Follow These Five Tips to Find Your Perfect Manhattan Neighborhood

Moving to Manhattan means investing in some of the most valuable real estate in the country. Home prices are appreciating year after year in the Big Apple, with current median listing prices sitting around $1.2 million. But the key to investing in a property that you’ll get the most out of is knowing which part of the city to call home.

Manhattan has more than 50 distinct neighborhoods, according to the NYC Dept. of City Planning. And whether you’re thinking about joining the high-energy Midtown crowd or want access to the best shopping on the Upper East Side, each Manhattan neighborhood brings something a little different to the table. So before you start investigating local listings, make sure you follow these five tips for narrowing down which Manhattan neighborhood would be the best fit for you and your family.

 

The first step in finding your next home in Manhattan is to take a look at your options. Bordering Central Park, Upper West and Upper East Side real estate oozes class and luxury living, with great access to outdoor space, shops, and restaurants. Homes in both of these neighborhoods tend to offer residents a bit more space than other Manhattan neighborhoods, as well as historic charm and stunning views. Imagine stepping out of your home and walking to Central Park, where your children can spend the afternoon on the Central Park Carousel or in the Museum of Natural History.

The Upper West Side has an academic tilt, with elite schools like Columbia and Julliard. Homes for sale on the Upper West Side also afford easy access to world-class entertainment venues like Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theatre. The neighborhood is also home to mom-and-pop emporiums that have stood the test of time, like Zabar’s.

On the other side of the park, the Upper East Side is polished and upscale. You’ll find a host of art museums, including the Guggenheim and the Met, as well as incredible shops like Ralph Lauren and Valentino near your piece of Upper East Side real estate.

Midtown is the bustling core of the city, with shows on Broadway, shops on Park Avenue, and events at the Rockefeller Center. Moving to Midtown gives you and your family access to all the classic New York City sights, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and Grand Central Station. There’s an endless array of things to do and places to explore, with unceasing energy on the streets of the area. Great restaurants await in each of Midtown’s subdivisions, whether you explore Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown East, or Kip’s Bay. If you thrive off new experiences, consider finding your new home in Midtown.

Further south, in Downtown or Lower Manhattan, the vibe is trendy and cultural. Neighborhoods like Greenwich Village and Tribeca boast strong arts communities. Tribeca real estate, in particular, gives families access to the internationally-acclaimed Tribeca Film Festival, along with beautiful cobblestone streets and repurposed warehouse lofts. Artsy and hip, Tribeca, Soho, and Greenwich Village are some of the most popular spots for families and investors.

When you think about moving to Manhattan, you have to consider what you’re really looking for in a property. If you want a smaller condo that offers central convenience, Midtown might be your best option. For family-sized homes, Upper East Side real estate may be a better fit. For those seeking lofts, Soho or Tribeca real estate are great places to look. Ultimately, think through what you want to access. The best shops and hippest restaurants? Great schools and plenty of family activities? As much green space as possible? From there, you’ll be able to narrow down your options.

 

Another great tip for finding your perfect Manhattan neighborhood is to consider proximity to offices. Tribeca real estate will be closer to offices in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District, but the Upper East Side gives you access to Midtown and Harlem. Consider where you’ll need to be traveling each day and how you’ll get there. Will you be using mass transit? Walking? Driving? There are more public transit options in Midtown and Lower Manhattan than there are on the Upper East and West sides, too, so take that into consideration. Finally, if you’re working from home, make sure you hunt for neighborhoods with properties that have plenty of space for home offices.

Manhattan has some of the best schools in New York, so make sure you’re thinking about where you want your kids to attend elementary, middle, and high school. The Trinity School is an exceptional private school serving boys and girls in grades K-12 and is on the Upper West Side. Or there’s the Brearley School, a private school serving girls only, also in grades K-12, on the Upper East Side. When it comes to public education, Tribeca’s Stuyvesant High School is among the best public high schools in the United States.

Ultimately, the best way to find the right part of town for you is by working with a local real estate expert. They’ll have insight into the quirks and particularities of each of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods, helping you find properties that fit your wish list in each.

Broker Chris Fry has more than 20 years of experience helping clients find their forever homes. He can help you learn more about the best Upper East Side schools and the most exciting new Tribeca restaurants. Whether you’re looking for brownstones or modern penthouses, Chris and the other members of The Fry Team can steer you toward neighborhoods with the best options.

Ready to start searching for the right neighborhood in Manhattan? Get in touch with the real estate pros on The Fry Team.