Upper West Side

 

This iconic New York neighborhood is a cultural hub of the city, boasting a rich history and landmarks such as the Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum. Nestled between Central Park and the Hudson River, the Upper West Side is well known for its abundance of green spaces,  including Riverside Park, Central Park, and tucked-away community gardens.

Originally home to the indigenous Munsee tribe and Dutch settlers, the area was once a sprawling rural haven for wealthy merchants. It underwent rapid change at the turn of the 20th century when apartment buildings overlooking Central Park replaced farmland.

The Upper West Side is famous for its Beaux-Arts architecture, which draws upon the elegance and sophistication of various European styles, including Italian and German Renaissance as well as Classical Roman. Some iconic examples of this style are the Dakota, the Ansonia, and the San Remo. The median listing price for homes in the Upper West Side is $1.4 million.

 

What to Love

• Ideal location near Central Park and cultural landmarks
• Intimate, cozy streets that are a retreat from the bustle of the city
• Classic brownstone architecture

People & Lifestyle

The Upper West Side has been home to artists and creatives for decades, and these days are no exception. Writers, actors, artists, and filmmakers are all drawn to the neighborhood and bring with them a bohemian vibe. 

Those looking for bustling nightlife should look elsewhere in the city— the Upper West Side has a relaxed and casual culture that makes it a retreat from busy urban life. 

 

Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping

No matter what you’re craving, there’s sure to be a restaurant in the Upper West Side that satisfies your palate. 

Travel the globe without leaving your neighborhood by paying a visit to the Chinese-inspired RedFarm, the upscale Mexican restaurant Rosa Mexicano, or Jacob’s Pickles, which specializes in Southern comfort food. Each offers an intimate, casual vibe that perfectly suits the Upper West Side.

For those who need to satisfy a sweet tooth, grab some baked goods from the renowned Jacques Torres shop or the Levain Bakery.

For Upper West Siders who prefer dining in to eating out, Zabar’s is the perfect spot to stock your kitchen. This family-owned marketplace, which sells everything from coffee to fish to deli meats and cheeses, was founded in 1924.

If you’re looking for a place to shop, you can easily pay a visit to the world-famous Time Warner Center, which is home to retail boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and even a five-star spa.

 

Things to Do

You can easily spend the day in one of the two massive public parks in the neighborhood: Riverside Park, which runs alongside the Hudson River, and Central Park. You can also head to the famous West 79th Street Boat Basin to watch sailboats go by. 

The Upper West Side is also the home of the Museum of Natural History, a perfect destination for families and intellectuals alike. For another slice of history, be sure to visit the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the world. 

If you want to enjoy the artistic expression that the Upper West Side has to offer, you’re in luck. You can head to the Lincoln Center, a performing arts complex whose stage is graced by performers from the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the New York Ballet Company, and more. 

The historic Beacon Theater, built in 1929, hosts concerts, comedy shows, and film festivals. Be sure to catch a performance of Shakespeare in the Park — the show is completely free and a Central Park tradition. 

 

Schools

The Upper West Side is home to some of the most distinguished universities in the nation. These educational opportunities include:

• Columbia University, an Ivy League school that is home to the Pulitzer Prize
• Barnard College, an all-women liberal arts college
• The Juilliard School, a world-renowned performing arts college