Upper East Side
Geographic Boundaries
The Upper East Side (UES) is a Manhattan neighborhood traditionally defined as stretching from East 59th Street to 96th Street, bordered by Fifth Avenue and Central Park to the west and the East River to the east[1][3][5]. While unofficial, this boundary is widely accepted, though some sources extend it to 106th Street near Fifth Avenue[1][5]. The neighborhood includes distinct sub-neighborhoods such as Carnegie Hill (northern section), Lenox Hill (central), and Yorkville (northeastern area)[3]. Real estate professionals occasionally stretch the northern boundary beyond 96th Street near Fifth Avenue to avoid association with adjacent areas[1].
Businesses and Retail
The Upper East Side boasts a concentration of luxury boutiques along Madison Avenue, including flagship stores for Chanel, Hermès, and Valentino. High-end retailers like Bloomingdale's (on 59th Street) anchor the southern edge, while smaller designer shops populate streets between 60th and 86th Streets. Fine dining establishments dominate the area, with institutions like Café Boulud (76th Street), The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges, and uptown branches of Sant Ambroeus. Specialty food shops, including gourmet markets and artisanal bakeries, cluster near Lexington and Third Avenues.
Historic Attractions
Museum Mile along Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 104th Streets forms the cultural backbone, housing the Metropolitan Museum of Art (founded 1870), the Guggenheim Museum (1959, Frank Lloyd Wright design), and the Frick Collection (1913 Henry Clay Frick mansion). The 1902 Andrew Carnegie Mansion (now Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum) and the 1914-built Neue Galerie exemplify early 20th-century architectural patronage. Historic religious structures include the 1872 Church of St. Ignatius Loyola and the 1899 Temple Emanu-El.
Architectural Landscape
Building types range from Gilded Age mansions along Fifth Avenue's "Millionaire's Row" to post-war luxury high-rises. Pre-war cooperative apartments dominate Park Avenue, featuring Beaux-Arts and Neo-Gothic detailing. The 1908 Dakota Stables (converted to condominiums) and the 1929 Sherry-Netherland Hotel showcase distinctive terra cotta and limestone facades. Modern additions include Robert A.M. Stern-designed condominiums and glass-clad towers along East End Avenue.
Transportation Infrastructure
The neighborhood is served by the 4/5/6 subway lines at 59th, 68th, 77th, 86th, and 96th Streets, with cross-town buses on 65th, 67th, 79th, 86th, and 96th Streets. The Roosevelt Island Tramway provides access from 59th Street and Second Avenue. CitiBike stations are concentrated near major subway entrances and parks.
Postal Codes and Commercial Presence
Primary ZIP codes include 10021, 10028, 10065, 10075, and 10128. Adjacent areas feature 10029 (east of 96th Street) and 10022 (Midtown East to the south). Corporate offices in the area are predominantly medical (Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering), philanthropic (Rockefeller University, Asia Society), and diplomatic (multiple consulates near 64th-68th Streets). Luxury brands maintain showrooms rather than corporate offices, while private wealth management firms occupy discreet townhouse offices near Park Avenue.