Midtown East vs. The West Side of Manhattan

A busy street in Midtown East Manhattan with yellow taxi cabs.
Photo Credit: Flickr

One of the biggest questions we get from people looking to move into Manhattan is, “Which neighborhood will be the best fit for me?” To help yourself answer this question, there are quite a few points to think about, such as…

  • Where will you be working?
  • How far are you willing to commute?
  • Are you looking to move near a particular school or district?
  • What neighborhood characteristics are important to you?
  • What are your must-have apartment amenities?

In this post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into two popular Manhattan neighborhoods and give you a taste of what you can expect from each: Midtown East and Manhattan’s West Side. Below we’ve highlighted some of each neighborhood’s offerings when it comes to culture, public parks, restaurants, and nearby luxury Glenwood apartment buildings.

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The Neighborhood Culture

If you’re a resident of Glenwood’s Midtown East apartment buildings, some of the popular cultural institutions you’ll be frequenting are the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), The New York Public Library Main Branch, and The Morgan Library and Museum. Sounds like a pretty bookish neighborhood, huh? Rest assured that all of these places have programs catering to both adult and children, making them great to visit for both singles and families!

West Siders can expect larger institutions steeped in history, such as the American Museum of Natural History, The New York Historical Society, and the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Also, patrons of the art will feel right at home on the West Side, with a full line-up of programing at Lincoln Center and Broadway shows performing daily.

A view of Lincoln Center at sunset.
Photo Credit: Lincoln Center

Nearby Public Parks

Depending where in Midtown East and the West Side you’re located, you’ll be able to take advantage of Central Park, which lies directly between the two sides of Manhattan. Midtown Easters will be closer to the pond on the south side, while West Siders will be closer to Sheep’s Meadow and  Tavern on the Green. There are plenty of playgrounds on both sides as well, so parents and their kiddos are in luck for an afternoon outdoors!

Another park central to both neighborhoods (again, depending on how high up or down you are in your neighborhood) is Bryant Park. This spot is perfect for filling up your social calendar – no matter your age! They have ice skating in the winter, free tai chi and yoga classes in the summer, a a reading room area with free books for kids and adult.

MacArthur Park is another wonderful option for Midtown East residents. Located on FDR Drive between 48th and 49th Streets, this riverfront playground is ideal for toddlers with a low-to-the-ground jungle gym and sandbox. Glenwood residents residing at The Belmont are a quick walk away, making this an ideal outdoor oasis, anytime of the year.

Hell’s Kitchen Park is perfect for West Siders. Located on 10th Avenue between 47th and 48th Streets, there’ss plenty of structures for climbing, swings, benches, and basketball and handball courts. Also, sprinklers during the summer! This is a convenient option for those residents living in Crystal Green.

An outdoor restaurant in NYC with wooden beams.
Photo Credit: Flickr

Your Choice of Restaurants

Dining in Manhattan… Where do we get started? Both neighborhoods contain their share of chain restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, trendy eateries, and timeless cafes. A few favorites in Midtown East are the 21 Club (for a fancy and traditional night on the town), as well as The Smith, which is a more relaxed, casual spot to grab a killer Sunday brunch.

Westsiders are lucky enough to call Chez Napoleon one of their local tried and trues (quite possibly the best French food outside of France!). Located in the theater district, this is the perfect spot for a pre or post show meal. It’s a restaurant that has been handed down several generations, so it definitely has that charming mom-and-pop feel to it. Or, if you’re looking for something on the sleeker side, Lincoln is a Westside favorite. Located right next to Lincoln Center, this fancy spot screams date night or special occasion. Hawthorn Park residents are a stone’s throw away.

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Experience Luxury at The Belmont

With easy commuting options perfectly situated in Midtown East, inquire about available luxury units today.

Luxury Glenwood Buildings

Now that we’ve given you a sample of each neighborhood, the next step is for you to visit them yourself! Take an afternoon, wander the streets, grab a coffee, sit on a local park bench, and people watch. Can you imagine yourself living here? If so, reach out to the Glenwood buildings in that area and make appointments to visit. You’ll be able to see the amenities each one has first hand, as well as tour other properties in your desired neighborhood.

  • There are 4 apartment buildings in Midtown East, including: The Bamford, The Belmont, The Bristol, and Paramount Tower
  • Don’t forget about Glenwood’s 7 buildings in the West Side: Crystal Green, Emerald Green, The Encore, Grand Tier, Hawthorn Park, The Regent, and The Sage.

Whether you call yourself a Midtown Easter or a West Sider, we have no doubt you’ll call yourself very happy to be residing in one of our units!

Whether you live in Midtown East or the Westside, share your favorite thing about your neighborhood with us on Facebook and Twitter!