Upper East Side Neighborhood Review - Manhattan Moving Guide 2024

Those looking to experience the finer, more elegant things in life belong in the Upper East Side.
This Manhattan Upper East Side neighborhood review will examine public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.
Whether you are interested in museum culture, fine dining, or high-end shopping, there's a little of everything in this neighborhood.
Take a stroll down Museum Mile (Fifth Avenue between 72nd and 104th Street), and you will find some of the country's most renowned institutions, like the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Solomon R. Guggenheim, to name a couple.
Museum Mile was once named Millionaire's Row. Look at the mansions surrounding you; it will make better sense.
Head over to Madison Avenue, and you're in a shopping mecca with some of the world's biggest names in haute couture.
High-end department stores like Barney's, Valentino, and Christian Louboutin carry all classic designs and have a strong presence at the forefront of fashion.
This homey neighborhood has primarily upper-class residents, especially along Park and Madison Avenue.
Mostly, brownstones line these blocks.
Further East toward the East River, you will find many young professionals who are probably training for a career that will earn them a place on Park or Madison.
Here is where you will find more of a selection of affordable apartments.
Fun Fact: The Upper East Side's Fifth Avenue was so full of mansions in the 1800s that it was dubbed "Millionaire's Row."
Real Estate in the Upper East Side
Regarding real estate in the Upper East Side, there are plenty of options for renting and purchasing.
Rental prices can range from reasonable to luxurious depending on your budget and desired amenities.
Much of the Upper East Side housing is going to apartment buildings. Most townhouses are going to luxury townhouses.
Many luxury buildings offer top-of-the-line amenities such as doorkeeper services, concierge services, fitness centers, and swimming pools.
The neighborhood also offers quieter residential streets with more basic comforts, such as laundry rooms and parking options for tenants who want to stay closer to home.
Average Rental Prices in Upper East Side | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $2,500 |
| 1 Bed | $3,195 |
| 2 Beds | $4,400 |
| 3 Beds | $8,495 |
| 4 Beds | $26,000 |
Average Sales Prices in Upper East Side | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $425,000 |
| 1 Bed | $719,999 |
| 2 Beds | $1,595,000 |
| 3 Beds | $2,999,500 |
| 4 Beds | $8,995,000 |
Transportation in the Upper East Side
It wasn't until recently that the Upper East Side decided to improve its transportation options.
Ever since the installment of the Second Avenue subway, real estate prices in the area have been steadily increasing.
Not only do residents of the UES now have viable subway options, but there is also now a protected bike lane on Second Avenue between East 68th and 125th streets.
Also, the newly launched NYC Ferry will be making it to the shores of the UES this year. The East River Ferry is no longer in service and has transitioned to the new, expanded NYC Ferry Service, which features new boats, onboard concessions, and lower fares.
Subway lines in neighborhood
- 4 5 6 6
IRT Lexington Avenue Line
- F
IND Sixth Avenue Line
- N Q R W
BMT Broadway Line
| Bus | M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M8, M9, M15, M66, M72, M79, M86, M96 BxM4A, BxM4B and BxM3 |
|---|---|
| NYC Ferry | The fare is $2.75 |
Public & Charter Schools
The Upper East Side is considered District #2.
This neighborhood has a wonderful selection of public and private schools.
Here are some of the most talked-about:
| School | Info | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P.S. 006 - Lillie D Blake | Public - PreK-5 - 694 students | Top-ranked school includes a rooftop garden and eco-center for the children to grow vegetables. Student writing is above average, with a strong focus on spelling, grammar, cursive writing, and phonics. |
| Regis High School | Private - 9-12 - 529 students | Ranked #4 best private school in New York, this elite, private, all-boys Catholic school with an 8:1 student-teacher ratio and a 100% go on to attend a four-year college. |
| East Side Middle School | Public - 6-8 - 443 students | No auditorium, lockers or instrumental music program, but offers students a very interdisciplinary curriculum. |
Restaurants & Dining in the Upper East Side
The Upper East Side in New York City is home to many of the city's best restaurants and cafes.
From upscale eateries to cozy coffee shops, the Upper East Side offers a wide variety of cuisine and atmosphere that can cater to any palate or preference.
Many world-class chefs have opened restaurants in this neighborhood, offering unique dishes to please even the most discerning diner.
The Upper East Side has established itself as the place in the city to find the best fresh fish, particularly sushi.
These above-average sushi gems include Sasabune, Sushi Seki, and Sushi Ishikawa.
Aside from the posh sushi spots strategically placed throughout the UES, residents can enjoy some of the city's best diners, like the 2nd Ave Deli and Madison Restaurant.
Amali offers delicious food and elegant atmospheres for those looking for a romantic night out.
How Safe is the Upper East Side Neighborhood?
The Upper East Side Neighborhood in New York City is considered one of the safest neighborhoods.
Crime rates in the area are significantly lower than in other parts of NYC, and residents here enjoy a sense of security that can't be found elsewhere.
The Upper East Side offers plenty of amenities and attractions, making it an ideal place to live and visit. In addition, there are several police stations located throughout the neighborhood, ensuring that residents feel safe and secure at all times.
Crime statistics
The Upper East Side has a strong police presence, numerous security cameras mounted on lamp posts, and guards patrolling around popular attractions – such as Central Park – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Additionally, many high-end stores have private security teams watching over customers and employees.
Outside of policing efforts, the Upper East Side also benefits from several public safety initiatives, such as community watch programs, block-by-block awareness campaigns, and neighborhood associations that keep everyone aware of potential threats or dangers.
In addition to these measures, many residential buildings have controlled access entry systems with automated locks or CCTV monitoring systems installed, which help ensure that only authorized personnel can gain entry into any building.
Many buildings also boast state-of-the-art alarm systems to reinforce safety precautions if an intruder attempts to enter any Upper East Side Neighborhood structure.
Above all else, though, what makes a living in this part of New York City so unique is its strong sense of community – one which looks out for each other's safety while still enjoying all the advantages that come with being part of an affluent society such as education opportunities and job openings nearby.
This unique combination is one more reason why so many people call the Upper East Side home.






