New York's elite Upper West Side borders the west side of Central Park, and presents itself as a slightly more intellectual, casual alternative to the vibe across the park in the Upper East Side. Stunning performances at Lincoln Center and streets of brownstones dotted with newer luxury condos typify the Upper West Side approach to classic Manhattan living.
The Upper West Side has a lot of things going for it – good subway access, located between two parks, plenty of grocery stores. Honestly, it has started to feel a little like the suburbs. There are some smaller businesses and independent restaurants, but are primarily located on Amsterdam and Columbus below 86th Street. Most of what you find on Broadway though is pretty generic, and there is very little that I would describe as neighborhood flavor. The closest thing to a local hangout seems to be the many Starbucks locations in the neighborhood. The restaurants are mostly just meh…not great, not terrible, just so-so. Nightlife seems to consist primarily of a few bars on Amsterdam in the 80s populated by ex-frat boys. This neighborhood seems to be best suited to families with money to spend. I’ve lived here for about 3 years, but I find myself wishing for more cool places to hang out close by and cursing the noise and traffic congestion on the entrance/exit to the West Side Highway. If you don’t mind being un-hip (which is pretty much what you will be if you live on the UWS)and all you want to do is shop at Whole Foods and get your latte at Starbucks anyway, then you might as well just move to the suburbs where you can get more for your money.
Riverside Park, Central Park, very walkable, not too pretentious
Becoming increasingly generic, not very diverse, not a lot to do for the no-kids set, expensive
A photo blog dedicated to exploring New York block-by-block and corner-by-corner.
an online newspaper/blog covering the Upper West Side.
an interactive tour of one of the UWS many great streets
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I read your “review” of the area and am astounded by not only your lack of knowledge of the area, but about your attitude.
First of all there are tons of places to go where you won’t have to deal with the stroller set. Yes, there are a lot of families here, and they are also a ton of SINGLE people here.
Have you seriously gotten off your butt an walked around? Or did you aimlessly go to one or two places then just whine.
The Upper West Side in no way, shape, attitude or angle resembles the burbs.
There’s so much diversity, so many different things go on up and down Broadway, Amsterdam, Columbus, FDB. From the 60s to the mid teens-unique wine bars, restos, nabe-y shops and bars. Get off your duff and walk.
“This neighborhood seems to be best suited to families with money to spend.” You see, we all grew up. In 79 when I moved here, it was THE place to hang out in NYC. Bars, clubs, restaurants. Like the LES was until Brooklyn became the place. And, those places will become more like the UWS because it’s the natural evolution, called gentrification. As soon as a place becomes popular, funky bars and restaurants can’t afford the rents, so high-end places take over, and then chain stores take over. Have you been in Soho lately? Depressing what it’s become. You could move, but pick some place that hasn’t been discovered yet, because it too will evolve into families as you all get older.
Lindsey, I appreciate your review. I know what you mean. UWS has changed a lot over the years.