Gramercy Park West, Gramercy Park

Gramercy Park is one of the most beautiful and exclusive neighborhoods in New York and most definitely in the downtown-ish area. The large majority of the homes are incredibly old and grand and ridiculously expensive. There isn't much in the way of bars or nightlife in Gramercy and Gramercy Park West is no exception. It is an entirely residential street that is one of the most exclusive streets in the already posh neighborhood because it is directly on the park. The crazy thing about Gramercy Park is that it is gated and only the residents of the homes surrounding the park have access. They all have keys, and, apparently, get into bitter, rich people fights in regards to those keys: i.e. whom to let in, how to up keep, whom should have a key, etc. The park is really stunning because it is so exclusive, but it lacks the energy that other major parks in the city have. Only old and rich people can go into this park so you definitely won't find any musicians tooting along on the ground like you would in, say, Washington Square Park.
The homes surrounding the park are, by and large, single family homes. They were built in the early to mid 19th century and almost every house / mansion on Gramercy Park West has had an important figure in New York history dwelling within its walls. I can spend an entire day trolling the streets surrounding the park just gawking at the homes. They are sensational and their current owners are all pretty snooty curmudgeons. 1 Gram Park West was built in 1850 as the home to Dr. Mott, the guy who founded NYU and was a big player in Bellevue Hospital. Directly next door is the home where Benjamin Harrison had his wedding dinner to celebrate his marriage to his recently deceased wife's niece. James Harper lived at 4 (he was a mayor and founded what would become Harper Collins publishing. And, directly next to that is a big condo building (which is pretty rare for Gramercy) where really rich people also live.
If you can afford to live here and you're over the age of 30 - 35, I would say go for it. If not, definitely visit or befriend someone that can get you into that park.