Welcome to the Upper East Side

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Quiet

  • Prewar buildings

  • Proximity to the park

  • Tree-lined streets

  • Easy access to transit

  • World-renowned museums

An upscale neighborhood with affluent roots.

The Upper Eastside of Manhattan is an iconic neighborhood that is nestled between East 59th Street and East 96th Street and stretches eastward from Fifth Avenue to the East River.  The Upper East side, historically, has been known for its sophistication, elegance, and culture. Many may even remember the theme song, “Movin’ On Up” from the popular 1970/80’s TV series, the Jeffersons, that spoke to the Upper Eastside “deluxe apartment in the sky”.  Today, the Upper Eastside neighborhood still captivates residents from around the world. A few of the highlights include:

  • Museum Mile, a stretch along Fifth Avenue, that is adorned with an array of preeminent museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Guggenheim, The Neue Gallerie and the Frick, which is set to re-open in April 2025!

  • The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, there’s no better way to start a day than with a brisk walk or causal jog around, and when the cherry blossom are in bloom from mid-April to early May, you’ll understand why Central Park so often is the backdrop in many beloved rom-coms.

  • Architectural gems that include the Cooper Hewitt-Smithsonian Design Museum, formerly the Carnegie Mansion, and Gracie Mansion, home to New York City’s mayor.

  • The Great “Outdoors” - The Upper East Side offers many terrific outdoor spaces. Our favorite places to get outside are The Conservatory Garden and the Garden at Cooper Hewitt, both special, free, and little known to the public.

For those of us who call the Upper Eastside home, this neighborhood really delivers. From some of the best private schools in the country, to cozy coffee shops where baristas remember your name, and local mom and pop shops - there’s much to love.

The Upper East Side is made up of three different sub-neighborhoods: Lenox Hill, Yorkville and Carnegie Hill.

LENOX HILL, at the southern end of the Upper Eastside, nestled between Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue in the 60’s and 70’s, is home to high-end shops, luxury homes and the prestigious Lenox Hill Hospital. The neighborhood can change significantly from block to block. Fifth Avenue is lined with prestigious homes and historical landmarks, while Madison Avenue, one block east, is famous for its shops. When in this neighborhood, we highly recommend the scones at Alice’s Teacup, catching an exhibition or play at the Park Avenue Armory, or, depending on the season, try iceskating or playing pickleball at Wollman Rink. Don’t miss Leo Cafe at the Asia Society, for delicious sweets and one of the quietest, most peaceful indoor gardens to enjoy your tea. The Pastrami Queen is a treasured Upper East Side deli famed for its mouthwatering, hand-sliced pastrami sandwiches piled high on rye, and savory knishes.

YORKVILLE, which is east of Lenox Hill, was originally established as a German and Hungarian immigrant hub, but now offers a diverse blend of residential charm, boutique shops and trendy restaurants. Some of the many benefits that Yorkville offers include: a Target Store, and Luke’s Lobster, which serves the BEST lobster rolls in Manhattan. And, for dessert, don’t miss the terrific gelato at Anita La Mamma. Dorian’s Fish Store simply has the best crab cakes and freshest fish around — plus they deliver! While 1st and York Avenues can feel very busy and crowded, East End Avenue is an absolute gem. Bordering the East River and Carl Schurz Park, East End Avenue is filled with beautiful prewar co-op buildings, a few condos, a promenade that runs along the river, and lovely gardens that connects to the beautiful Gracie Mansion; some apartments even have a river view clear to Roosevelt Island. Before the Q train was completed, the neighborhood was less than convenient but with this subway addition, residents can now enjoy a significant transportation upgrade. And don’t miss one of New York’s most charming townhouse blocks, Henderson Place; it is one of the neigborhood’s best-kept secrets.

CARNEGIE HILL is known for its leafy streets, upscale boutiques, fine dining and cultural landmarks. Carnegie Hill is also referred to as the most residential neighborhood in Manhattan. Here rush hour begins at 3pm when schools are dismissed. If you’re looking for a house-warming gift, checkout the many beautiful and unique items at Blue Tree. One of our favorite places to visit is The Jewish Museum, and the fact that it was formerly the home of Felix and Freida Warburg is just one of the reasons. A few other local favorites are:

  • Da Capo might be easy to miss, but don’t; it serves one of the best cappuccinos on the Upper East Side.

  • Feldman’s Housewares has almost a magical quality, and is stocked floor to ceiling with every household item you might need.

  • The Corner Bookstore, on 92nd and Madison, is an independent bookstore that has survived the onslaught of Barnes & Noble, Amazon/Kindle and ebooks to become a neighborhood treasure. With its tin ceiling and beautifully restored terrazzo floor, loyalists often don’t mind paying a little more for the personal touch and they flock to in-store book signings, often with renowned authors, many of whom reside in the neighborhood.

  • Carnegie Hill Cottons for that perfect luxury cotton tee.

While the Upper East Side is home to many of the most exclusive and pricey co-ops in the city, there are options for buyers of all budgets, and in certain areas value opportunities can be found. We love the Upper East Side for it’s quality of life - peaceful, green, and residential, while being convenient to the shops and offices of midtown.