The Upper East (UES) is a well-established and prestigious neighborhood in New York City, best known for calling Central Park its back yard, being home to world class museums such the MET and the Guggenheim, a plethora of delicious restaurants, luxury retail, and coveted schools. Filled with historic and grand residential buildings, The Upper East Side’s Gold Coast is a haven of tranquility in an otherwise bustling cityscape.

In the early 1900s, this section of the city that borders Central Park and stretches from Fifth Avenue to Lexington Avenue, 59th to 96th St was developed into a prestigious residential oasis now referred to as the Gold Coast. The Upper East Side has been home to some of the most prominent families in America, including the Kennedys, Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and the Carnegies.

While the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side is one of the most distinguished neighborhoods in the country, it offers real estate opportunities for a wide range of buyers including primary users, international or domestic pied a terre buyers, and investors alike. If you’re considering moving to New York City and are curious about what communities would best suit your lifestyle, here are some things to know about Gold Coast living on the Upper East Side. From verdant nature at your fingertips and vibrant culture to premier entertainment and everything in between, there are numerous reasons to love living in this neighborhood.

Nature is a hot commodity in a concrete jungle like New York City, and the Upper East Side is perfectly positioned to make Central Park your urban playground. Running the entire Eastern length of the park, Central Park provides instant refuge to a green oasis with meandering paths, meadows, and gardens. There are countless walking and jogging paths, ponds for boating, playgrounds, and even ice skating in the winter. Central Park is one of the most iconic greenscapes in the world, and when you live on the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side, all of the park’s beauty, relaxation, and recreational opportunities are just a stone’s throw away.

The Upper East Side boasts some of the best cultural exhibits in New York City. Museum Mile is a stretch of Fifth Avenue located in the Upper East Side, home to a variety of history and art museums that showcase creativity and culture from around the globe. Enjoy the Museum of the City of New York on 103rd Street, the Metropolitan Museum of Art from 82nd to 86th Streets, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum on 88th Street, and many more.

Living in the Upper East Side provides you with quick access to unforgettable afternoons indulging in New York City’s rich history and artistic culture.

Foodies love the Upper East Side’s vast selection of incredible high-end bistros, cafes, and restaurants. Residents have their pick from a variety of locales, including Daniel’s exquisite French cuisine, richly decorated dining rooms, and elevated menus. The Café Carlyle is famous for its cabaret-style dinner with luxe decor,  fine-dining menu, and frequent celebrity sightings at Bemelmans Bar. Locals can enjoy carefully crafted mimosas with brunch delights such as eggs benedict at East Pole, Orsay, or Sant Ambroeus. Celebrate a special occasion with loved ones at a Michelin-chef restaurant with rave reviews.

The grand townhouses and stately apartments buildings on the Upper East Side are legendary, with the most luxurious housing options lining Fifth, Madison, and Park Avenue. The pre-war co-op buildings typically include formal doorman services and inconspicuous green or grey awnings. However, once inside, these unassuming facades are home to the most impressive living spaces in the entire city. Many feature gracious pre-war details, high ceilings and moldings, incredible views of the city’s skyline, and white-glove service. One will hear the terms ‘Classic Six or Classic Seven’ referring to number of rooms and general layout; these opulent homes often include staff quarters for live-in help.

If you’re interested in the world-class entertainment that New York City has to offer, then the Upper East Side is the perfect neighborhood for you. It’s just a short jaunt from award-winning Broadway musicals, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. Many live music venues on the Upper East Side host modern acts and classic jazz and piano bars that will whisk you away to a bygone era with New York City’s finest wines and creative cocktails.

The Gold Coast is famous for its high-end shopping on Madison Avenue. World-class designers and brands are located along this infamous corridor, even their window displays are a delight year round. Luxury shoppers can find the latest trends from designers such as Hermes, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, Ralph Lauren, and Dolce & Gabbana. Iconic department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdales are also located nearby and offer personalized shopping experiences to help you find the perfect outfit for your next event.

The lifestyle on the Upper East Side is upscale and residential, with plenty of activities and amenities at your doorstep. Residents enjoy the relaxed pace, stunning architecture and provenance. Transportation is a breeze between the bus lines, Lexington green line and Q train lines, accessibility to airports via the FDR, and plenty of local garages. Experience fine dining and luxury retail at its best, or head to Central Park to find a quiet respite in nature. Whatever you do on the Upper East Side, you’ll be sure to do it with style.

If you’re ready to move to the Gold Coast of the Upper East Side, working with a seasoned broker in the neighborhood is key. The King-Brown Team boasts an incredibly talented team of agents and an impressive portfolio of exclusive properties for the most discerning clientele. Contact the team today to begin the home search of your dreams.