Moving to Manhattan on the Upper West Side
Two great parks — Central and Riverside — with brownstone side streets between them. Lincoln Center anchors the south end and the American Museum of Natural History the middle, with Broadway’s shops and markets running the full length. It runs West 59th Street to West 110th Street, from Central Park West to the Hudson River. Median rent is $5,030 and the median sale price is $1.28M.
Relocating to the Upper West Side: what do I need to know?
Two great parks — Central and Riverside — with brownstone side streets between them. Lincoln Center anchors the south end and the American Museum of Natural History the middle, with Broadway’s shops and markets running the full length. It runs West 59th Street to West 110th Street, from Central Park West to the Hudson River. Median rent is $5,030 and the median sale price is $1.28M.
Read the full answerIs the Upper West Side a good neighborhood to live in?
Two great parks — Central and Riverside — with brownstone side streets between them. Lincoln Center anchors the south end and the American Museum of Natural History the middle, with Broadway’s shops and markets running the full length. It is served by the 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D trains.
What is it like to live on the Upper West Side?
Two great parks — Central and Riverside — with brownstone side streets between them. Lincoln Center anchors the south end and the American Museum of Natural History the middle, with Broadway’s shops and markets running the full length. Landmarks include Central Park, Riverside Park, Lincoln Center.
Should I rent or buy when I move to the Upper West Side?
Rent first if you are still learning the city or your job may change; buy when you know where you want to be for five years or more. The Upper West Side’s median rent is $5,030 a month against a $1.28M median sale.
How much income do I need to live on the Upper West Side?
Most landlords look for annual income of about 40 times the monthly rent. At the median $5,030 rent on the Upper West Side, that is about $201,200 a year; guarantors usually need about 80 times the rent.
What subway lines serve the Upper West Side?
The Upper West Side is served by the 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, D trains.
What are the schools like on the Upper West Side?
The Upper West Side is in Community School District 3. School zoning is set by address and changes, so confirm a specific building’s zoned school with the NYC Department of Education’s school search before you sign.
Where should I live in Manhattan if I work in Midtown?
Midtown East, Midtown West, Murray Hill, Chelsea, Flatiron and the Upper East and West Sides all put Midtown within a short ride. Choose by the subway line nearest your office and the feel you want after work.
How do I rent an apartment in NYC from out of state?
Line up proof of income, an employment letter, recent tax returns, bank statements, ID and credit history before you search. Expect a security deposit of one month’s rent and an application fee of no more than $20. If your income is under 40 times the rent, plan for a guarantor or an institutional guarantor service.
Do I have to pay a broker fee when I rent in NYC?
Not if the landlord hired the broker. Under the FARE Act, in effect since June 11, 2025, whoever hires the broker pays the fee. You pay only if you hire your own agent.
Is the Upper West Side safe?
Like the rest of Manhattan, safety varies block by block and hour by hour. Check the NYPD’s CompStat data for the local precinct and walk the blocks you’re considering at different times of day before you commit on the Upper West Side.
What are the best parks near the Upper West Side?
Residents on the Upper West Side use Central Park, Riverside Park.
How much is the rent for a one-bedroom on the Upper West Side?
About $4,781 a month at the median asking rent, up 5.9% year over year, based on StreetEasy data through September 2026.
What kind of buildings are on the Upper West Side?
Classic prewar co-ops on Central Park West, West End Avenue and Riverside Drive, brownstones on the side streets, and new condominiums near Lincoln Square.