Many envision Lower Manhattan and Midtown first when considering living in New York City. However, the Upper West Side is the core of Manhattan, a historical and artistic area with the best views of Central Park. Before it became widely known for its luxury high-rises, brownstones, co-ops, and apartments, the Upper East Side was an undeveloped area with few estates. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the Upper West Side started to experience a boom in popularity, with the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) opening in 1904 allowing residents to enter and exit the community quickly.
No longer overlooked, today the Upper West Side is a peaceful yet laid-back neighborhood with narrow, well-maintained streets, a slower pace of life, and beautiful architecture. You'll find an eclectic community here, ranging from young families and professionals to actors, actresses, and students. The Upper West Side is also synonymous with some of New York's most prestigious schools and universities, world-renowned museums, restaurants, and shopping centers.
The Upper West Side is a delightful and authentic neighborhood in Manhattan, beloved by artists and musicians. Many museums and cultural hotspots are located here. Residents can be seen out and about walking their dogs, having meals outdoors, or cycling up and down Broadway. Locals also congregate in nearby Central Park for large festivals, concert performances, and benefit performances. Upper West Side is a great place to live if you're looking for an area with a lot of character and charm.
The Upper West Side of Manhattan is a hub of some of the best dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences in New York City. For a bit of nostalgia, be sure to dine at Barney Greengrass, an old-world eatery that has served up Jewish specialties since 1908. Dig into the lox spread on a bagel or order one of their hot sandwiches or fish platters at this longstanding bistro.
Open since 1971, Shun Lee Cafe is one of Manhattan's first Chinese fine dining restaurants and still serves high-quality dim sum and regional dishes with creative twists to this day. For Asian fare in a contemporary setting, head to Momoya, where diners can enjoy a modern fusion of Japanese-style food. The sushi/sashimi tasting menus are rumored to have one of the most dramatic plating presentations in the Upper West Side.
For a magical culinary experience, dine at Tavern on the Green. This American eatery is ideal for special occasions like holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries, as it boasts incredible views of Central Park. Look no further than Levain Bakery's when craving something sweet. Be sure to try their decadent chocolate chip walnut cookies — you won’t be disappointed!
Moving to the Upper West Side of Manhattan means you will get to experience the upscale conveniences of living in a refined and lively neighborhood teeming with plenty of exciting and unforgettable attractions to keep you busy. There's something for everyone here, from outdoor performances and incredible theater shows to sprawling zoos and historical museums.
Head to Delacorte Theater in Central Park for the renowned Shakespeare in the Park, where you’ll enjoy an annual rendition of Shakespeare's most famous plays with your loved ones. If you'd rather spend time with animals, take your family to Central Park Zoo and learn about reptiles, tropical birds, grizzly bears, penguins, and more.
You’ll find fun family activities at Wollman Rink, a massive green space perfect for ice skating during the winter and rollerskating in the summer. Spend a few hours exploring the American Museum of Natural History's extensive exhibits or star gazing in the planetarium.
Music enthusiasts attend live music performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center. A recent renovation in this popular music hall has created the perfect acoustics, resulting in beautiful music blending seamlessly throughout the venue. Be sure to attend a show at David Geffen Hall, a performing arts stage inside Lincoln Center, where you’ll experience incredible performances from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.
New York City School District 3 serves students on the Upper West Side.
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