{"id":18856,"date":"2024-08-06T12:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T16:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/?p=18856"},"modified":"2024-08-06T12:01:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T16:01:47","slug":"should-i-rent-on-the-upper-west-side-or-the-upper-east-side","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/should-i-rent-on-the-upper-west-side-or-the-upper-east-side\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Rent On the Upper West Side vs. Upper East Side?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Location is one of the main factors renters must consider when looking for an apartment. In New York City<\/a>, there are hundreds of neighborhoods across the five boroughs that entice potential tenants, boasting unique architectural, cultural, and social elements. In Manhattan<\/a>, the two neighborhoods to the left and right of Central Park are popular for many renters. Renters can choose to move to the Upper West Side<\/a> vs. Upper East Side<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While these neighborhoods are similar in their geographic relation to Central Park<\/a>, they differ in their offerings for residents. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between these two neighborhoods and how they will impact your life as a tenant.<\/p>\n

Upper East Side vs. Upper West Side<\/h2>\n

Both the Upper East Side and Upper West Side run along the sides of Central Park. The Upper East Side rests between East 96th Street and East 59th Street and consists of smaller neighborhoods like Carnegie Hill<\/a> and Yorkville.<\/p>\n

The Upper West Side mirrors the Upper East Side, running between West 96th Street and West 59th Street. Similarly, the West Side contains the smaller neighborhood of Manhattan Valley<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Things to Do in Each Neighborhood<\/h3>\n

Both the Upper East Side and Upper West Side have plenty of activities, ranging from dining to shopping to museums and cultural events. Residents in each neighborhood can also easily roam through Central Park to lounge with a book, attend a recreational sports game, or watch free Shakespeare in the Park<\/a> (reopening in the summer of 2025).<\/p>\n

Additionally, on the Upper East Side, residents can stroll along 5th Avenue\u2019s stretch of Museum Mile<\/a>, which boasts favorites like the MET and the Guggenheim, and smaller art-viewing opportunities like El Museo del Barrio and Neue Galerie. The Upper East Side also maintains a reputation for it\u2019s impressive shopping scene, with large designer houses and smaller luxury businesses decorating Madison Avenue. The street is a popular destination for holiday shopping in the winter months.<\/p>\n

The Upper West Side also features New York City<\/a> staples like the Natural History Museum and Lincoln Center, where residents can view multiple shows throughout the year, including the New York City Ballet. Residents can attend smaller events around the neighborhood as well, like the Grand Bazaar on West 77th Street, where local vendors can sell their goods on Sundays. The Upper West Side attracts crowds for its restaurants<\/a> and bars, including multiple jazz clubs.<\/p>\n

Transportation<\/h3>\n

Renters can access public transportation in each neighborhood, choosing between bus routes or the subway. On the Upper East Side, renters can use the 4, 5, 6, and Q trains to get around, or popular bus routes like the M72 and M106. On the Upper West Side, residents can choose between the 1, 2, 3, A, C, B, and D trains, or buses like the M104 or M11.<\/p>\n

It’s important to note that directly traveling between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side is not feasible by subway; residents will need to transfer either above or below Central Park at stations like Times Square, Grand Central, or Grand Concourse. Select bus service also runs between both neighborhoods on routes like the M86 or M79, which requires riders to purchase a specific ticket for direct service.<\/p>\n

Learn more:<\/p>\n