Welcome to the Upper East Side
An affluent neighborhood accentuating a lavish lifestyle.
The Upper East Side is a neighborhood held high by upper-class history. A long list of elite families has called this neighborhood home, including the Kennedy, Rockefeller, Astor, and Carnegie clans, just to name a few. The neighborhood stretches from E 59th St to E 96th St north to south and Fifth Avenue to the East River west to east. Fifth Avenue was once known as “Millionaires Row,” occupied by mansions built by some of the elite oligarchs during the Gilded Age.
Many of these mansions have since been destroyed, while some have been transformed into museums and cultural facilities that form Museum Mile, a collection of world-class museums. Brownstone buildings and skyscrapers tower over the city and trees, giving the neighborhood a “larger than life” vibe. Art-deco and Victorian-style architecture are reminiscent of England, laying the foundation for the elegant atmosphere. Door attendants wait for residents to come home, ready to greet them with a smile and clear the way.
The Upper East Side behaves somewhat like a suburb compared to the other New York neighborhoods. The lofty skyscrapers cast shadows over much of the neighborhood, making the area’s temperature cool. While surrounding areas are fast-paced and bustling, the Upper East is far more tranquil. There is not much nightlife, as the area is meant for families. An abundance of schools, playgrounds, and recreational centers raises the eyes of families looking for a suitable home. Clean, well-kept streets radiate an unmatched level of peace.
What to Love
- One of the cleanest areas in NYC
- A quiet atmosphere tailored for families and peace-seekers
- All attractions are within walking distance
- Top NYC museums
- Cozy, intimate coffee shops and dining
- Brownstones and ornate architecture
Local Lifestyle
The Upper East is the playground of the elite. Although there are plenty of upscale boutiques and dining locations, the area is primarily residential. Owners stroll through the treelines with their purebred canines and enjoy gorgeous landmarks like Central Park. The neighborhood is very quiet, being slightly separated from the rest of the city. Nobility is the driving characteristic of the Upper East lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
High-end living calls for high-end hobbies. Shop ‘til you drop at famous designers like Versace, Louis Vuitton, and Balmain. On Fifth Avenue, you will find gigantic department stores such as Bloomingdales, which can almost be seen as a mall since the facility is 815,000 square feet by itself, equipped with a few restaurants for shoppers who have worked up an appetite.
Distinguished restaurants and bars are essential to the residents of the Upper East. After shopping at Saks, head over to Third Avenue and order a burger from JG Melon. This local favorite has been serving its famous burgers for 50 years, but it is cherished as a “saloon with food” due to its reputation as a gathering spot. Another famous food-serving haven, known as La Esquina, is deeper into the city. La Esquina fuses the polished characteristics of the neighborhood with Mexican cuisine. Just below everyone enjoying their food is a basement tequila bar full of lovely New Yorkers around for a good time.
Just one street over, you will find Elio’s, a classic Italian eatery with an atmosphere that replicates its origins. The menu is well developed, with a large array of fine wines to compliment your palate. Chic outdoor/indoor cafes are scattered throughout the city for anyone looking for a quick bite. Unsuspecting residents would never know that Keys and Heels is a speakeasy disguised as a locksmith and shoe repair shop. Inside is a very intimate space specializing in house cocktails and charcuterie. Bring your friends here for an opportunity to create endearing memories and good conversation.
Things to Do
Mind and spirit are sure to be fed by this neighborhood, with the bulk of the pastimes being outdoor or driven by art and culture. Visiting the iconic 843-acre Central Park is an absolute must for nature lovers. Grab the children and head to the Central Park Zoo to view over 130 animal species.
Locals kill time doing yoga, biking, row boating, and playing basketball, just to name a few. Compete in almost any outdoor sport that comes to mind, or grab a book and relax. Hike the East River Promenade.
Tap into your inner-historian at Museum Mile, where you will find top-ranked museums in the country. The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Met displays multiple forms of art and history from cultures on every continent. Exhibits range from original Dapper Dan Harlem pieces to 19th-century katanas. Underneath is the Thomas J. Watson Library, stocked with over one-million artifacts for history enthusiasts. The Guggenheim is nearby, focusing more on visual art than artifacts. This artistic goldmine exhibits over 1,700 works of art coming from 625 artists, including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Vincent Van-Gogh.
Schools
- The Dalton School
- Marymount School of New York
- Hunter College Elementary
Upper East Side Real Estate
The Upper East Side is the perfect place to call home for families or anyone who wants to be a little farther away from the action of Midtown. That doesn't mean that you are missing out, however. From the museums to having everything you need for your day-to-day life within walking distance, it gives you a little bit of a suburban feel. Browse Upper East Side homes for sale or get in touch with The Fry Team if you want to learn more about this wonderful neighborhood.
