Which is Better West or East Harlem

1. Which is Better West or East Harlem? Harlem is a big neighborhood in Manhattan, New York City. It stretches from the East River to the Hudson River. Harlem has an east side and a west side. Both are part of the same area but they feel a bit different. So which one is better, West Harlem or East Harlem? Let's take a closer look at each side. West Harlem West Harlem is the western part of Harlem. It runs along the Hudson River from West 155th Street up to West 218th Street. Vibe and People The vibe in West Harlem is a little quieter and more presidential than East Harlem. The streets feel calmer. Many families live here. There is a good mix of African Americans, Latinos, and white residents. The average income level is a bit higher than in East Harlem. Housing In West Harlem, you'll find a lot of bigger apartment buildings and housing projects. The rents are still cheaper than in downtown Manhattan, but pricier than in East Harlem on average. There are also some nice historic brownstones in Harlemif you can afford them. Main Attractions ●Riverside Park runs along the Hudson River with great views and recreational spaces. ●Cathedral of St. John the Divine - one of the biggest churches in the world. ●Columbia University campus gives the area an academic, intelligent feel. ●Scenic Sugar Hill area with pretty architecture. ●Studio Museum featuring art by African Americans. Food and Entertainment While not as vibrant as East Harlem, West Harlem still has solid food options: ●Plenty of affordable diners, pizzerias, and fast food. ●Some hip new restaurants and bars are popping up. ●Not a huge nightlife scene besides some local pubs.

2. East Harlem East Harlem is the eastern part of Harlem closer to the East River. It spans from East 96th Street up to East 142nd Street. Vibe and People The vibe in East Harlem (also called El Barrio or Spanish Harlem) is lively and energetic. The streets buzz with people, music, and businesses. The population is largely Hispanic/Latino, especially Puerto Rican and Mexican. But there are also many African Americans living here. It has more of a working-class, urban feel than West Harlem. Housing East Harlem has tons of older tenement-style apartment buildings and public housing projects. Rents tend to be on the affordable side for Manhattan standards. Some new luxury developments have gone up in recent years too. Main Attractions ●The famous 116th Street with its lively Latino restaurants and businesses. ●Street art and murals are everywhere you look. ●Marcus Garvey Park with amphitheater, swimming pool, and fire watchtower. ●El Museo del Barrio museum highlights Latino art and culture. ●Historic churches like St. Cecilia's and Mother Cabrini Chapel. Food and Entertainment East Harlem is a foodie paradise known for its amazing mix of Puerto Rican, Mexican, Dominican, and other Latin flavors: ●A ton of authentic taquerias, mom-and-pop Latin restaurants, and food trucks. ●Big late-night scene with lively Latin music clubs and bars. ●Lively annual events like the Puerto Rican Day Parade. So Which is Better? There's no easy answer, as both West and East Harlem have their pros and cons. West Harlem Advantages: ●Quieter residential feels great for families. ●More economic and racial diversity. ●Parks and green spaces along the river. ●Columbia University's presence lends an academic vibe.

3. East Harlem Advantages: ●Incredible Latin American food scene and nightlife. ●Strong proud sense of Hispanic/Latino culture. ●Very lively, urban, energetic atmosphere. ●Super affordable housing for Manhattan. ●Vibrant arts, music, and street scene. It comes down to your priorities and preferences. If you prioritize a quieter family feel, diversity, and parks, and don't mind paying higher rents, West Harlem could be for you. But if you crave nonstop energy, amazing food, nightlife, culture, and acceptable "NYC prices" you'll love East Harlem. Tips for Moving to Harlem? What to Consider If you do decide to make the move to Harlem, here are some additional tips for first-time residents: ●Learn about Harlem's rich history and legacy so you can appreciate its cultural significance ●Get acquainted with the dominant languages like Spanish and African dialects ●Check commute times if working elsewhere and factor in costs like the MetroCard ●Explore neighborhood groups and events to meet your neighbors ●Stay alert to your surroundings at night as you would in any major city ●Take pride in Harlem and get involved in community efforts. ●Try all the amazing food options from Caribbean to soul food to Mexican cuisines. ●Be prepared for noise and lively streets, especially in East Harlem's bustling areas. ●Check the Harlem brownstone listings early as good affordable units can go quickly. Conclusion At the end of the day, both West Harlem and East Harlem have plenty to offer new residents and visitors alike. It all comes down to your personal preferences for the vibe, amenities, housing budget, and more. At The Boland Team NYC, we're your go-to experts for buying Harlem Brownstones for sale. With us, you'll find the best deals and great prices compared to others. We make sure you get the perfect place for you with our trusted service and knowledge. FAQs What kind of housing can you find? West Harlem has larger apartment buildings, housing projects, and some nice brownstone townhouses. East Harlem has older tenement-style apartments, public housing projects, and some new luxury buildings.

4. What are some top attractions in each area? West Harlem has Riverside Park, the Cathedral Church, Columbia University, and the Studio Museum. East Harlem is known for 116th Street, street art, Marcus Garvey Park, and El Museo del Barrio. How is the food scene different? West Harlem has affordable diners, pizza, and some new restaurants and bars. East Harlem is famous for incredible Latin food like taquerias, Puerto Rican spots, and food trucks. Which area has better nightlife? East Harlem has a much bigger and livelier nightlife scene with lots of Latin music clubs and bars compared to the quieter West Harlem. The late-night energy is unbeatable in East Harlem.