This peacefully refined Upper Manhattan enclave is one of the city's most sought-after locales.
210,062 people live in Upper East Side, where the median age is 44 and the average individual income is $133,158. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
A true model of metropolitan class for aspiring sophisticates
The Upper East Side (UES) is one of Manhattan’s most prestigious neighborhoods, stretching from 59th Street to 96th Street, between Central Park and the East River. Its prime location offers easy access to Midtown Manhattan, making it a favorite among professionals, families, and long-time New Yorkers.
The neighborhood is well-connected by the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines along Lexington Avenue and the Q train along Second Avenue, providing seamless travel throughout the city. Several bus routes, including the M15, M101, and M103, run along Third and Lexington Avenues, ensuring convenient public transportation options. For those commuting by car, the FDR Drive offers a quick route for traveling up and down Manhattan’s east side.
Proximity to LaGuardia Airport (about a 20-minute drive) is an added convenience for frequent travelers. The neighborhood is also known for its walkability, with many daily essentials, from boutique stores to gourmet grocery shops, within close reach.
The Upper East Side exudes sophistication and timeless elegance, with a rich history deeply intertwined with New York City’s cultural and social elite. Often associated with old-money families and luxury living, the UES is home to historic mansions, pre-war buildings, and high-end co-ops, making it one of the most desirable and expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan.
The Upper East Side (UES) is synonymous with luxury real estate, offering a mix of pre-war co-ops, historic brownstones, and modern high-rise condominiums. The neighborhood has long been a favored address for New York’s elite, including business moguls, celebrities, and affluent families.
With low crime rates, top-tier schools, and unparalleled cultural offerings, the Upper East Side remains one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods for homeowners and renters alike.
The Upper East Side is home to some of New York City's most refined and diverse dining options, offering Michelin-starred restaurants, cozy cafes, classic New York delis, and global cuisine.
From classic New York bites to world-class fine dining, the Upper East Side offers a rich culinary scene for every taste and occasion.
The Upper East Side is a premier shopping destination, particularly along Madison Avenue, which boasts some of the world’s most luxurious designer boutiques.
Madison Avenue is home to flagship stores and high-end boutiques, including:
With a mix of global luxury brands, unique boutiques, and local gems, the UES remains a top shopping district in New York City.
Despite its reputation for urban sophistication, the Upper East Side offers beautiful parks and green spaces, providing residents with serene escapes from city life.
The UES borders Central Park’s eastern edge, offering easy access to its world-famous attractions:
Located along the East River at 86th Street, this hidden gem features:
A smaller neighborhood park near 77th Street & York Avenue, featuring:
Running parallel to FDR Drive, this pathway is perfect for biking, jogging, and waterfront walks while enjoying stunning views of Roosevelt Island and the Queensboro Bridge.
With a combination of historic parks, scenic promenades, and waterfront retreats, the Upper East Side offers ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and nature.
The Upper East Side is home to some of the best educational institutions in New York City, offering top-ranked public schools, prestigious private schools, and renowned higher education institutions. Families in the neighborhood have access to an exceptional academic environment, making the UES a preferred choice for those prioritizing education.
Among the top public schools in the area, P.S. 6 – Lillie Devereaux Blake School stands out with its strong academic performance and high parent satisfaction ratings. Other well-regarded public schools include P.S. 290 – The Manhattan New School and P.S. 527 – East Side School for Social Action, both of which emphasize progressive education and community involvement. For secondary education, Eleanor Roosevelt High School is one of the city's top-ranked public high schools, known for its rigorous academic curriculum and college preparatory focus.
The Upper East Side is also famous for its elite private schools, which have long been associated with academic excellence and notable alumni. Schools such as The Brearley School (all-girls, K-12), The Dalton School (co-ed, K-12), The Spence School (all-girls, K-12), and The Lycee Français de New York (French bilingual education) are highly selective and consistently ranked among the best private institutions in the country. The Nightingale-Bamford School and The Chapin School, both all-girls institutions, also offer a strong emphasis on academics and leadership development.
For higher education, the Upper East Side is home to Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, which offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, Rockefeller University and Weill Cornell Medical College contribute to the neighborhood's status as a center for medical and scientific research.
With a combination of top-tier public schools, prestigious private institutions, and renowned universities, the Upper East Side provides an exceptional educational environment that attracts families and students from all over New York City.
The Upper East Side is known for its excellent public transportation options, making it one of the most well-connected neighborhoods in Manhattan. Residents benefit from multiple subway lines, efficient bus routes, and easy access to major highways, ensuring a smooth commute to other parts of the city and beyond.
The neighborhood is primarily served by the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines, which run along Lexington Avenue and connect commuters to Midtown, Downtown Manhattan, and the Bronx. These trains provide express and local service, allowing for quick travel to key areas like Grand Central Terminal, Union Square, and Wall Street. The Second Avenue Subway (Q train), completed in 2017, has greatly improved transit options for residents living farther east, offering direct service to Times Square and the West Side.
In addition to the subway, the Upper East Side has a comprehensive bus network, with major routes such as the M15, M101, M102, and M103, which run north-south along Second and Third Avenues. Crosstown buses (M66, M72, M79, M86, and M96) provide convenient East-to-West connections, allowing easy access to Central Park, the Upper West Side, and Riverside Drive.
For those who drive, the Upper East Side offers convenient access to the FDR Drive, which runs along the East River and provides a direct route to Lower Manhattan and the Bronx. However, like much of Manhattan, street parking is limited, and many residents rely on garage parking and private car services.
Cycling has also become a popular mode of transportation, with designated bike lanes along Second Avenue and First Avenue as well as Citi Bike stations available throughout the neighborhood. For those who prefer walking, the Upper East Side is one of the most pedestrian-friendly areas in New York, with wide sidewalks, tree-lined streets, and a highly walkable layout.
Overall, with its multiple subway lines, extensive bus service, major road access, and pedestrian-friendly streets, commuting from the Upper East Side is efficient, reliable, and well-suited to both residents and professionals traveling throughout the city.
Upper East Side has 107,529 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Upper East Side do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 210,062 people call Upper East Side home. The population density is 143,281.476 and the largest age group is between 25 and 64 years old. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children: 19,623 (18%)
Without Children: 87,906 (82%)
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar: 1%
White Collar: 99%
Carol Staab has an innovative luxury real estate practice that provides an elite level of concierge service through unparalleled world-class marketing and a hands-on business approach. Her mission is to give her clients an exceptional experience while helping them achieve the best results possible.