The Definitive Guide to The Upper East Side vs. Upper West Side

With prime real estate, cultural attractions and plenty of shopping and restaurants, the Upper East Side and Upper West Side of Manhattan are two of New York's most iconic neighborhoods. So there is a common debate among New Yorkers as to which side of Central Park is superior.

The Upper East Side offers luxury townhomes, Museum Mile, and access to some of the top healthcare institutions in the country. However, the Upper West Side offers beautiful brownstones, Lincoln Center, and access to respected universities. To help you decide which is the best neighborhood for you, here is a look at the Upper West Side vs Upper East Side of New York City.

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Where Is the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side is positioned north of Midtown East and South of East Harlem on the East Side of Manhattan, in between Central Park and the East River. The boundaries are generally understood to be E. 59th Street to the South, E. 96th Street to the North, 5th Ave to the West, and FDR Drive to the East. It also features several smaller, sub-neighborhoods including Lenox Hill, Carnegie Hill, and Yorkville.

What Is Living on the Upper East Side Like?

The Upper East Side of Manhattan is characterized by its upscale real estate, high-end restaurants, and designer stores. Home to some of New York's most affluent residents, it's known for being one of the best areas to live in Manhattan and features a stunning array of luxury high rises, beautiful townhomes, and pre-war buildings showcasing neo-Federal and neo-Gothic architecture at its finest.

One of the major benefits of the East Side vs the West Side of NYC is the easy access to top-rated hospitals and healthcare facilities. New York Presbyterian, Sloan Kettering, and Lenox Hill Hospital are all in the neighborhood, ensuring residents have access to the best medical care.

Living on the Upper East Side of New York City offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern luxury with tree-lined streets, French cafes, and a community of affluent residents. Although it has a reputation for exclusivity and wealth, it's also a large neighborhood with plenty of starter homes and co-ops that work for any budget.

Things to Do on the Upper East Side

One of the benefits of living on the UES vs UWS is its many art galleries and museums. Although the West Side has its own cultural institutions, the East Side is home to Museum Mile, a 22-block stretch along 5th Avenue showcasing some of the top museums in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities for shopping in the Upper East Side of NYC. Just take a stroll down Madison Avenue and you'll find a variety of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and Michelin-star restaurants. Don't miss Bloomingdales on 59th Street, an iconic department store that is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. Also, check out Gracie Mansion, the historic residence of the NYC mayor, which can be found at the northern edge of the neighborhood in Carl Schurz Park.

Upper East Side Transportation Options

One of the disadvantages of living on the Upper East Side of NYC is the limited transportation options compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods. However, the 4/5/6 train stops along Lexington Avenue, while the Q train runs along 2nd Avenue up to 96th Street.

Pros

• Easy access to high-end restaurants, world-class museums, and designer stores
• Wide range of housing options from luxury apartments to starter homes
• Quiet, residential atmosphere with conveniences and top healthcare facilities close by

Cons

• Fewer nightlife options compared to other popular Manhattan neighborhoods
• Limited subway access in certain parts of the neighborhood

Where Is the Upper West Side?

The Upper West Side is situated north of Hell's Kitchen, south of Harlem and Morningside Heights, and between Central Park and the Hudson River. The boundaries are generally considered W. 59th Street to the South, 110th Street to the North, 8th Avenue/Central Park West to the East, and Riverside Drive to the West.

What Is Living on the Upper West Side Like?

New York City's Upper West Side offers many of the same perks of the East Side, although it has its own unique charm and atmosphere. You'll find an interesting variety of architectural styles, including stunning Beaux Arts Buildings and charming brownstones. It's situated right between the Theater District and Columbia University, attracting an interesting mix of artists, academics, and intellectuals. It's also quite relaxed and community-oriented with a mix of cozy bookstores and inviting coffee shops.

Things to Do on the Upper West Side

Residents will find an exciting range of fun things to do on the Upper West Side of NYC, from museums to lush parks. With Central Park to the East and Riverside Park to the West, one of the advantages of living on the west side vs the east side is greater access to parks, playgrounds, and green space.?

The Upper West Side of New York is home to some of the city's most famous cultural institutions, including the American Museum of Natural History and Lincoln Center. You'll also find plenty of delicious restaurants, flea markets, and neighborhood bars, offering something for everyone.

Upper West Side Transportation Options

Access to transportation options is a major benefit of the UWS vs UES. The A, B, C, and D trains make stops along Central Park West, while the 1,2 and 3 trains run along Broadway.

Pros and Cons of the Upper West Side

Pros

• Close proximity to world-famous cultural and academic institutions like Lincoln Center and Columbia University
• Ample opportunities for outdoor recreation at Central Park and Riverside Park?
• Friendly, community-oriented atmosphere with plenty of coffee shops, neighborhood bars, and community centers

Cons

• Fewer restaurants, high-end boutiques, and trendy stores compared to other Manhattan neighborhoods
• Central Park and other major attractions bring more tourist traffic in the busy seasons

What’s The Difference Between the Upper East Side and Upper West Side?

So, is the Upper East or Upper West better? At the end of the day, it’s a matter of preference. The biggest difference between the Upper East and West Sides is their location, attractions, and general ambiance.?

The Upper East Side offers a peaceful, laid-back environment and more high-end shops, art galleries, and museums. The Upper West Side offers more transportation options, cultural and academic institutions, with a lively, creative atmosphere. However, they are both large neighborhoods with smaller enclaves and subsections that attract residents from diverse backgrounds. So, whichever neighborhood you choose, you'll find something to love.

Thinking about moving to one of these fantastic neighborhoods? Reach out to our sales team today to discuss your needs. As an authority on new builds, we can show you the best new construction listings on the market. We’ll show you every unit in the building, access floor plans, help you compare prices, and more. Finding your dream home has never been easier. Contact us today at [email protected] to get started.