East 86th Area

Become better in the near future? The area is already pretty darn good. Depending on exactly where you are, you are most likely in either PS 6 or 290, 2 of the better (if not best) public schools in the city; you are a few blocks from Central Park and Museum Mile and some of the best private schools in Manhattan; you've got tons of good restaurants, retail and entertainment at your fingertips; close to a major subway line; extremely safe and clean; home to much of Manhattan's upper echelon and wealth. With the Brompton and Lucida coming in soon (and the 2nd Avenue subway in the distant future), what exactly are you waiting for in terms of "becoming better"?

Yes - 86th street itself (around Lex/3rd) is a bit commercial (getting nicer), but the surrounding area is very nice.

yeah I agree....thinking of buying in the area......just wanted to get some insight if any other major retailers are coming or any other news that I havent heard of.

If you are thinking about buying in the area, do it based on all the criteria that I previously mentioned and the fact it is one of the most coveted and sought out areas in Manhattan to live - not on the fact that there is no Whole Foods. Asking whether the upper east will become better is like asking if Vegas will become glitzier.

Funny you mention Whole Foods....I heard that rumor a few months ago.....have they confirmed it ?

I heard a rumor months ago as well. I have no idea whether it is true or not or where they would be located. Originally, I thought they were going to take up the space now occupied by Best Buy.

It's subjective really. I live on the UES now and dislike the 3rd/Lex 86th area - by the park it's obviously much nicer. Tons of major retailers, tons of foot traffic, car traffic and noise. Often in the mornings, I've waited for three trains before I can finally get on one. All this before three tremendous apartment buildings are completed and loads of new people poor into the crowded subway, long before the new subway will be ready. On the flip side, if you dont mind crowds, prefer convenience and a bit of noise - this might be a great location for you - especially if good schools rank high on your priorities.

Good luck!

I've lived here for over 10 years and commute at the height of rush hour. While the 4/5/6 is certainly crowded, I've never waited for 3 trains before I can get on one. On rare occasion, I have to let one go by; maybe once in the 10 years I've been here I've actually let 2 go by - never 3. If you're waiting for 3, you're being too polite to live here. Also, while the area by 86th/Lex can be crowded, I don't think it's more crowded than any other part of the city where there are a collaberation of stores. Go a couple of blocks in any direction, and the crowds and noise greatly dissipate.

Joepa - you've identified a great point - the importance of sharing different perspectives. Mine is that of a thirty-something, female. Frankly, 86th 3/lex does not appeal to me or my husband. It does however appeal to many people -- those new building are selling -- to folks who obviously share your thoughts. I will point out though ... I think there is a reason the new residential construction tried their very best not to have an address or entrance on 86th street. Perception or reality?

I've lived on 87th/2nd for 3 yrs now, and absolutely love it. Yes, 86th street can get quite noisy, but 87th is nicely treelined.

However, 1 block is a world of difference in school zone.

Please carefully check your school zone. UES is divided up into many zones, and the test scores varies greatly too: PS 6, 290, 158, 183 are all great, PS 59 has good scores but they're being relocated to a temporary building for a couple years, and then you have PS 198 (i mean the regular ps198, not the lower lab school, you cannot attend lower lab just by being zoned, your kid has to take the Gifted & Talented testing from DOE).

Furthermore, the craziest thing is that there are a few blocks of us who are considered UNZONED! There was a PS151 school which is closed to renovation (rumor is that it will reopen in 2009). That means we don't have a zoned school for now. The past few years, parents get into this "assisted lottery" into one of the 6 schools. Obviously, some schools are much more desirable than others.

BTW, although PS290 is ranked A by DOE this yr, you do have to face the fact that they are 150% capacity.

Of course there are a bunch of private schools, Dalton is looking at over $30,000 per yr. Unfortunately, my kid's birthday being in mid September, if I put her in private school, I'll have to hold her back another yr of private PK.

It depends where you are. I used to live on 78th and 5th. It was so lovely cuz it was near the park but it kind of sucked because the closest grocery store and duane reade was 3 blocks away, and if I needed anything in a pinch, the Missoni store was the only store right near me!! I walked to 86th and Madison a lot. It is very quiet, lowkey and upscale. Then you walk down 86th Street, past 3rd it becomes very overcrowded and more working class and cheap stores and hustle and bustle. Its a bit like 34th street where Macy's is.

The Upper Eastside is really interesting. The 60's have a different vibe than the 70's, the 70s have a different vibe from the 80's and 3rd avenue separates the idle rich from the average Upper Eastsiders. Each little pocket has it's own character. I would suggest walking around the neighborhood where you are looking to buy. Go out to dinner, go shopping, etc and see if it is the right fit for you.

I think I may take the plunge and buy in the Brompton. Moving to city from suburbs. Any tips for day to day living in that area...., dry cleaning, grocery, theaters etc.

Also I know Brompton is zoned for PS 290.....up to 5th grade. What about after.....We are a couple with no children yet but would like to start and plan.