The Upper East Side is a picturesque area of
stunning architecture, bountiful cafés, museums and designer boutiques.
Though the area is traditionally associated with old money,
don't let all the expensive shops and tiny dogs intimidate you.
As the tradional "elite" culture is receding into ireelevant, its epicenter too
is becoming less and less uptight (but still expensive): the "ladies that lunch"
have now been joined by young professionals, middle
class couples, and even students – at least east of Park Ave.
The area boast easy access to one of the national treasures:
Central Park, in addition in some
New York’s finest museums. In that at least, the Upper East Side still firmly
hangs onto the tradition of classy old New York.
Overall, while the vibe of the neighborhood is still more preppy and conservative than that of other parts of Manhattan, it's loosened up quite a bit since the beginning of
this century.
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.
Rental prices in the eastern portion of the Upper East Side are slightly lower
than those of other areas in Manhattan due to the lack of subway service in the area. Bargain hunters should look around York Avenue.
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 on side streets in the East 70s.
