Info. on E86th (Greenwich, York: neighborhoods, movie theaters, incomes)

[kitkat826]

Hey all -

I'm checking out the UES for me and my friend to live around 86th/3rd and wanted some info. on the neighborhood. Is it diverse ethnically (I would prefer it to be)? What type of stores/bars/restaurants are in the area?

Also, what is the typical weekday commute to the village (I'll be attending NYU and know I can take the express). The good thing is I have classes just two days a week so I won't have to commute a lot during rush hour.

Any help at all is so much appreciated!

[Viralmd]

East 86th Street, when I was growing up was the center of a thriving German-American community - Yorkville. That's all changed, except for some remnants, such as Schaller & Weber and a few konditoreis along East 86th.

I think that for NYU you could do better. The Lexington Avenue subway tops at East 86th and East 77th are among the worst in Manhattan. I once waited for four trains to stop before I was actually able to board one, that's how crowded the trains and stations are. I can't imagine doing that every morning.

You might want to consider other areas. Brooklyn would be better, actually.

[nyc_sport]

If you consider ethnically diverse meaning that there is a large group of people, all with substantial incomes, of every race, color and creed you can think of, then yes it is diverse. It is a very dense residential area of primarily high rises, so bars and stores of all types are everywhere (except real supermarkets).

There is an express train stop at 86th and Lexington. The commute to NYU would be 20-25 minutes.

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by nyc_sport

There is an express train stop at 86th and Lexington. The commute to NYU would be 20-25 minutes.

It is if you can get onto a train. As I said, the crowds there in the morning are terrible and a chronic problem.

[Minus]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

East 86th Street, when I was growing up was the center of a thriving German-American community - Yorkville. That's all changed, except for some remnants, such as Schaller & Weber and a few konditoreis along East 86th.

I think that for NYU you could do better. The Lexington Avenue subway tops at East 86th and East 77th are among the worst in Manhattan. I once waited for four trains to stop before I was actually able to board one, that's how crowded the trains and stations are. I can't imagine doing that every morning.

You might want to consider other areas. Brooklyn would be better, actually.

Actually, if she/he isn't going to be commuting much during rush hour, it won't be bad. It's not a very long trip.

[JuliaHuff]

i live in that area-it is a wonderful area. It is no village in terms of people. it is young professionals/married couples. mostly white/asian, it is not as diverse as village, and there is no large student crowd. it depends what you are looking for-village is more fun for a student. but Upper east side is a great area-central park is close by. 86th street has everything you need-stores, movie theaters.

[crescent22]

Working white-collar professionals. Less diversity than other NYC neighborhoods. Lexington & west is older and quieter. 3rd and east like the rest of the upper east is younger and more active. 86th itself is commercial and bustling. Just living 1-2 blocks north or south reduces noise substantially. Evening scene on 2nd/3rd is plentiful but thins out later at night, unlike SoHo or Greenwich Village. Being near Central Park is a significant plus, though being isolated from the rest of the city is a minor negative (just try getting your friends who live in Chelsea or the Lower East or Hells' Kitchen to come to the Upper East).

[passdoubt]

I'm not sure that area is that much cheaper than say, the LES, is it? Might be a better fit for a more diverse and active area.