Midtown East
One
of the greatest research facilities in the world, the massive New York
Public Library, stretches along two city blocks from 40th to 42nd Street
on Fifth Avenue. This national landmark is guarded by a pair of sculptured
lions known as Patience and Fortitude, who greet the public seven days
a week. The area just east of Fifth Avenue is one of the city's largest
business districts, housing many large corporations in buildings such as
the Chrysler Building, Lever House, and the Graybar Building. The landmark
Beaux Arts Grand Central Terminal, enjoying a recent multimillion-dollar
facelift, has inspired the restoration and new construction of office buildings
and hotels throughout the area. And the internationally recognized Empire
State Building, made famous for its role in such classic films as King
Kong and An Affair to Remember, is the anchor of the New York City skyline
and a perennial mecca for tourists.
The most famous shopping center in the world is Fifth Avenue, where one can find such classic destinations as Lord and Taylor, Saks, FAO Schwartz, Tiffany's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Henri Bendel. Slightly east, on Lexington Avenue in the 50's, is the trendy and fun "neighborhood store," Bloomingdale's, affectionately known as Bloomie's.
From 40th Street to 59th Street east of Lexington Avenue, are varied residential options consisting mostly of co-ops, but walkup apartments, town houses, and modern high-rise condos can be found as well. A popular "walk to work" neighborhood, one can find supermarkets, pharmacies, cleaners, and restaurants on Second Avenue between 43rd and 53rd Streets.
The 18-acre site of The United Nations, located in the East 40's between First Avenue and the East River, is the center of the Turtle Bay section, where fortified police patrolling makes it particularly attractive to families with children. Beekman Place is a two-block stretch of elegance and calm that runs from 49th to 51st Streets east of First Avenue. Sutton Place continues north along the river from 53rd to 59th Streets, where your neighbors would include such notables as the Secretary General of the United Nations. These two neighborhoods are among the most expensive in Manhattan. They are made up of both town houses and apartment houses and are within walking distance of five area parks.
Just south of the midtown office district and east of Madison Avenue from 34th to 40th Streets is Murray Hill, a lovely residential area known for its classic town houses, brownstones, and abundance of trees (505 of them). The side streets of Murray Hill have many diplomatic missions, social and cultural clubs, elegant hotels, and landmarks such as the John Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum. Currently under review for city historic-district status, Murray Hill is also home to Stern College of Yeshiva University and the CUNY Graduate Center. High-rise apartment buildings are found on the avenues, and Third Avenue offers shopping and reasonably priced restaurants.
A more affordable area known as Kips Bay, from 27th Street to 34th east of Third Avenue, is a friendly and relaxed family neighborhood, containing a public school, park, and recreational center. Brownstones and walkups line the side streets, while modern high-rises are situated on the avenues along with movie theaters, restaurants, shops, and services.
See also transportation and schools for Midtown East.
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