Why is 96-110th west of B'way considered better than 96-110th east of B'way?

Correction: 96th - 110th

There are several very large housing projects east of broadway.

It completely depends on the block.There are some lovely areas east of Broadway and North of 96th....and some not so nice blocks even West of West End. Also, as the new buildings go up on Columbus and Amsterdam (and Whole Foods and Trader Joe's come in), perceptions will change.

My advice: Don't rule anything out until you've seen the apartment.If you like it, hang around the neighborhood.

Thank you - this is very helpful!

Also, you may want to extend your search to 116th on the west side. By Columbia is fairly nice.

I think it's a matter of geography. Above 96th, the area between the Broadway commercial strip and the river is quite narrow, and the buildings and views are somewhat upscale because of viscinity of Riverside Park. (Just like how it becomes nicer again along CPW because of the park.) East of Broadway is a wider swath, and there are several giant current or former housing projects. However, the past few years have seen enormous changes, including some recent restaurant openings on Amsterdam in the high 90's. The former projects along CPW from 97-100th got turned into condos with Park views. New development along Columbus in the same area over the next 2 years will bring Whole Foods and lots of other shops. Choose an apartment you like and spend time walking around -- I think you'll find the east side of Bway isn't so tough anymore and the area in general is a great value and investment.