Affordable Living on the Upper East Side

When people think of the Upper East Side, many may think of Gossip Girl, hedge funders, and old money. If you do your research, you’ll actually discover that there are some parts of the Upper East Side that go against that stereotype and are more affordable. If you travel to 90th-99th Streets in the UES, you’ll be in the area known as Carnegie Hill that offers varying price points.

Pricing

These streets have attracted a number of New Yorkers who are looking for lower living costs compared to what they are offered further downtown in Manhattan. While sale prices in the UES 90s are generally higher than Manhattan as a whole, rental prices are lower. The average Manhattan rental costs about $3,195, but the cost of rent in Carnegie Hill is $2,875 on average. The cheaper end of the market is mostly made up of pre-war walk-ups on side streets near the river.

Calmer Environment

Many residents like that Carnegie Hill is an area that has all the convenience of city living while still offering a break from all the hustle and bustle that comes with being in Manhattan. Resident and Earl’s Beer and Cheese owner, Mike Cesari shared his feelings on the area saying, “You can live in New York City and at the same time, you feel like you’re not living in New York City. The pace is a little slower. You have access to everything the city offers but can escape a bit as well.”

The Perks

Even with its more relaxed atmosphere, the Upper East Side 90s are not without their perks. These streets are home to the Smithsonian Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, and the 92nd Y. The area also has several prestigious private and public schools for those families with children. And now that the Second Avenue Q line has been extended to 96th Street, traveling here is even easier.

There are always areas in Manhattan that can surprise you like this one. Who knew that the area of NYC known to be the most expensive actually offered many affordable options? Want more surprising information about New York City? Connect with AMAA on Facebook and Twitter!

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