Living in Kips Bay/Murray Hill with kids

Have a sister who lives there. She's in a nice building, above average by Manhattan standards, no 'facilities'. Likes area for lack of pretense, good value (I know she's saved), near Madison, some park on the east side, and Bryant. Eats out a lot between choices in midtown and standard fare on 2nd? 3rd? Close to her and bro in law's jobs. Good schools including preschools. I like her neighbors and their pets.

We are raising our kids in Kips Bay. Love St. Vartan playground, PS 116 then Salk MS. Family bike rides along the East River to lower East side fields and to the battery and along the Hudson. Its not cool like UWS and GV but you can get to anywhere...walk to Macy's for back-to-school clothes.

Totally agree with Bloomsday. It's also not too far from Madison Square Park and 10 minutes to Union Square by subway. I wish there were better food choices. Supermarkets are abysmal but there is always Fresh Direct. Biggest plus is the transportation which is convenient and central. Easy to get to downtown or midtown. My biggest complaint is that neighborhood vibe is not so great. It's a weird mix of frat boys, retirees and tourists. It lacks major greens space. Although, the school district in general is a big plus if you have kids and are considering public.

Thanks. Are there places for sport activities for kids in the area?

Pete Stuyvesant Little League, Manhattan Kickers, Vanderbilt Y, UN school hosts some things (indoor soccer).

Thank you, that is very helpful!