Introduction
The Upper East Side is the grande dame of New York City neighborhoods — and residents wouldn't have it any other way. It's the home of mahogany libraries, ornate balustrades, doormen and town cars. Yet there's much more to it than that. It also has world-class museums, independent shops, peaceful streets and, of course, Central Park. Though the young and wealthy often prefer downtown, there's still a sense that social capital resides here. The neighborhood's cachet is in what it represents: success.
Transportation
The Upper East Side covers a large area, from 59th to 96th Streets, and Fifth Avenue to the East River. It encompasses the neighborhood of Yorkville in its northeastern corner. The only subway line running the entire length of the area is the 4/5/6 on Lexington Avenue. On the southern end of the neighborhood you also have the F at 63rd Street, the N/Q/R at 59th Street or the E at 53rd Street. Buses run across town to the west side (the M96, M86, M72 lines) and up and downtown (the M1, M2, M3 line). The expansion of Second Avenue subway is finally underway, with completion expected in December 2016. Until then, it can be a hike to the subway for those living close to the river and for any Fifth Avenue residents without drivers.
Livability
The Upper East Side is safe, clean, relatively quiet and a good place for families. Central Park's 843 verdant acres are reason enough to settle here. Just outside their doorsteps, residents have spring flowers, summer concerts and brilliant autumnal colors, which typically peak on marathon weekend. On warm days, there are circles of strollers on lawns and gleeful echoes from the playgrounds. In the winter, there's the rare urban amenity of great sledding hills. Cyclists can zip around the six-mile loop around the park, while runners can choose their own adventure on many different routes. Instead of fenced-in dog runs, Central Park has designated areas where dogs are allowed off-leash early in the morning and late at night.
Though there's plenty of highbrow culture on the Upper East Side, it's not exactly cutting-edge. You don't move here to go out on the town. Some young people find the area stodgy, so they settle in more affordable , which at least has neighborhood pubs. If you're under 30, you'll conduct your social life elsewhere.
