Upper East Side

Get to Know Upper East Side

Traditionally, the closer you are to Central Park, the higher the home prices. Along Fifth and Park Avenues, co-ops often require all-cash purchases with significant liquid assets post-closing. Further east, the neighborhood was once considered less desirable due to limited public transit—until the Q train opened in 2017. Now, with easy access to the rest of the city, Yorkville and East End Avenue have become sought-after areas offering more value. The Upper East Side still retains its iconic charm—historic doorman buildings, cultural landmarks, and tree-lined streets—but it’s also evolving to welcome a broader mix of residents, from recent grads to growing families.

What’s New on the Upper East Side

An influx of new housing, a vibrant restaurant scene, and the ever-expanding art institutions are energizing the neighborhood. After a quiet stretch during the pandemic, longtime residents—and their favorite chefs—are returning.

• Michelin-starred chef Michael White recently debuted Santi, a Mediterranean-inspired spot drawing crowds.
  
• South Beach favorite Casa Tua took over the iconic Café Boulud space at The Surrey, signaling a stylish new era.
  
• Chez Fifi, a Parisian-inspired townhouse restaurant from the brothers behind Sushi Noz, offers exquisite small bites in an intimate, home-like setting.
  
• Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art is growing—expanding by 70,000 square feet to house its Modern and Contemporary Collection.
  

What’s Not New: Classic UES Vibes

Young professionals once drawn downtown often return to the UES when they start families, lured by top schools, a slightly slower pace, and beautiful architecture. Even beloved downtown establishments are following suit: American Bar, a West Village favorite, is opening a second location at 1022 Lexington Avenue.

Making the Move: Who’s Buying on the UES

Buyers who once swore by SoHo lofts or West Village townhouses are now making the leap uptown. One recent buyer I worked with moved to be closer to his son’s school. While initially worried he’d miss the downtown dining scene, he quickly realized he could still be there in 15 minutes—and his friends are happy to visit him uptown.

The Condo Comeback

Historically, buying on the UES meant navigating co-op board approvals and strict financial requirements. But that’s changing. The UES is now home to more than 20 new development condominiums, many designed to blend beautifully with the classic pre-war aesthetic.

• The Benson, at 1045 Madison Avenue, features 14 bespoke residences by Peter Pennoyer, offering luxury with condo flexibility.
  
• 40 East End, by Robert A.M. Stern, offers quiet elegance with East River views.
  
• 255 East 77th Street, another Stern design, blends timeless architecture with modern living.
  
• The Wales, a reimagined historic hotel, offers Carnegie Hill charm just a block from Central Park.
  
• Coming Soon: A 21-story tower at 260 East 72nd Street, bringing new energy to the once-overlooked Second Avenue corridor.

Why the UES? Why Now?

The Upper East Side has reinvented itself as a neighborhood of opportunity and charm. Whether you're drawn to its historic elegance, world-class museums, or its modern condo offerings, there’s never been a better time to explore this iconic part of NYC.