Upper West Side

The neighborhood that was immortalized by Nora Ephron and Jerry Seinfeld maintains an easygoing community vibe and provides a welcome escape from the urban jungle.

At a Glance

Sandwiched between two beautiful parks, the Upper West Side is one of the greenest spots in Manhattan. For that reason, as well its great elementary schools and safe streets, it is a perennial favorite. The Upper West Side is relaxed, but never dull. There are plenty of low-key bars and restaurants to frequent along Amsterdam Avenue, and Broadway is an always-bustling commercial center. The wide, tree-lined streets still boast many mom-and-pop stores. Less posh than the Upper East Side, it is more easily accessible by public transportation, and real estate prices are just as, if not more, expensive.

The Mood

The Upper West Side is a neighborhood for casual strolling. On the quiet side streets, you'll find strollers, dog walkers, and old-timers with groceries.

Heart of the Neighborhood

Zabar’s is one of the city's most loved bakeries. There are always crowds picking up bagels and lox and boxes of black-and-white cookies.

Neighborhood Quirk

Located at 1 West 72nd Street, the Dakota has been immortalized as the home of John Lennon, as well as the site of his murder, and the set of movie thriller "Rosemary's Baby."

Best Perk

The Upper West Side boasts some of the best grocery stores and specialty markets in the city, such as Zabar's, Fairway, Citarella, Schatzie Prime Meats, and more.

Biggest Downside

The majority of homes on the Upper West are in large prewar apartment buildings, which can have a cramped, outdated feel.

$1.2M

Median Sale

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$4,199

Median Rent

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The Mood

The Upper West Side is a neighborhood for casual strolling. On the quiet side streets, you'll find strollers, dog walkers, and old-timers with groceries.

Heart of the Neighborhood

Zabar’s is one of the city's most loved bakeries. There are always crowds picking up bagels and lox and boxes of black-and-white cookies.

Neighborhood Quirk

Located at 1 West 72nd Street, the Dakota has been immortalized as the home of John Lennon, as well as the site of his murder, and the set of movie thriller "Rosemary's Baby."

Best Perk

The Upper West Side boasts some of the best grocery stores and specialty markets in the city, such as Zabar's, Fairway, Citarella, Schatzie Prime Meats, and more.

Biggest Downside

The majority of homes on the Upper West are in large prewar apartment buildings, which can have a cramped, outdated feel.

What’s close by

1. Upper East Side

Median Sale: $1.2M Median Rental: $3,700

2. Lincoln Square

Median Sale: $1.2M Median Rental: $4,995

3. Midtown

Median Sale: $1.6M Median Rental: $4,697

4. Harlem

Median Sale: $745K Median Rental: $3,100

By the Numbers

Prices run the gamut on the Upper West Side, with more expensive properties clustered around Central Park and Riverside Drive. Townhouses and large, prewar apartments also go for a lot, but deals can be found for smaller and older co-ops.

Median Price

Price History

Neighborhood Borough Median

Median Rent

Price History

Neighborhood Borough Median

*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 ACS

Despite its many large apartment towers and central location, the Upper West is a homey neighborhood with a small-town vibe.

Delicatessen aficionados rejoice: The Upper West Side is home to some of the greatest delis in the city.

Upper West Side Museum of Natural History

Although it doesn't have quite the same cultural cachet as the Upper East, the Upper West Side is home to the American Natural History Museum and the beautiful Hayden Planetarium.

The UWS is the rare New York City neighborhood that appeals to everyone. Residents run the gamut from young professionals embracing the single lifestyle to middle-class families and old-timers.

The Upper West Side is relaxed, but never dull. There are plenty of low-key bars and restaurants to frequent at night — just don’t expect a raucous party scene.