Upper East Side

LOCATION

The Upper East Side covers a large area - from 59th to 97th street, east of Fifth Avenue. (A more conservative definition would put the border at East 96th street, but the blocks between East 96th and East 97th have mostly been gentrified to the point that ascribing them to East Harlem would not make much sense nowadays).

CHARACTER AND FEEL

Usually associated with old money, the Upper East Side is a picturesque area of stunning architecture, bountiful cafés, museums and designer boutiques. Don’t let the expensive shops and bevy of tiny dogs intimidate you. In recent years the area has become a little less uptight. The “ladies that lunch” have been joined by young professionals, couples and students and other areas in Manhattan have become “hot spots”. Enjoy a walk in Central Park or a visit to one of New York’s finest museums- the Upper East Side still firmly hangs onto the tradition of classy old New York.

Overall, the vibe of the neighborhood is more preppy and conservative than that of other parts of Manhattan.

APARTMENTS & REAL ESTATE

Upper East Side apartments are generally either gorgeous and generously laid out pre-war homes or doorman-guarded new apartment buildings, although the typical New York 5-story apartment buildings dating from around 1900 are also present. Many buildings (particularly in the Easternmost section) are high-rises built after 1970.

The main avenues like Park, Madison and Avenues 1, 2 and 3 are generally the luxury apartment building variety, while the number streets have more historic homes which have been divided into apartments. Park Avenue may be the stereotype for the classiest residences, but the real impressive townhouses can be found in the East 70s. Studios are generally small, but larger than downtown studios.

Selected Rental Buildings

• 534 East 88th Street (Upper East Side) {4 available apts}
  An elevator building.
• Carnegie Hill Place @ 1500 Lexington (1500 Lexington Ave, Upper East Side) {7 available apts}
  A luxury building just blocks from Central Park.
• Claridge House (201 East 87th Street, Upper East Side) {3 available apts}
  A high-rise doorman building.
• Highgate (182 East 95th Street, Upper East Side) {2 available apts}
  A high-rise building.
• The Lucerne (350 East 79th Street, Upper East Side) {1 available apt}
  A doorman building.

See all Upper East Side Rental Apartment Buildings (359 buildings)

Selected No-Fee Rental Listings

• $3,695 1-Bedroom at The Strathmore available 03/Jul/2009 posted 03/Jul/2009.
• $2,595 1-Bedroom at Stonehenge 65 available 10/Jun/2009 posted 03/Jul/2009.
• $2,950 1-Bedroom at Post Toscana available 03/Jul/2009 posted 03/Jul/2009.
• $1,875 Studio at London House available 22/Jul/2009 posted 03/Jul/2009.
• $1,595 Studio at 1590 Second Avenue available 03/Jul/2009 posted 03/Jul/2009.

See all Upper East Side No Fee Rental Apartments (522 total)

Condo & Co-op Buildings

• 332 East 71st Street (Upper East Side) {1 available apt}
  A pre-war low-rise walk-up building.
• 336 East 81st Street (Upper East Side) {4 available apts}
  An elevator building.
• 404 East 88th Street (Upper East Side) {4 available apts}
  An elevator building.

See all Upper East Side Condo Apartment Buildings (52 buildings)

• 444 East 75th Street (Upper East Side)
  A high-rise building.
• 444 East 86th Street (Upper East Side)
  A post-war high-rise doorman building.

See our list of Upper East Side Co-op Apartment Buildings

DEMOGRAPHICS

About 60,000. Mostly old money, families who have owned property there for years. Recently, young professionals and students.

SAFETY

The area is safe - as safe as a large urban neighborhood gets. If, for some reason, you need to get to the nearest precinct, the 19th precinct is located at 153 East 67th street (between Lexington and Third, near Hunter College). Or simply call (212) 452-0600.

TRANSPORTATION

The Upper East Side is somewhat sparse in terms of subway stops - the 4,5,6 runs up Lexington Ave. There are also cross-town buses. A cab from the Upper East Side to most other parts of Manhattan shouldn’t run more than $10-$15.