Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY
About the Upper West Side, Manhattan
A large neighborhood lined by Central Park and Riverside Park, the Upper West Side is a leafy enclave of stately townhouses and apartments. Residents enjoy plentiful park space nearby. The commute to midtown, lower Manhattan, or Columbia University is quick and easy thanks to several subway lines.
The UWS (Upper West Side) is a quieter neighborhood than other sections of Manhattan, but boasts plenty of comfortable neighborhood restaurants and is home to major cultural institutions, including Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, The New-York Historical Society, and the Children’s’ Museum of Manhattan.
The History of the Upper West Side
The area of the Upper West Side was settled in the 18th and 19th centuries as farms and villages (including the free African American town Seneca Village). Early settlements were cleared to construct Central Park in the 1860s. Construction of townhouses and apartment buildings - many of which still line the neighborhood's streets - took off after the original elevated train line opened in the 1870s. The UWS has been a relatively upscale area for decades, but retains a slightly more off-beat reputation than other areas of Manhattan.
Upper West Side Demographics
In 2018 there were 218,000 people in the Upper West Side. About two-thirds of residents are white. The median income is higher, and the proportion of residents in poverty is lower, than the average in Manhattan or New York City. The area has a significant Jewish population and is home to the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States.
Transportation on the Upper West Side
UWS residents have an easy commute to all areas of Manhattan. The 1, B, and C trains make stops throughout the neighborhood and the 2/3 express stops at 72 St and 96 St offer a zippy 5-10 minute ride to Times Square. Numerous buses add transit options around the neighborhood and to nearby areas. The proximity to midtown and to the Hudson River Greenway means the area is great for bike commuters, too.
Housing on the Upper West Side
The Upper West Side stands out for its historic brick and stone townhouses and apartment buildings. Classical towers along Central Park West, like the Dakota and San Remo, remain some of the city's more fashionable addresses. Much of UWS is designated as a historic district and new construction is limited, though renovations and conversions of older buildings are common.
Neighborhood Life in the Upper West Side
Central Park and Riverside Park's rich greenery offer residents lots of outdoor amenities. Especially near Central Park the area bustles with tourists and families from across the city. Most cross streets are quiet and residential, while the avenues are lined with small stores, restaurants, and sidewalk cafes. The Upper West Side is fairly quiet at night, but Columbus Ave. is home to a lively bar scene and Lincoln Center and jazz clubs like Smoke provide cultural offerings.
Neighborhoods Similar To The Upper West Side
Upper West Side Real Estate Trends
Despite the high demand for this desirable locale, the number and size of new construction projects in Upper West Side is relatively small compared to other areas of Manhattan. This is because much of the neighborhood is designated as a historic district or limited by strict zoning. Instead, the demand has pushed up prices and encouraged luxury renovations of historic townhouses.
UWS Median Sale Price (USD):
Studio 550,000
1bd 850,000
2bd 1,700,000
3bd 3,000,000
4bd 5,200,000
UWS Median Rent Price (USD):
Studio 2,400
1bd 3,300
2bd 5,500
3bd 8,200
4bd 13,700
The Truth You Should Know About The Upper West Side
How Safe is the Upper West Side?
Crime rates in most areas of the UWS are slightly below city averages. The main streets are generally well-lit and somewhat populated after dark.
Are Schools on the Upper West Side Good?
The Upper West Side's public schools are generally very highly rated. Great Schools rates the neighborhood’s PS 87 William Sherman, The Anderson School, and PS 199 Jessie Isador Straus at 10/10. However, Edward A Reynolds West Side High School ranks poorly on test scores.
The neighborhood is also home to private schools including Dwight School, Trinity School, and The Calhoun School.
Popular Eateries in the Upper West Side?
UWS is known for dependable neighborhood eateries, rather than experimental and trendy restaurants. Some favorites include: @grid
Barney Greengrass
Jewish delicatessen and appetizing
541 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024Tom’s Diner
diner made famous in Seinfeld
2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025Celeste
Italian
502 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024Jacob's Pickles
Southern-styled comfort food
509 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024Gazala's
Israeli
447 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024Bar Boulud
French
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023Nice Matin
French
201 W 79th St, New York, NY 10024Fred’s
pub
476 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024Shun Lee
Chinese
43 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023
What to Do on the Upper West Side?
Walk through Central Park, run around the Reservoir, or row a boat out on the Lake.
See a free show at Shakespeare in the Park.
Ride a bike along the Hudson River Greenway.
Check out the dinosaurs or the planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.
See the ballet, an opera, orchestral music, jazz, or a movie at Lincoln Center.
Play volleyball in Riverside Park.
Stroll through the gardens in Riverside Park
Is the Upper West Side Dog Friendly?
There are several dog parks in the neighborhood, including beside the American Museum of Natural History and within Riverside Park. There are no encolsed dog runs inside Central Park, but there are several designated dog-friendly areas. Dogs are also allowed off-leash inside Central Park before 9AM or after 9PM.
Is the Upper West Side Good for Cycling?
The Upper West Side is a great neighborhood for fitness cyclists and bike commuters. Easy access to the Central Park loop road and the Hudson River Greenway offer easy options for recreational bikers at all levels. New bike lanes along the avenues are making the Upper West Side a safer area for bike commuters, too.
4 Things to Know Before Moving to the Upper West Side
The designated historic district may limit what renovations are allowed to buildings here.
Columbus Circle area is crowded with visitors.
A 36-story building under construction near Lincoln Square is controversial because it is much taller than the surrounding buildings.
There has been more large construction south of 72 St and north of 96 St; rules are more lenient there so these areas should expect additional construction.