The Upper East Side serves as the glamorous centerpiece of
New York City. Park Avenue's posh properties, Fifth Avenue's iconic luxury department stores, and Madison Avenue's designer boutiques all embody the elegance and class that the Big Apple has always been known for. This is where many of the city's elites reside, luxuriating in their lavish real estate, sending their kids to the most prestigious schools, and pampering themselves in the five-star hotels nearby. Practically every corner of the Upper East Side screams expensive—and likely costs that way, too!—that it's almost intimidating to walk through its sophisticated streets.
Where is The Upper East Side of New York City?
True to its name, the Upper East Side is on the eastern corner of Manhattan. Specifically, it's on the upper eastern side of Midtown Manhattan and lies directly east of Central Park. There's also 96th Street to its north, the East River to its east, and 59th Street to its south. If you want to know just how big this
central New York neighborhood truly is, consider that it encompasses a majority of Central Park’s eastern side. Most New Yorkers even know that one of the easiest ways to get to the iconic green space is to pass through the Upper East Side.
Is it Safe in The Upper East Side, New York City?
It's no surprise that the Upper East Side is one of the Big Apple's safest neighborhoods. Even with how big it is, how easily accessible it is from other areas, and how central its location is, the neighborhood still has some of the lowest
crime rates in New York City. This is thanks in large part to its notorious affluence. The Upper East Side is the wealthiest part of Manhattan, home to most of the city's old-money families, prominent businessmen, and the rest of society's elites. Such an exclusive neighborhood is far from the type to draw in criminals and other sketchy characters.
What's The Vibe in The Upper East Side, New York City?
New York City's Upper East Side is so notoriously wealthy, it's almost intimidating. All the pre-war apartment buildings and townhouses, grand museums, luxury department stores, and more practically scream money, arguably even more so than Wall Street itself! Nevertheless, the area still welcomes anyone and everyone!
Central Park is just around the corner, after all, so it's easy enough to stumble upon this famously elegant neighborhood. Apart from hanging out at the park, you can also go window shopping on Madison Avenue, check out the iconic museums nearby, and grab a slice of pizza.
Is it Expensive in The Upper East Side, New York City?
Without a shadow of a doubt! Luxury defines the Upper East Side of New York City, so naturally, almost everything here will be expensive. The neighborhood may boast countless refined apartments, but they cost more than an arm and a leg. The shopping here is also all about luxury, from the flagship designer stores on Madison Avenue to the iconic luxury department stores on Fifth Avenue. And if you want to eat out, expect to pay a minimum of $15.00 for a meal in the Upper East Side. That may not seem all that much on its own, but it's already a considerable amount for anyone contending with
New York City's high living costs.
What to See in The Upper East Side, New York City
Not a lot of people realize that the Upper East Side has some of the most famous spots in New York City. Right off the bat, there's Central Park, quite possibly the most famous city park on the planet. This iconic green space is a definite must-see, eternally picturesque with its lush greenery in spring and summer, colorful foliage in the fall, and icy wonderland in winter. The area also boasts some of the
best museums in New York City, including the world-famous Metropolis Museum, the Guggenheim, the Frick Collection, and more.
What to Do in The Upper East Side, New York City
If you're
moving to New York City to enjoy its many luxuries, you should settle down in the Upper East Side. If you're the type to enjoy the finer things in life, you'll be spending most of your time here anyway. The place boasts some of the best of the best in the city, from the most fashionable clothes to the most delicious food. You can spend an entire day just shopping in the famous American luxury department stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, dining in the most fabulous restaurants, or pampering yourself in the five-star spas nearby.
The Best Restaurants in The Upper East Side, New York City
Many would argue that the Upper East Side has New York City's best culinary scene, and they have a good point. The hotspots here are some of the best of the best, be they historic diners that have stood the test of time, emerging bistros that will be on everyone's radar in the next couple of years, or
New York City's finest Michelin-starred restaurants. Offering up a myriad of flavors and foreign cuisines, you can taste the entire world in the Upper East Side! Craving French? Dine in Cafe d'Alsace on 2nd Avenue! Prefer Italian instead? Water & Wheat Upper East on 3rd Avenue is your place!
Don’t miss any of these amazing hotspots in the Upper East Side:
- Blue Mezze Bar on 2nd Avenue
- Boqueria UES on 2nd Avenue
- Cafe d'Alsace on 2nd Avenue
- Crave Fishbar Upper East Side on 2nd Avenue
- Uva on 2nd Avenue
- Masseria East on 3rd Avenue
- Water & Wheat Upper East on 3rd Avenue
- Jones Wood Foundry on E 76th Street
- Sandro's on East 86th Street
- L'Osteria on Lexington Avenue
What to Know About Renting in The Upper East Side, New York City
Just how expensive is the Upper East Side of New York City? Check out its rent! While it's still possible to find a place for about $1,000.00 per month in other areas, especially in the other boroughs, the minimum rent here is $2,900.00 per month! And if you need more space, perhaps a three-bedroom flat, expect to pay about $8,195.00 to $13,750.00 per month. People weren't exaggerating when they said that living in the Upper East Side will cost you an arm and a leg. The neighborhood has some of the expensive
luxury apartments in New York City!
The Upper East Side is New York City’s signature affluent area. Home to many of the Big Apple’s elites, wealth permeates every corner, offering old-school sophistication and a global sense of refinement you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
