Murray Hill Neighborhood Review - Manhattan Moving Guide

Learn about local Murray Hill Neighborhood culture, businesses, schools, and homes for sale & rent. Find out why Murray Hill is one of Manhattan's hottest neighborhoods.
Murray Hill
Editors Rating (3.5 stars out of 5)
7.2 Overall
Average Rent Prices 7
Public transportation 7
Schools 6
Lifestyle 6
Crime 10

While it may not be the hippest area in the city to live in, this pleasant east midtown neighborhood with streets aligned with Nineteenth-century pre-war buildings is certainly cheaper than its surrounding counterparts.

This Murray Hill neighborhood review will look into public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.

Despite the high number of bars and restaurants attracting people to the area, the energy is subdued to a comfortable level, unlike many other noisy Manhattan neighborhoods.

Many young professionals in corporate finance and NYC transplants inhabit this area, making it a coveted hot spot for Irish pubs, sports bars, and reasonably priced cuisine.

Commonly used boundaries for Murray Hill are East 34th Street to East 42nd Street and Madison Avenue to the East River.

Some may even claim the best part of Murray Hill is not so much the neighborhood itself but its proximity to midtown Manhattan.

Fun Fact: The hill in “Murray Hill” was deliberately flattened as part of a work relief program designed to keep dockers employed during the 1808 embargo that closed New York harbor. Between 20 and 30 feet were taken off the summit and used for fill, all shoveled by hand.

Real Estate in Murray Hill

Murray Hill is known for its residential streets, elegant 19th-century townhouses, and high-end apartments.

It is a safe and attractive area with many parks, shops, and restaurants. The neighborhood has been home to many famous authors and other celebrities over the years.

Real estate in Murray Hill is highly sought after due to its location within Manhattan and charming, historic atmosphere.

This area offers a variety of housing options, from luxury penthouses to quaint brownstones to modern condominiums.

Apartment rentals in Murray Hill come in all shapes and sizes - from spacious two-bedroom units with terraces to cozy one-bedroom flats with city views.

Rent prices vary depending on size, view, amenities, and location but can range from $3,000-$10,000 per month or higher.

Condos for sale in Murray Hill are often sold quickly due to their prime location in Manhattan; prices average around $1 million or higher depending on the size and condition of the property.

Murray Hill is not considered an inexpensive area to live in New York City. Most apartment offerings will be in high-rise and mid-rise buildings, although you can also find units in smaller walk-ups.

If you're looking to move, here are the average rent prices in the Murray Hill neighborhood:

Average Rental Prices in Murray Hill

Studio $2,950
1 Bed $3,600
2 Beds $5,500
3 Beds $5,500
4 Beds $5,625
PropertyNest Real Estate Data As of June 2023

Average Sales Prices in Murray Hill

Studio $485,000
1 Bed $700,000
2 Beds $1,495,000
3 Beds $2,599,000
4 Beds $7,000,000
PropertyNest Real Estate Data As of June 2023

Public Transportation

Just a 10-minute walk from Grand Central, Murray Hill's convenient location makes it easy for residents to commute just about anywhere in the city (or New Jersey) with ease.

Bus and Ferry lines in Murray Hill
Bus M60, B67, ERS (East River Midtown Shuttle)
Ferry East River Ferry at the East River & 34th Street

Subway lines in neighborhood

  • 7 7

    IRT Flushing Line

  • S

    Shuttles

Public and Charter Schools

Murray Hill is definitely an ideal family-friendly neighborhood thanks to the plethora of schools to choose from in District 2. Below are listed schools in the immediate neighborhood, but parents should look into all their options in the District.

Local Schools in Murray Hill
School Info Notes
Ps 116 Mary Lindley Murray Public - PK-5 - 694 students Places a high value on independence, choice and project-based learning.
The River School - PS 281 Public - PK-5, 458 students Academically high-achieving locally-zoned public elementary.
Unity Center for Urban Technologies Public -9-12 313 students Welcomes new immigrants with a focus on work on computers.
Manhattan Academy for Arts & Language Public - 9-12 -194 students High School focused on teaching new immigrants English.
Murray Hill Academy - M432 Public - 9-12 - 247 student Small tight-knit high school community.
Success Academy Charter High School of the Liberal Arts Manhattan Charter - 9-12 - 1122 students A high school a part of the Success Academy Charter.

Restaurants & Dining in Murray Hill

Murray Hill is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, bars, and unique local culture. From cozy Italian bistros to high-end seafood eateries, or Indian cuisine, Murray Hill has something for everyone.

For those who are craving some traditional Indian cuisine, Curry Hill is one of the most popular choices in the area.

With its delicious curries and flavor-packed dishes, Curry Hill offers an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant serves various dishes from all regions of India—from tandoori chicken to spicy lamb vindaloo—all prepared with fresh ingredients and bold spices.

Not only is the food excellent, but Curry Hill also offers friendly service and a warm atmosphere that makes it perfect for any occasion.

In addition to Curry Hill, Murray Hill also boasts a wide selection of restaurants to suit any taste or budget.

Some local favorites include Momosan Ramen & Sake, Dhaba, and Tanner Smiths.

How Safe is the Murray Hill Neighborhood?

Murray Hill has a low crime rate compared to other neighborhoods in Manhattan. In fact, it has the lowest crime rate in Midtown.

Reports show that violent crimes are rare, with most reported incidents being property crimes such as theft or vandalism.

The neighborhood boasts an active neighborhood watch program monitored by local law enforcement and community volunteers.

Additionally, the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association has implemented several initiatives to increase residents' safety.

These include public safety campaigns, public education programs about crime prevention and reporting suspicious activity, establishing a website for neighbors to help build community ties and trust among neighbors, and creating several volunteer-led activities such as visiting senior centers or providing resources to low-income families living in Murray Hill.

With these measures in place, Murray Hill remains relatively safe compared to other parts of Manhattan.

Crime statistics

Crime rate: 8 out of 10
Approximately 53.1226 crimes (felony) per 1000 residents
Low Medium High

Residents of Murray Hill also benefit from the presence of numerous police precincts throughout the area.

These precincts are regularly patrolled by officers on foot around the clock who take proactive steps toward curbing criminal activity within the neighborhood’s boundaries.

Moreover, several surveillance cameras are set up across streets and parks, which help keep an eye out for suspicious activity while providing evidence should any criminal acts occur.

Furthermore, NYPD officials have created partnerships with various organizations, such as Housing Works, which provide support services for those experiencing homelessness or mental illness around the neighborhood, thus further contributing to keeping Murray Hill safe from potential harm.

Overall, it can be said that Murray Hill is a very safe place to live in comparison to much of Manhattan's other boroughs due to its implementation of preventative measures coupled with a robust police presence throughout the area.

Rachel McCray
About the author

Originally from Florida, Rachel McCray, a writer and content producer, is now based in New York. Rachel offers expertise in New York City neighborhoods relating to real estate and history. Rachel McCray graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies.