Madison Square

Ask a New York City resident how to get to the neighborhood known as ‘Madison Square,’ and the majority will promptly and politely tell you to head to 8th Avenue and West 34th Street. Unfortunate the response may be prompt and polite, but it’s dead wrong.

The well-meaning New Yorker is steering you towards Madison Square Garden, Manhattan’s popular music and sports arena in the area known as Midtown West. But Madison Square, the neighborhood, is across town entirely. It’s an area in midtown, but on the east side, upscale and wearing its wealth without embarrassment...often attired in clothing from the high-end boutiques along nearby Fifth Avenue.

Madison Square is formed by the intersection of a crazy mashup of streets located at 23rd Street, where Broadway and Fifth Avenue criss-cross. The heart of the area is Madison Square Park, a lovely swath of green that runs from 23rd Street to 26th Street, bounded on the East by Madison Avenue at the West by Fifth Avenue. It is surrounded by soaring high rises and elegant apartments in every configuration.

‘Madison Square’ is sometimes, but rarely used to describe the blocks immediately surrounding the park, however most New Yorkers simply think of Madison Square as the northern tip of the Flatiron District; more so today as the Flatiron has become a popular neighborhood in its own right. The rents in the area are comparable to what would be called Manhattan’s “better neighborhoods” with studios in the $3,000 range. A 3-bedroom/3-bath luxury condo (about 2,000 square feet) is currently being offered at just over $4 million dollars...with a $1,317 monthly maintenance fee and $243 monthly real estate tax.

Madison Square feels urban and bustling. You’ll find plenty of great takeout food spots and restaurants, but you’ll have to walk a couple of avenues to the east or west to find supermarkets. (Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are in walking distance) There’s lots to do at night, with a vibrant atmosphere, particularly in the spring and summer months as locals and visitors share the streets and a scoop of gelato from a specialty cart.

This is as wonderful neighborhood for commuters. The frequent and reliable crosstown bus on 23rd Street can be slow during rush hour, but it connects with all the major subway lines from 5th Avenue to 8th Avenue, making it easy to get anywhere.

Madison Square is a patch of land surrounding Madison Square Park on east 23rd where Fifth and Broadway cross one another. Many consider the area to be part of the Flatiron district.

The area includes Madison Square Park, a pretty patch of grass on east 23rd. I have always found Madison Square Park to be a relaxing spot to people watch or read a book. The southwest corner of the park also has a small size dog run. The park is bordered by Fifth and Madison Avenues and extends from 23rd to 26th street. Since renovations were completed in 2001 the park is one of the prettiest in the city albeit on the small size. From anywhere you sit you will have a great view of the architecture of the buildings surrounding the park. Historic landmarks such as the famous Flatiron Building and the Metlife Tower are directly across the street. Both buildings are considered to be among the first skyscrapers ever built.

The area is primarily commercial and offers good shopping opportunities along Fifth Avenue. The Shake Shack which opened in Madison Square Park in 2004 has become one of the most popular burger and hot dog stands in the whole city with lines sometimes extending halfway around the park. They also make an awesome frozen custard. While other Shake Shacks have since opened in other parts of the city, the stand in the park is a crowd favorite. More traditional fare may be found at A Voce, offering fine Italian Cuisine, Ben and Jacks Steakhouse just north of the park, and Dos Caminos offering traditional Mexican dishes and Tabla, offering Indian and American cuisine.

The area is convenient to all areas of Manhattan and is served by the 4, 5 and 6 trains.

Ok, so Madison Square isn't a neighborhood: it's been engulfed by Flatiron. Basically, Madison Square is the top of Flatiron now -- pretty much only the park is left. The park is beautiful and a great place to hang in the warmer months. It's not enough to feel like you're out of the city but it's definitely good for a quick decompress and to feel some sun on your face.
But, one of the most important staples of NY is in that park: Shake Shack!
Shake Shack is this tiny burger and shake joint in the middle of the park that is constantly packed. It's owned by Danny Meyer and it is out of this world. There is always a line at least half a block long waiting to get a tasty treat. And, getting a table once you've ordered is a whole other process. People stalk and lurk and stare to get those coveted white benches. It's so worth it though.
Wish I could say more about the neighborhood but they should just probably change the name to Park with the Shake Shack area.

Less a neighborhood than a piazza, this tiny little neighborhood is located between the Flatiron district and Union Square (contrary to misconception, Madison Square Garden itself is not located here). It's certainly nice enough, with architecturally interesting buildings including the Met Life Tower and the New York Life Building, whose clock tower provides a romantic beacon of light over lovers wandering the park at midnight. Revitalized in 2001 as part of an urban renewal project, the neighborhood is based around its park, which includes not only some charming benches but also a bizarre Shake Shack stand designed by Sculpture in the Environment. The area is mostly commercial, housing offices and some fast food joints and wholesalers, and is thus not suitable for families seeking accommodation. It is, however, a not inadvisable place to work, given its proximity to the bars and restaurants of Union Square and its physical beauty.

Madison Square is actually referred to as the Flatiron. This centralized and convenient location is popular among older business people, young artists, and addicted shoppers. The overall district gets its name, Flatiron, from the Flatiron building. This building was the first steel framed building and famous for its triangular shape.

Madison Square Park is a wonderful and renovated spot to walk your dog and enjoy the outdoors. It is quiet and a great place to just sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery. This neighborhood has some of the most detailed architecture in all of Manhattan. There are also huge and airy lofts, making it a popular setting for the young and aspiring artist/writer/poet.

Enjoy the sophisticated Restaurant Row on Park Avenue South - like Butter, Rice, and Periyali, or some classy shopping on nearby Fifth and Broadway. If you enjoy shopping for bargains, check out large discounters like Filenes' Basement along Sixth Avenue.