Neighborhood Guide UPPER EAST SIDE-MANHATTAN We have two words to describe this neighborhood: old money. This is arguably one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the world, and has been for more than 100 years. After all, this is where people with last names such as Carnegie, Whitney, Astor, and Vanderbilt made their homes—or their mansions, more appropriately. Even Gracie Mansion, where the city’s current mayor resides, is here. The feel here is old—old money, old buildings, old ideals, etc. Those who live here are refined, conservative, and pretty much stuck to their ways. Not that that’s a bad thing. Just note that if you plan to move here, you shouldn’t plan to rock the boat too much—if at all. Residents here like things just the way they are, thank you very much. While old money rules here, that’s not to say that it’s not also filled with lots of families. The area has a great neighborhood feel to it, and has some of the best private schools in the city. Whatever you want, you can find right here in your neighborhood. You have the park to the west, naturally, but you also have some of the world’s best museums (along Museum Mile) and shops and boutiques. Just to name a few: Whitney Museum, The Guggenheim, the Jewish Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum (which Andrew Carnegie built and lived in) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You’ve also got Christie’s and Sotheby world-famous auction houses, as well as Tiffany’s, Barney’s and Louis Vitton. What more could a person with a fat bank account ask for? The buildings are old pre-war types pristinely preserved, and just about every single one of them comes complete with an immaculately uniformed (including white gloves) doorman. You’ll never have to hail a taxi again! A semi-secret place to hang out and relax is at one of two small parks that are often shot in films and few people know about it. The first is on 57th Street as far east as you can go; the other is at 58th. Both are very charming and have the feel of old-world New York City. You might catch DeNiro shooting a new flick here. After relaxing in the park you can head to the flashy French bistro Jubilee on 54th just west of First Avenue. Although, beware—it does draw people from the outside world (read: non-Upper East Siders) because it’s so good. For something a bit more casual check out EJ’s Luchonette at 73rd and 3rd, which is a great place to brunch. You’ll have to wait in long line to get a table, but it’ll be well worth it. Sarabeth’s Kitchen on Madison and 93rd is the quintessential brunch/lunch spot and has it’s own bakery with delectable goods and jams. But nothing compares to Grace’s Marketplace on 71st and Third Avenue for gourmet shopping. Grace is part of the Balducci family, which has their own family shop in Greenwich Village. Word is the family had a falling out and Grace left to start her own place. It’s not our place to dish out the sordid details; whatever the circumstances, Grace has created a gem of a place that shouldn’t be missed.
Cohen Smith Chang Licensed Real Estate Broker 12 West 37th Street 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Office: (212)277-5500 Fax: (212)377-5751