Murray Hill
Geographic Boundaries
The borders of Murray Hill could be flexible depending on how it is defined. The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association and the 10016 zip code's governing body, defines its borders as any area from 26th Street to 42nd Street, located between Fifth Avenue to the East River[1][4]. But there are city agencies that define it much more narrowly than that: the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission identifies Murray Hill as between 34th and 40th street between Fifth and Third Avenue; the City Planning Department also identifies Murray Hill between 34th and 40th street but includes Madison to Second Avenues[1]. Community Board 6 identifies Murray Hill specifically between 34th and 40th streets, leaving out Tudor City, as between Madison and the East River[1].
Business and Retail Landscape
Murray Hill is a balance between residential tranquility and commercial vibrancy. Lexington Avenue is a retail spine lined with pharmacies, bodegas, and specialty shops like Kalustyan’s old spice store (Kalustyan’s is old, the spice store is new and much reflects the area's South Asian influences). Third Avenue is saturated with casual restaurants and bars that attract young professionals; Madison Avenue has the store fronts for the posh boutiques located and travelling northbound (fewer stores, but you can witness capitalism at work). The many fine dining establishments present, like The Smith (New American) and Café China (Sichuan with a Michelin Star), have counterparts in newly opened establishments combining modern Korean or artisanal pasta offerings.
Historical Attractions
The neighborhood's 19th-century past as a privileged enclave remains intact through the preserved brownstones and landmark blocks. Since it was designated as the Murray Hill Historic District in 1974, the historic district between 35th-38th Streets is an example of the Greek Revival and Italianate row houses built between the 1840-1860s[1][4]. The Pierpont Morgan Library at 225 Madison Avenue is the western edge anchor although it is technically nomad with the 1906 McKim Mead & White structure. The old factories along the eastern avenues now provide creative office space as an example of the area's heritage of adaptive reuse.
Architectural Profile
Pre-war construction is drastically emphasized at this area, with Beaux-Arts apartment buildings, the Carnegie Hill Tower, 1929 lining Madison Avenue. Equally dominated by recent residences are post-war mid-rises looming over the East River and glass-clad, luxury development creeping in from Grand Central Station. The neo-Gothic style of the 1913 Pershing Square Building at 125 Park Avenue incorporates the topography of the early skyscraper. Religious structures include Church of the Epiphany, on East 35th Street. Built in 1866, it features Tiffany stained glass and classic Gothic Revival touches.
Transportation Networks
The 4/5/6/7/S subway lines and Metro-North rail access are available at the Grand Central Terminal at 42nd Street. Stations at the perimeter of the neighborhood are 42nd Street-Bryant Park (B/D/F/M), 28th Street (6), and 33rd Street (6 train). First and Second Avenues are crossed by M15 and M34 SBS buses, and Citi Bike stations are widely spaced close to residential areas. The eastern fringe is served by three East River ferry stops that connect to Greenpoint and Long Island City.
Adjacent Zip Codes
The 10016 area of Murray Hill is bordered by 10010 (Gramercy to the south), 10017 (Tudor City north of 40th Street), and 10022 (Midtown East around 53rd Street). While 10009 (East Village) and 10003 (Lower East Side) border areas south of 23rd Street, which some broader definitions include, the 10001 (Chelsea) and 10018 (Garment District) codes are located west of Fifth Avenue [1][3].
Corporate Presence
Location to Grand Central draws companies such as Sumitomo Corporation (finance) at 600 Third Avenue and Fujifilm Holdings (imaging technology) at 395 Hudson Street. Law firms are often around the 40th Street courts, with regional offices of White & Case and Freshfields, among others. Pharmaceutical companies maintain satellite offices nearby NYU Langone. Some diplomatic missions from over 30 countries have even located in converted townhouses near UN headquarters and vicinity[4].