West End Avenue

I think the article portrays it nicely and accurately. West End Ave is a very clean, safe, and peaceful area in a good location. You will get more sqft for your $$ than East of Broadway, architecture is amazing, true NY prewar with some of the nicest lobbies in the city, close to Riverside park, easy access to the 1,2,3, kid friendly, etc. Most apartments I have seen in the area have great pre-war charm which works if you can deal with some of the pre-war downfalls (window units, old elevators, etc). The one downside I would say is that there are not many restaurants, shops, bars on West End itself, but you can get to the heart of the UWS in 1-2 easy blocks. I have friends that own near 72nd and West End and I have only heard (and seen) good things.

All of West End is a nice stretch of town. I've lived between West End and Riverside in the 70's for 3+ years. The character (and prices) change slightly with each section ie. 60's to 72nd, 72-79, 79-86 etc. up to 108. Lot's of families in classic 5,6,7's in 90's and 100's as well as an older demographic. 70's and 80's have significantly better access to the restaurants and groceries on Broadway, Amsterdam, and Columbus. Riverside is a great park with hoops,tennis,playgrounds, the river, a few outdoor summer restaurants etc. Central Park is a ten minute walk. All and all safe and quiet and after living downtown for years it's hard to imagine living without the parks. The only downside I can think of is when my wife had a one bedroom directly on West End and 73rd the trucks would rumble loudly down the ave making late night deliveries to the many grocery stores in the area. A small complaint overall. Good luck.