Upper East Side

You are really approaching the north end of Carnegie Hill at this point. While I think it's still a good area, I believe there a number of concerns that you should be aware of. 1. Metro-North comes above ground at about 96th/Park which could be a major concern for many people. Above-ground rail tends to diminish surrounding property values and the neighborhood generally. 2. 96th is a major artery into the FDR. 3. You are 2 blocks from Mount Sinai Hospital. Sirens could be an issue. Of course, if you are on 5th - it's still quite distinguished.

buy here:
http://web.me.com/seif69/11K/HOME.html

yes, 9th is a double-wide street, so you're talking buses and traffic. Just a couple blocks south I think is very nice, but you're pushing it on 96 itself. The apartments on the block are generally cheaper than even 1 block below.

I would stay below 96th.

Are you looking for a 2 bedroom? There are some between 90 and 93rd that looked good to me. The streets are more quiet there.

That far west you should be OK. The entrance into the park is on 97th so the traffic is much worse on 97th than 96th. A lot of the westbound traffic on 96th turns onto Madison. Regardless it will definitely be louder than on one of the blocks south.

If you have family, you're zoned for PS198 there. Ps290, which is zoned below 90th approx., is far superior.

correct. i am zoned for ps 290 - one of the top schools in the city
http://web.me.com/seif69/11K/HOME.html

If he's looking between Madison and 5th - he's probably looking at PS 6 in that area - not 290. Either way - both supposedly great schools.

joepa- I don't think 96th street is zoned for PS 6, I believe 91st street is as far north as it goes.