East Side, Residential district in Manhattan, US
East Side is a residential neighborhood in Manhattan extending from East Harlem to the Lower East Side, bounded by Fifth Avenue and the East River. The area spans from exclusive housing with older buildings in the west to more diverse neighborhoods in the east.
The area was originally farmland before wealthy families built mansions there in the 19th century, especially in western sections overlooking Central Park. Migration and economic shifts later created development differences between the western and eastern portions.
Park Avenue shapes the neighborhood's upscale residential character, where residents pass elegant townhouses and historic buildings daily. The social differences between the wealthier western sections and the more diverse eastern neighborhoods define how people live and interact across the area.
The neighborhood is served by the IRT Lexington Avenue Line, Second Avenue Subway, and FDR Drive running along its eastern side. Easy access with public transportation makes it convenient to explore different parts and reach other Manhattan neighborhoods.
The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway separates the FDR Drive from the shoreline and provides green spaces with views of Brooklyn and Queens. This verdant zone offers unexpected green breaks within the dense urban area and invites leisurely walks along the water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
