nycamigo

My girlfriend lived on W 52nd St (between 8th and 9th) so by association I sort of lived there too.

It turned out to be a fun neighborhood. The block itself doesn't have much to offer - it has a Starbucks, a nice Italian restaurant (Osteria Pepe Rosso) and a large space for the post office. But the flash in the pan are two classy and happening gay bars in the middle of the block adding a splash of color to the otherwise plain block.

The overall saving grace was that the avenues had a lot to offer - 8th ave has the classy Thalia, and the Russian Vodka room around the corner. 9th Ave has several restaurants (Queen of Sheba) and restaurant row (46th St) is an easy Sunday brunch walk away. 9th Ave also has miscellaneous delis and utility shops if you need to run down and get something. Times Sq and theaters are not too far either, if you're new enough to NYC to care about those.

It's well connected with the 50th St subway not too far. The street is very clean, and feels residential unlike the horrors of my garment district dwelling.

Overall a quiet street and block with a few hidden gems, not too far from the well endowed avenues in that area.

My girlfriend previously lived on York Ave (hence me too by association) at the corner of E 79th St, on the Upper East side. Note that York Ave is the east-most avenue in those parts, before FDR Drive along the east river.

So I'll start with my pet peeve - the place was far from the subway! But it helped that a bus ran along York avenue, with a stop between 78 and 79. E 79th St that far out had practically nothing to offer except the corner deli, and a couple of indoor parking garages. It's a dead-end street that doesn't open on to FDR Drive.

For food, we would usually go to 1st or 2nd Avenue, as York avenue in that area lacked many options.The streets in this area are mostly devoid of any businesses, which are lined up along the Avenues. There was no fun place to hang out, except for an Irish bar on 90th and York. I also recall several retired people sitting around the block at the Deli in the day. This probably speaks to the demographics of the area.

Overall, not a very exciting area, and the rent was high considering this. If you're looking for peace and quiet and are OK with take-out (due to the lack of places to go nearby), and are OK traveling by bus or getting into shape walking, then this is your Shangri-La.

My girlfriend lived on W 52nd St (between 8th and 9th) so by association I sort of lived there too.

It turned out to be a fun neighborhood. The block itself doesn't have much to offer - it has a Starbucks, a nice Italian restaurant (Osteria Pepe Rosso) and a large space for the post office. But the flash in the pan are two classy and happening gay bars in the middle of the block adding a splash of color to the otherwise plain block.

The overall saving grace was that the avenues had a lot to offer - 8th ave has the classy Thalia, and the Russian Vodka room around the corner. 9th Ave has several restaurants (Queen of Sheba) and restaurant row (46th St) is an easy Sunday brunch walk away. 9th Ave also has miscellaneous delis and utility shops if you need to run down and get something. Times Sq and theaters are not too far either, if you're new enough to NYC to care about those.

It's well connected with the 50th St subway not too far. The street is very clean, and feels residential unlike the horrors of my garment district dwelling.

Overall a quiet street and block with a few hidden gems, not too far from the well endowed avenues in that area.

I lived on W 38th St for a year in 2005. I mainly lived there to be close to Penn Station, for my work commute to NJ. Boy, was that a bad idea!

Let me start with the general feel of the area. Bang in the middle of the garment district, and between Penn Station and Port Authority, it attracted the lowest-brow of crowds. Right around the corner on 38th street are a couple of sketchy "DVD" stores. Builings around mine (between 8th and 9th Aves) were pretty commercial, with a parking lot, a pharmacy back-office and a retail storage place.

Additionally, not too far was The New Yorker, MSG, Roseland Ballroom and Conway. These establishments serve basic purposes, but attract an attractive crowd they do not! It was safe thanks to the patroling cop cars and the precinct a few streets away.

The few pluses it had: it was well connected and you were never too far from any place in NYC, thanks to Times Sq and Penn Station in near proximity. Also, there is a grays papaya rip-off on the corner of 38th and 8th, which is actually good for the quick snack on the run or at odd hours. 9th and 38th has a good Pakistani place for the quick samosa and spicy tea. The street was quiet despite being in a non-residential area. Also, the food and my rent too was pretty cheap. I paid $1450 for a good sized 1 bedroom, 4th floor walk-up.


Overall, if you're on a budget, single, just need a place to crash and need to be close to the subway, this is the place for you. Otherwise, pass it like a hot potato.

I live between Amsterdam and Broadway on W 81st St. It's a great block, mainly because there's something for everyone within a single block. Let me name a few, these are literally a block away, like a minutes walking distance. Ready?
Stores/Retail:
Starbucks, Staples, Barnes & Nobles, Verizon Wireless Store, NYSC Gym, McDonalds, Zabars
Bars:
Jakes Dilemma, 420, Gin Mill, Brother Jimmy's
Restaurants:
Cafe Lalo, Tamarind, Nice Matin, Fred's

Not too far, is the Boat Basin cafe.

Parking: I have 2 cars, and street parking is easier than other parts of the city.

If you walk further east, you are on the same street as the grand Beresford residences, and the Museum of Natural History. If you head west, you hit the west side park.

Yup, you can't go wrong with West 81st Street!