Welcome to the Upper West Side
Affluent neighborhood with an energetic atmosphere.
Comprised of towering skyscrapers and swanky apartment buildings, the Upper West Side is an essential piece of the iconic mosaic that is New York City. This vibrant neighborhood is known for attracting a wide swath of people, from young professionals to old-school New Yorkers who have been around the block more than a few times. Those who settle in this area appreciate being in a well-knit community with the conveniences of a big city.
With Central Park to the East and the Hudson River to the West, this neighborhood is nestled into a desirable location where residents are within walking distance of daily necessities and world-class entertainment. With maintained parks and state-of-the-art museums in the area to occupy your time, you can find new ways to experience the city every week.
What to Love
- Prime location near Central Park
- World-renowned arts at Lincoln Center
- Plethora of trendy bars and restaurants
- Proximity to world-class museums and schools
Local Lifestyle
To live in the Upper West Side is to surround yourself with a high concentration of culture and the arts. You can walk to art galleries and attend plays at the neighborhood’s theaters. For instance, the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts draws about as many annual visitors as the Yankees and Mets baseball teams combined.
The sophistication of the Upper West Side extends to its academic institutions, chiefly Juilliard and Columbia University. Parts of the neighborhood feel like another city, with old brownstones, gorgeous trees, and ivy-covered buildings. In general, the northern part of the neighborhood is quieter, and the southern part has much of the nightlife locals love. Most residents snub cars in favor of walking, public transportation, and taxis/Uber.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Life on the Upper West Side offers dozens of options for brunch, dinner, and cocktails within a short walking distance from your home. Maison Pickle specializes in French dips, classic American fare, and specialty cocktails — a place where you can meet friends for a bite or enjoy a sit-down dinner in a casual setting. For some international flavor, you can try Boulud Sud and enjoy their authentic Mediterranean dishes while savoring the expertly paired libations from the in-house sommelier. If you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, Sushi Yasaka serves creative and traditional sushi.
When you need food after a Lincoln Center show, Chama Mama serves classic Georgian dishes in a cozy atmosphere. With savory dinner options and cocktails to complement every meal, this spot will have you coming back for more. The Smith is another local favorite serving classic American fare with a lively bar and atmosphere.
Things to Do
The Upper West Side hosts a variety of larger-than-life performances at venues like Damrosch Park, which holds the Guggenheim Bandshell, a stage for musical and theater shows respectively. This park is part of the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, where you can see The New York City Ballet or visit the Metropolitan Opera House. Culture and entertainment don’t require a subway ride when you live in this neighborhood.
While the Upper West Side is lauded for its closeness to Central Park, the Andy Kessler Skate Park provides residents with another space for physical activity and natural splendor. The Andy Kessler Skate Park offers tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, and, as its namesake suggests, a highly-regarded skate park.
Another local haunt is the American Museum of Natural History, which can occupy you and your loved ones for hours as you explore each room of this massive collection of historical and scientific discoveries. With rotating exhibits and a robust library, children and adults will appreciate the DiMenna Children's History Museum and learn about New York City history and world events.
Schools
The Upper West Side is a haven for academia and intellectual pursuits, where Ivy League universities and top-tier performing arts schools are dispersed throughout the neighborhood.
