Gramercy Park Neighborhood Review - Manhattan Moving Guide
Gramercy can easily be said to be one of New York City's more quiet and serene areas to reside in.
Snuggled by the Flatiron District, Stuy Town, Kips Bay, and Noho, it's surprising what a tranquil oasis this neighborhood is.
In this Gramercy Park neighborhood review, we'll look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.
Though it may be centrally located in the city, sitting just north of the rowdy East Village, there are no big-name attractions to entice a chaotic environment.
Although the neighborhood, its buildings, and its institutions have a lot of history to brag about.
Though Gramercy Park is known to be a members-only exclusive park with keys only available to a select lucky few, the neighborhood's manicured brownstones, lush greenery, and all-around chill feel will help you look past not being one of those lucky few.
Residents want to relax somewhere in peace while also having the luxury of living in one of the world's most hectic cities.
Even if you're not a prospective resident, the elegant, historic brick townhouses aligning this upscale neighborhood deserves a gander if you're in the area.
FUN FACT: Roughly 400 numbered and coded keys to Gramercy Park are in circulation. They are very hard, if not impossible, to copy.
Real Estate in Gramercy Park
The exclusive Gramercy Park neighborhood is home to some of the most expensive residential real estate in New York City.
Residents here enjoy a wide range of luxury amenities, including 24-hour security, concierge services, spacious apartments with great views, luxurious rooftop terraces, and gardens with stunning city skyline views.
The area's elite status attracts some of the most successful people in business, finance, and entertainment.
Gramercy Park is home to various unique architectural styles, from historic brownstones to modern high rises.
For those looking to rent or buy property here, many options suit any budget and lifestyle needs.
For example, those with larger budgets can choose from larger condos or sprawling townhouses with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms;. In contrast, those on more modest budgets may prefer smaller studios or one-bedroom apartments in classy pre-war buildings throughout the neighborhood.
Zoning laws make it so that the tallest building in the area tops out at 20-stories. The largest private house in the neighborhood is a 42-room mansion that sold for $7 million in 1993.
Known for its classic townhouses and privately owned park, this quaint, lovely neighborhood's average cost of rent is definitely not cheap.
Many notable celebrities can be spotted strolling the streets of Gramercy.
If you're looking to move, finding an apartment facing the exclusive Gramercy Park may prove harder than you think, however, you are provided the opportunity to snag one of these gems, given you have the financial means to do so.
Residents of the area's townhouses, apartments, and co-op buildings admire the pre-war details like crown moldings, sunken living rooms, and high-end finishes.
Average Rental Prices in Gramercy Park | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $3,100 |
| 1 Bed | $4,250 |
| 2 Beds | $7,800 |
| 3 Beds | $9,000 |
| 4 Beds | $6,995 |
Average Sales Prices in Gramercy Park | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $525,000 |
| 1 Bed | $865,000 |
| 2 Beds | $2,090,000 |
| 3 Beds | $3,650,000 |
Transportation
This easily walkable neighborhood is within a few blocks of Greenwich Village and Union Square, which both have CitiBike options and access to most main subway lines.
The convenient placement of Gramercy provides residents with a smooth work commute. Safety is never an issue, and the location allows for easy access to grocery stores, popular bars as well as some of the more lively areas of Manhattan.
| Bus | Location |
|---|---|
| M1 | 5th Av / Madison Av |
| M2 | 5th Av / Madison Av |
| M3 | 5th Av / Madison Av |
| M101 | Third Av / Lexington Av / Amsterdam Av |
| M102 | 3rd Av / Lexington Av / Lenox Av |
| M103 | 3rd Av / Lexington Av |
Subway lines in neighborhood
- L
BMT Canarsie Line
Restaurants & Dining
Home to some of the city's more upscale fine dining spots, Gramercy has your pick of a variety of international quality cuisines.
A local favorite spot with consistently good food and service is Upland. This stunningly spacious restaurant delivers taste bud satisfaction for all three meals. Celebrity sightings are not uncommon.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters is great for an above-average cup of joe. This specialty coffee shop offers blends from around the world.
Gramercy Tavern has been one of America's favorite restaurants since its opening in 1994. There is no question as to why this is a five-star restaurant that you need a reservation to enjoy. Gratuity is included in the bill, so sit back and focus on enjoying the rustic fare from the wood-burning grill.
Attractions & Nightlife
Of course, one of the main draws to Gramercy Park is the stunning private park that it's centered around.
While it is nearly impossible to get a key (the locks change every year), you can easily gain access by renting a room at the Gramercy Park Hotel, which offers keys to its guests.
If you're looking for a night out with friends at a great pub or bar, Gramercy Park has no shortage of places to hang.
Some favorite neighborhood haunts include Rose Bar and Jade Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel, The Winslow, Ampersand, and the speakeasy-styled Dear Irving, to name a few.
Gramercy Park doesn't just stop there. There's day and night-time culture to be had.
Check out the neighborhood art scene at the likes of the National Art Club as well as the Sidney Mishkin Gallery at Baruch College.
For musical and theatrical performances, look no further than the Players Club and the Gramercy Theatre. You'll even be able to catch a lot of laughs at the neighborhood comedy club, The Stand.
Public & Charter Schools
| School | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Epiphany School | This notable private Catholic school goes out of its way to assure each student's success with a 6:1 student/faculty ratio in Early Childhood Center, assistant teachers in every K-3 class, and a 15:1 student/faculty ratio in Upper School. Top 15% test scores in NY State |
| Manhattan's Public School 40 | grades PreK-5 - Public - 650 students (Many residents move to the area in order to live in the PS 40 zone which is known for their high-performance level and small class sizes) |
| School of the Future High School | grades 6-12 - Public - 763 students (creative, progressive approach to challenging work academics that emphasize depth over breadth in learning) |
How Safe is the Gramercy Park Neighborhood?
Gramercy Park is one of the safer neighborhoods in the city. Crime rates are below average for violent and property crimes compared to other neighborhoods across New York City.
The NYPD often conducts regular patrols around the neighborhood to ensure safety, and there are private security guards on call for additional protection for residents living in high-end buildings.
In addition to regular police presence, there are several proactive initiatives taken by locals and community leaders to keep Gramercy Park safe from crime.
For instance, Community Board 6 has partnered with local schools and organizations to create safe spaces throughout the neighborhood, such as after-school programs, youth-centric activities, and community events.
They also run initiatives like block watches and public awareness campaigns that encourage people to report any suspicious activity they see or hear about in the area.
Crime statistics
Overall, Gramercy Park is a relatively safe area in New York City due to its low crime rate, regular police patrols, and active involvement from local organizations and leaders.
While it’s still important to exercise caution when walking around at night or leaving your belongings unattended, you can rest assured knowing that you are living in a safe environment when you choose to call Gramercy Park home.
