“To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.” —Helen Keller.
In a concrete jungle of towering high-rises and massive establishments, Central Park serves as a breather for NYC citizens. Although entirely man-made, this beautiful stretch of green space never fails to provide a closer brush with nature. It’s the savior that protects New Yorkers from drowning in the city’s suffocating way of life.
When moving to the Big Apple, migrants who can afford it tend to settle with Central Park in mind. If you’re one of those people, then here are the top neighborhoods you should consider.
Carnegie Hill
Median Sale Price: $2.9 million
Rent: $3,500 – $4,000 (1-bedroom)
Running along 86th to 96th Streets, Carnegie Hill is a small neighborhood named after steel industrialist Andrew Carnegie who used to reside here. Located near the midway point of Central Park, it provides a stunning picture of green as you open the windows in the morning. Given its prime location, the area is one of the most affluent and sought out neighborhoods in Manhattan.
Carnegie Hill brims with culture and history thanks to the many museums that dot the area. It is home to the famous Cooper Hewitt Museum (in Carnegie’s former home) and the Guggenheim Museum that boasts a continuously expanding collection of art from different ages. If you’re one to shop and dine, then nearby Madison Avenue is your go-to with its long lines of boutiques, designer shops, and luxurious restaurants. Try Lexington Avenue if you’re looking for a casual consumer experience.
Carnegie Hills. Photo courtesy of Halstead of Flickr.
East Harlem
Median Sale Price: $800,000
Rent: $2000 – $3,000 (1-bedroom)
Known as the ‘Spanish Harlem’ or ‘El Barrio,’ East Harlem is a bustling neighborhood located on Central Park’s northeastern side. As you would expect, the community exhibits a strong Latin and African American influence. As one of Manhattan’s more affordable communities, many young professionals choose to settle here.
East Harlem’s history has always revolved around manual labor and a hectic way of life. However, years of public and private investments have developed the neighborhood into an area of interest that consistently attracts high-earning individuals.
Not only is the neighborhood close to Central Park, but it’s also within the proximity of the bountiful Harlem Meer. If you enjoy fishing, consider getting a rod. Hit the lake and catch different kinds of water creatures like carp, largemouth bass, and bluegill sunfish. Keep in mind that this activity is only for fun, as Central Park’s Meer is exclusively catch-and-release.
East Harem. Photo courtesy of realtyhop.com.
Central Park South
Median Sale Price: $2.5 million
Rent: $7,000 – $8,000 (1-bedroom)
Central Park South is a place where glamour and squirrels reside next to each other. Although quite small, running only between 5th and 8th Avenues, it offers a breath-taking view of the park’s green blanket complemented by gleaming skyscrapers in the background. And this picture only gets better as the park change colors according to season (people say it’s best during fall).
You will find Manhattan’s most iconic buildings, world-class hotels, and finest dining establishments within the vicinity of this tiny neighborhood. If you head west, you’ll reach Columbus Circle with its two Michelin-star restaurants. The tourist-favored museums of Carnegie Hill are only a ten-minute walk from there. South of this area are shopping districts and long lines of cafes on Fifth Avenue.
Honestly, it’s hard to fully describe the never-ending action that brews around Central Park South. But if you want to be in the center of luxury and nightlife, you can’t go wrong with this neighborhood.
Central Park South. Photo courtesy of cityrealty.com.
Upper West Side
Median Sale Price: $1 million
Rent: $3,000 (1-bedroom)
With a beautiful mix of modern buildings and old edifices that date back to the pre-war era, the Upper West Side is a culturally balanced neighborhood. The intellectual feel surrounding the community gives life to different kinds of artists, such as authors, painters, actors, and professors.
If you think that knowledge is the only thing that Upper West Side offers, then you’re wrong. Spanning 50 blocks long and four blocks wide, the large neighborhood is home to many cafés and bistros. Plus, the legendary Jean-Gorges, a Michelin-star restaurant, is located nearby. Into culture? UWS is also home to the Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History.
Want to break a sweat? You could always find a challenging match at the Central Park Tennis Center. Or, visit the lovely Shakespeare Garden which features flowers mentioned in the works of the famous playwright.
Upper West Side. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Lenox Hill
Median Sale Price: $1.8 million
Rent: $4,000 (single bed capacity)
On the southeastern side of Central Park, you’ll find the peaceful neighborhood of Lenox Hill. It has an elegant and classic vibe. It runs from East 59th Street to East 77th, between Central Park and the East River, and gives residents easy access to the Central Park Zoo, just across Fifth Avenue.
One of the main attractions that define Lenox Hill is Bloomingdale’s Department Store. The neighborhood is also dense with boutiques, restaurants, and small outlets accentuated by famous brands, like Chanel, Valentino, and Oscar de la Renta. As you walk along the streets, it’s hard not to notice the fascinating mix of historical townhouses and luxurious apartment buildings.
The area also houses the famous Lenox Hill Hospital, a prominent facility that invites medical professionals from all over the country. Overall, this neighborhood is a fun place where you’ll never run out of things to do.
Lenox Hill.
To Conclude
Central Park is indeed one of the most beautiful parks in the world. It’s no wonder you would want to find an address nearby. Relocating can be challenging, especially in NYC. Make sure to hire a reliable moving company. Good luck!