Murray Hill has a lively energy most hours of the day and night. In the morning, the streets are filled with professionals looking polished in their Brooks Brothers suits as they head to work. Come evening, you’ll see the crowds returning home decked out in gym clothes and schlepping bags of take-out dinner and Trader Joe’s. The neighborhood has a down-to-earth, casual vibe, and there’s always a big game airing at one of the many sports bars along the Third Avenue strip. Many of Murray Hill’s residents are renters who come and go, but the place eschews intransigence and maintains a familiar, college-town feel.
The Mood
Murray Hill is dense in pubs, but light on culture, and vacillates between being inoffensively rowdy and slightly vanilla.
Heart of the Neighborhood
Joshua Tree bar, an old standby on Third Avenue that is the neighborhood's de facto clubhouse, doesn’t disappoint for those looking for a strong happy hour crowd.
Neighborhood Quirk
An unexpected architectural gem amid the high rises, Sniffen Court is a small mews off of 36th Street made up of 10 beautifully preserved carriage houses.
Best Perk
Murray Hill is on a 24/7 schedule: You can find nail salons, dry-cleaners, gyms, and delivery places that are open at all hours of the day.
Biggest Downside
Murray Hill lacks a sense of real local flavor: Though there are many many upbeat bars and restaurants, they tend to feel generic.
