Upper East Side

Welcome to the Upper East Side

A true model of metropolitan class for aspiring sophisticates

What to Love

• Central Park, which is home to over eight lakes and ponds, 20,000 trees, and popular concert series
• Some of the most internationally renowned museums and cultural facilities
• Luxury shopping and dining throughout Madison Avenue and beyond

About UES

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.

Local Culture

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.

Real Estate in UES

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.

Types of Housing

• Pre-War Co-Ops – Many of the UES’s most coveted properties are elegant pre-war cooperative buildings, particularly along Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, and Madison Avenue. These buildings are known for spacious layouts, high ceilings, and intricate architectural details.
• Luxury Condominiums – The rise of sleek new developments, particularly along Second Avenue and East End Avenue, has introduced a wave of modern condos offering full-service amenities, including concierge services, fitness centers, and rooftop terraces.
• Historic Brownstones & Townhouses – While rarer than in other Manhattan neighborhoods, townhouses in the UES offer charming tree-lined streets, private outdoor space, and multi-level living.
• Rentals – The UES has a wide range of rental options, from affordable walk-up apartments to high-end rental buildings with doormen and luxury finishes.

Real Estate Prices & Trends

• Co-ops & Condos – The median sale price for co-ops typically ranges from $1 million to $3 million, while luxury condos can easily exceed $10 million, particularly along Central Park.
• Townhouses – These can range from $5 million to $50 million, depending on size and location.
• Rental Market – Prices vary, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $3,500 - $5,000 per month, while high-end luxury rentals can surpass $10,000 per month.

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.

Dining

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.

Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants

• Daniel – A two-Michelin-starred French restaurant offering an elegant dining experience.
• The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges – Located in The Mark Hotel, this spot is known for its upscale menu featuring seasonal and organic ingredients.
• JoJo by Jean-Georges – A stylish townhouse restaurant serving organic French-American cuisine.
• Sistina – A classic Italian fine-dining experience with a celebrity clientele.

Classic New York Eats

• Pastrami Queen – Famous for its hearty pastrami sandwiches, this is a must-visit for deli lovers.
• J.G. Melon – One of NYC’s most famous burger joints, known for its old-school tavern atmosphere.
• Two Little Red Hens – A local favorite bakery renowned for its cheesecakes and cupcakes.
• Lexington Candy Shop – A historic luncheonette offering classic milkshakes, egg creams, and diner-style dishes since 1925.

Casual & International Cuisine

• Toloache 82 – A fantastic spot for Mexican cuisine with upscale twists on tacos and guacamole.
• Candle 79 – A high-end vegan restaurant with delicious plant-based dishes.
• Flex Mussels – A seafood-lover’s paradise specializing in mussels prepared in various international styles.
• Uva – A cozy and romantic Italian wine bar with homemade pasta and an intimate ambiance.

From classic New York bites to world-class fine dining, the Upper East Side offers a rich culinary scene for every taste and occasion.

Shopping

The Upper East Side is a premier shopping destination, particularly along Madison Avenue, which boasts some of the world’s most luxurious designer boutiques.

Luxury Shopping on Madison Avenue

Madison Avenue is home to flagship stores and high-end boutiques, including:

• Chanel
• Gucci
• Hermès
• Prada
• Louis Vuitton
• Ralph Lauren (in a historic mansion)
• Giorgio Armani

Department Stores & Multi-Brand Boutiques

• Bloomingdale’s (59th Street & Lexington Avenue) – One of NYC’s most iconic department stores.
• Bergdorf Goodman (5th Avenue) – Known for luxury fashion and high-end beauty products.
• The RealReal – A high-end consignment store offering pre-owned designer pieces.

Specialty & Local Shops

• Dylan’s Candy Bar – A fun and colorful candy store founded by Dylan Lauren (daughter of Ralph Lauren).
• Argosy Bookstore – A historic bookstore specializing in rare and antique books.
• John Derian Company – A boutique offering home décor, handmade goods, and vintage-inspired designs.

With a mix of global luxury brands, unique boutiques, and local gems, the UES remains a top shopping district in New York City.

Parks & Green Spaces

Despite its reputation for urban sophistication, the Upper East Side offers beautiful parks and green spaces, providing residents with serene escapes from city life.

Central Park

The UES borders Central Park’s eastern edge, offering easy access to its world-famous attractions:

• The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir – A scenic running track surrounded by cherry blossoms.
• Conservatory Garden – A European-style formal garden with seasonal flowers and fountains.
• The Loeb Boathouse – Offers rowing, dining, and lakeside views.
• Great Lawn – A popular spot for picnics, sunbathing, and summer concerts.

Carl Schurz Park

Located along the East River at 86th Street, this hidden gem features:

• Waterfront views & promenades
• Dog-friendly areas
• The historic Gracie Mansion, home of NYC’s mayor

John Jay Park

A smaller neighborhood park near 77th Street & York Avenue, featuring:

• Swimming pools
• Basketball courts
• Children’s playgrounds

East River Promenade

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.

Schools & Education

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.

Commute and Accessibility

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. 

Real Estate in Upper East Side

• Upper East Side Homes for Sale
• Upper East Side Commercial Properties
• Upper East Side Townhomes
• Upper East Side Multi-Family Homes
• Upper East Side Co-Ops
• Upper East Side Condos
• Upper East Side Lands/Lots
• Upper East Side Single-Family Homes
• Upper East Side Manufactured Homes
• Other Properties in Upper East Side