Anonymous
Post 04/23/2026 19:00     Subject: Harlem?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:And that area is more than "mere blocks away" from UES - do you mean UWS?

That area is very block by block. There are some great areas and decent deals. But also some lousy ones. I would do a lot of walking around the block to check out the neighborhood.

Also depends a lot on your school situation. Hard to say much unless you disclose rough ages of kids and what they are doing for school.

A lot factors into these decisions.


This is accurate. When we looked at Harlem, there was a void of decent, large stores. There's now a Whole Foods on 125th which probably helps. But it's something to check. And if you have kids who would be commuting, make sure the walk to the subway is safe - including if they'd be coming home after dark.

I know some folks who live in Harlem like it's the burbs - they drive everywhere and shop in big box stores in NJ. I really don't get the appeal of living in the city if you're going to live like that, but YMMV.


What about Hoboken or Astoria?


If you're making the move to Jersey, you might as well go a little further for excellent schools. Astoria is fine depending on proximity to the train - limited in some areas.
Anonymous
Post 04/22/2026 10:01     Subject: Harlem?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:And that area is more than "mere blocks away" from UES - do you mean UWS?

That area is very block by block. There are some great areas and decent deals. But also some lousy ones. I would do a lot of walking around the block to check out the neighborhood.

Also depends a lot on your school situation. Hard to say much unless you disclose rough ages of kids and what they are doing for school.

A lot factors into these decisions.


This is accurate. When we looked at Harlem, there was a void of decent, large stores. There's now a Whole Foods on 125th which probably helps. But it's something to check. And if you have kids who would be commuting, make sure the walk to the subway is safe - including if they'd be coming home after dark.

I know some folks who live in Harlem like it's the burbs - they drive everywhere and shop in big box stores in NJ. I really don't get the appeal of living in the city if you're going to live like that, but YMMV.


What about Hoboken or Astoria?
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 21:03     Subject: Harlem?
we just looked at a place at riverside and 92nd. obviously not harlem nor morningside heights. it was beautiful, but not for us. Will say that i’ve never felt truly unsafe in morningside heights though, and i have a handful of friends who live(d) up there and swear by it.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 20:59     Subject: Harlem?
Anonymous wrote:Currently in chelsea and looking to make a move - and decided to take a look at south west harlem/ morningside heights. It seems cute and the prices are SO much better than mere blocks away that is formally the 'UES'. What am I missing? Is there something truly terrible about this area I would discover when moving? Feels more reasonable than BK, plus the fact you can be in midtown in no time.


If prices are so much better than an area a few blocks away, then it's likely due to the elementary school zoning. Won't matter for private school crowd, but does matter for a lot of people, so there is more demand.