A strong community with a history of diverse cultures.
East Harlem has an above average violent crime rate and a below average property crime rate for New York City.
East Harlem, also known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio, is a diverse uptown Manhattan neighborhood. Like many uptown areas it's been going through transition, but gentrification isn't felt consistently across the neighborhood. So while brand new developments and renovated walk-ups offer housing to new, affluent residents, there are still sections of poorer tenement housing. East Harlem also has one of the highest concentrations of public housing in the city. Crime has fallen in many parts of this neigbhorhood but you should still exercise caution, particularly at night.
But overall East Harlem has a lot of pride and a strong sense of community. It was once a popular area for Italian immigrants until the 1930s, then became predominantly Puerto Rican for decades, and recent years have brought an influx of Mexicans, Dominicans, and New Yorkers fleeing more expensive parts of the city. Murals throughout the neighborhood illustrate its fluid history.
The neighborhood is a foodie paradise, with street stalls offering Mexican food next to impossible-to-get-into Italian restaurants. A number of highly rated burger joints dot the area.
The East River Plaza is a large shopping center with several big box retailers, including Costco, Target, and PetSmart.
East Harlem is bordered on the north by north and the east by the Harlem River, on the south by the Upper East Side, and on the west by Central Park and Harlem.
Commute:
Wall Street: 9 miles / 20-40 minutes by car / 45-50 minutes by transit
Rockefeller Center: 5 miles / 20-40 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit
Jersey City: 25 miles / 40-70 minutes by car / 60 minutes by transit
East Harlem LOCAL schools
East Harlem Local Flavor 
Rao's has been around since 1896. This causal Italian restaurant continues to attract people (and celebs) from all over the city.
This tiny spot has just a couple tables, but locals rave about its delicious Mexican food.
Founded in 1923, this museum celebrates and interprets the city's history. Besides its collection, it also hosts public events throughout the year.
Patsy's Pizzeria first opened in 1933 and it's been a famous pizza joint ever since. Francis Ford Coppola used to hang out here.
Founded in 1949, this bustling, family-owned butcher shop keeps El Barrio supplied with fresh cuts of chicken, beef and pork, as well as a selection of bacon, sausage, dried fish and cold cuts.
This crowdfunded business is a bookstore, community space, and performing arts center all rolled into one.
Photo Credits: Thanks to @PatGuiney, @Ed, @ChristopherEdwards, @BrianGodfrey, @k_tjaaa, @JohnGillespie, @KarenGreen, @bomusic22, @harleysmokeshack, @dero_tfa, @dearmamanyc, @nico.camargo.art.dsi, @hotbreadandkitchen, @patsyspizzeria, @zenmello2016, @primeone16, @eveintheusa, @heartnyc2a and @listeningharlem for your great photos of this neighborhood!
