Upper West Side

 

The Upper West Side of New York City is a cultural hub, it has a history of attracting some of the best minds in film, art, and education. The Upper West Side has the largest concentration of private schools in any part of New York City.

 

Real estate in the Upper West Side is diverse, with streets lined with brownstones alongside high rises and luxurious condominiums.

 

• Across from Central Park and Riverside Park
• An abundance of private schools
• A mix of real estate options
• Casual atmosphere

 

The availability of private schools attracts families to the Upper West Side. The vibe here is casual and unpretentious. Residents take advantage of the acres of parks flanking the community. They enjoy a casual night out in fine restaurants. While there are nightlife options on the Upper West Side, it is noticeably quieter than the Upper East Side.

 

For a classic New York shopping experience, check out Zabar’s on Broadway. A three-generation-strong family business that‘s been around since the 1930s, this establishment prides itself on the unflinching quality of its products. Here you’ll find all types of bread, meat and cheese, and drinks.

 

Dining in the Upper West Side provides upscale experiences in a relaxed environment. Cafe Luxembourg and Bar Boulud are two standout French bistros, and the latter is especially well-known for its charcuterie. Few places do fish places do it better than Barney Greengrass, which has been serving its signature smoked fish for over a century. 

 

You’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained on the Upper West Side. Whether you’re into dance, music, theater, or opera, there’s always a great show taking place at Lincoln Center. If you feel like taking in an independent or obscure movie, check out what’s playing at the arthouse New Plaza Cinema. The Beacon Theatre was built in 1929 and has been the scene of decades worth of sublime musical experiences. The theater was designed in Art Deco style, and enjoying a show there is like traveling back to the Roaring 20s.

 

There are many outstanding museums on the Upper West Side, and if you’re a fan of science and nature, you will love the America Museum of Natural History. In addition to its iconic dinosaurs, this museum contains over 30 million specimens and cultural artifacts. The American Folk Art Museum is also well worth a visit, as it has more than 8,000 works from self-taught artists dating back four centuries.

 

Of course, we can’t talk about the Upper West Side without mentioning Central Park. Perfect for a day out to relax, it’s not hard to find your own little space to unwind in this 843-acre oasis. There are also playgrounds, ice skating rinks, and the terrific Central Park Zoo. If you want to do a little exploring, The Ramble is a great place to do it. Comprised of 36 acres, it has winding paths and trails, bridges, and a stream, and it’s perfect for birdwatching. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, you won’t want to miss Strawberry Fields, which is a memorial to John Lennon. This is a five-acre area that includes the Imagine mosaic. This is a special kind of memorial, a landscape that lives and breathes, changing over time. It’s a gorgeous spot to pay homage to one of music’s greats.

 

Schools on the Upper West Side are part of the Manhattan Community District 3. Top schools here include: