With a wealth of culture at every turn, it's no surprise that families are eager to call New York City home. However, not all neighborhoods are created equal when it comes to family-friendly options for dining, entertainment, and education. For decades, the Upper West Side has been known as one of Manhattan's most welcoming neighborhoods for families of all shapes and sizes, from parents with multiple kids to couples utterly devoted to their four-legged friends. Here's why the Upper West Side is such a great fit for families:
The buildings are full of spacious homes: In many neighborhoods, where buildings are continually being subdivided and sliced down to make room for an increasing number of tenants, there's simply no room to do much of anything other than eat and sleep at home. However, on the Upper West Side, a neighborhood rich with spacious and elegant pre-war buildings, the opposite is happening — homes are getting bigger and better equipped for growing families. Case in point: at 101 West 78th Street, a building that once housed 44 apartments is being transformed into a 24-residence luxury condominium, offering plenty of room for growing families to spread out.
The neighborhood is full of amazing schools: It's no secret that Manhattanites put education first, and there's nowhere that's more true than on the Upper West Side. The neighborhood is home to some of the city's best schools, from award-winning public elementary, middle, and high schools to world-class private schools like Collegiate, Trinity, and Calhoun.
There are plenty of places to play: Outdoor play space may be at a premium in most of Manhattan, but it abounds on the Upper West Side. Sandwiched between Central Park and Riverside Park and boasting multiple pristine playgrounds within the neighborhood's borders, you're always within walking distance of grassy fields, dog runs, jogging paths, and places to play a game of one-on-one on the Upper West Side.
There are tons of chances for educational opportunities: Whether you're passionate about enriching your family life through museum visits, taking in shows, or community events, there's no neighborhood that puts it all at your fingertips like the Upper West Side. Museums like the Children's Museum of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History, and performance venues like Lincoln Center and the Beacon Theater all call the neighborhood home.
There's no lack of kid-friendly dining options: One of the biggest dilemmas befalling parents is how to enjoy small pleasures, like dinner at a restaurant, when you've got a bunch of picky eaters, many of whom aren't exactly experts at modulating their voices, in tow. Fortunately, the Upper West Side solves this problem by being home to many family-friendly restaurants, like Isabella's, Carmine's, and Patsy's Pizzeria, where adults can enjoy a good mean and kids can be kids.
Navigating family life in the city doesn't have to be difficult; the Upper West Side's unique mix of amenities, creative culture, and outdoor space make it the perfect fit for families.
