RSD in the upper 90's

Highway noise: Probably not an issue, unless you're between 95th and 97th. Even there, not a big deal.

Breezes: Yes, unless you are very sensitive to heat you can get by without A/C if your apartment has decent cross-ventilation. On the other hand, during the winter you will curse that same wind as you walk that last block from West End.

Yoga studio: Can't help you there, but I can recommend an instructor who mostly does classes in private apartments. She lives on 82nd.

Dry cleaners: They all pick up and deliver. Helps if you have a doorman. Apthorp is high-end - great service, but pricey. Belleclaire is a decent chain. They have a shop on 92nd, and they drop coupons for 25-35% off via ValPak and elsewhere.

Shoe repair: I swear by a guy on 84th, just west of Columbus. Tiny place. Don't know the options in the 90s.

would respectfully disagree about the air conditioning...if you have a direct western exposure, unless you have and use black out blinds, your apartment will resemble a convection oven on high between july and september.

Fair point. Facing west, you have to close the curtains in the afternoon during July and August.

Welcome to the neighborhood. If you are in a building close to the 96th St west side highway exit, it'll be white noise b/c the traffic is always moving. There are no bus brakes or honking or siren sounds like you get when you live directly on Columbus or Amsterdam, for example.

Symphony Cleaners on 95th just west off Broadway is reliable.

bottom line--if you're coming from midtown, you'll feel almost like you've left manhattan when you get home.

There are terrific yoga teachers at Equinox on Broadway & 92, especially Jackie Prete. Riverside is very windy all year - in the winter it can blow you down the street. The shoe repair guy on Broadway between 97 & 98 is reliable. Soon there will be Whole Foods on Columbus & 98th -- and don't forget the farmer's market on 97th on Fridays.