New York's Museum Mile, upscale shopping, and expensive homes make up most of this big neighborhood, but some parts are more unassuming and affordable.
The Upper East Side has a low violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for New York City.
The Upper East Side (UES) is an affluent, storied neighborhood that runs most of the length of Central Park and extends from the park's boundaries to the East River. One of Manhattan's larger neighborhoods, it includes the sub-neighborhoods of Yorkville and Lenox Hill.
This is a culturally rich neighborhood, boasting a large number of museums, including the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art, the beehive shaped Guggenheim Collection Museum, The Frick, Neue Galerie, Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, the Jewish Museum, Asia Society Museum, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, and Gracie Mansion, the official home of New York City's mayors.
There are a wide range of dining options, ranging from low key diners to some of the best (and most expensive) restaurants in Manhattan. Along Madison are plenty of luxury retail shops to cater to the UES' wealthy residents. There are also more affordable options for the mere mortals who don't have a seven figure bank account and live in the area.
There is lots of green space as well. To the west of the neighborhood you've got the iconic 840 acre Central Park with miles of walking and running paths, an ice rink in winter, concerts in summer, the Central Park Zoo, woodlands and ponds, a public pool, restaurants, and plenty of green space to play Frisbee or just lay in the sun. Along the East River the Carl Shurz Park offers 15 acres for walking, running, and biking. It also has two dog runs, athletic courts, playgrounds, and two pools. A number of schools cater to local families.
As mentioned, the UES does include two sub-neighborhoods: Lenox Hills and Yorkville. Lenox Hill, which encompasses the southern part of the UES and directly abuts Turtle Bay, has a distinctly younger and more energetic vibe than the neighborhood at large and you'll find a population of young professionals living in the brownstones and high rises here. Yorkville, in the upper northeast section of the UES, has traditionally been a quiet and more affordable area, which has also made it popular with young professionals and families. The extension of the 2nd Avenue subway line to Yorkville has spurred new development and increasing home prices.
The Upper East Side is bordered on the north by East Harlem, on the east by the East River, on the south by Turtle Bay, and on the west by Central Park.
Commute:
Wall Street: 6.7 miles / 15-30 minutes by car / 40 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 2.5 miles / 15-30 minutes by car / 20 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 11.5 miles / 35-70 minutes by car / 50 minutes by transit
Upper East Side LOCAL schools
Upper East Side Local Flavor 
The Met is the largest art museum in the United States and among the most visited art museums in the world. It is a 'must see'.
Upscale bakery with Parisian origins specializing in French macarons in a number of flavors.
This upscale restaurant features award-winning French cuisine from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud.
Classic 24-hour diner that serves up delicious food, from omelets to burgers and beyond.
This classy Upper East Side bar serves locally sourced foods, well crafted brews, and solid cocktails.
Internationally recognized as a premier museum, this former home of American steel magnate Henry Claye Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.
Known for its famous beehive architecture, this famous museum features modern and contemporary art.
Bemelmans Bar is a timeless bar that continues to attract socialites, politicians, movie stars, and moguls with its extensive drink menu and nightly live entertainment.
One of the oldest family-run German restaurants in the United States, dating back over one hundred years to a time when Yorkville was a bustling German neighborhood.
Long-standing establishment serving cookies, cakes, breads, and other baked goods in charming digs. Highly rated and much loved by many New Yorkers.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @JirkaMatousek, @JeffreyZeldman, @EdwardBlake, @ShannonMcGee, @RalphHockens, @pinkmisha, @minabasha, @bakerstreetpub, @docwatsonnyc, @honkytonknyc, @jenetlevynyc, @crazydaisyminiaussie, @somlum, @nathaliespear, @xeniaoverdose, @nuhuhneh, @gatowilhelmi, @jennbarthole, @pinatapartysupply, @520_park_avenue, @francescafernandes, @andreanardone, @brittoswid, @hanlihoefer, @beachmoper, and @cho_sarah for your great photos of this neighborhood!
