manhattan’s hectic energy
- Hub for culture with tons of museums and opportunities to explore art
People & Lifestyle
The streets of the Upper West End are often filled with locals spending the day out and about without the hurry of many other Manhattan neighborhoods. Here, you’re more likely to find residents perched in their favorite coffee shop, enjoying a picnic in central park, browsing local boutiques, or enjoying playground facilities with the kids.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
While the Upper West Side is replete with local boutiques and shops tucked along residential streets, it’s also near the Time Warner Center’s stunning mixed-use development that houses The Shops on Columbus Circle. Known as the portal into the Upper West Side, this development contains more than 50 luxury and designer retailers, elite hotels, apartments, and world-class restaurants such as Chef Thomas Keller’s French fine-dining establishment, Per Se.
Another chef-driven menu can be found at Boulud Sud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Mediterranean restaurant that serves up cuisine celebrating the sun-drenched coasts of countries like Italy, France, Greece, and Morocco. Turn dining into an experience by heading to the Empire Hotel and making a reservation for The Empire Rooftop. Spectacular panoramic views of the city and intimate lounge areas accompany the two full bars, decadent food, and perfect party atmosphere. Craving something more relaxed and casual? Jacob’s Pickles is a perfect example of an Upper West Side eatery, and their southern comfort fare will transport you into a warm, serene state of mind.
Things To Do
Nature meets culture in the Upper West Side, and in this neighborhood brimming with parks and museums, it’s impossible to run out of things to do. Outdoor lovers will want to check out the iconic Central Park, whose 843 acres are filled with never-ending opportunities to enjoy nature. Smaller but just as gorgeous, the scenic waterfront setting of Riverside Park serves as part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway and is a much-traversed path for bikers, runners, and walkers. Looking to get out onto the water? The West 79th Street Boat Basin is there to meet all of your docking needs as the only marina in the city open to year-round boat residency.
The American Museum of Natural History is another must-see when in the Upper West Side and has been one of the most preeminent institutions for science and culture since its inception in 1869. Nearby, The Metropolitan Opera offers up a chance to experience one-in-a-lifetime performances from some of the most unbelievable voices in the world. With ten performance and rehearsal spaces, the famed Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is one of the world leaders in performing arts programs and presentations.
