Amsterdam Ave, Upper West Side

Rendered uncommonly short by Riverside Drive and the housing developments off Amsterdam, this Upper West Side side street marks the beginnings of "Columbia" territory, the district of cafes, bars, and bookstores dominated by the hip, intellectual clientele of Columbia University, students and professors alike. Tourists will be pleased to note that it's also the location of one of NYC's few Hostels, the Broadway Hotel and Hostels off Amsterdam. Restaurant and dining options here are plentiful and cheap, if not always of the best quality: check out favorite Mexican joint Mama Mexico, get creative at Indus Valley, or just tuck into a big slice of pie at popular Metro diner. Plenty of take-out, pizza, and bagel venues also abound. While the nightlife in this area tends to cluster further north, closer to the campus, West 101 street is nevertheless a short walk away from the livelier part of Morningside Heights, while still maintaining a reasonable veneer of quiet and calm. Proximity to two of the city's nicest parks - Central and Riverside Drive - also helps. An affordable location for students or young professionals.

While the Upper West Side seems to vary in character avenue by avenue - changing from the staid, Old World beauty of the Riverside Drive buildings to the chaotic shopping frenzy around Broadway to the quiet 19th century parkside buildings - the Upper West Side in the '80's nevertheless has some consistent selling points. Located steps from the Natural History Museum and Rose Planetarium, two of the city's biggest tourist draws, West 80th Street has a livelier character than some of its neighbors, and is filled with upscale (but affordable) restaurants, bars, and cafes. Try the splendid Brazilian Calle Ocho on Columbus Avenue between 81st and 82nd Street, or stay on 80th Street itself with the Cava Wine bar. Amsterdam Avenue between 80th and 82nd street, in particular, is a hub of activity, with plenty of eateries to suit every taste and budget. Park lovers will be pleased to note that West 80th Street is bookended by two of the city's nicest - Central Park and Riverside Drive, meaning that wherever you live, you're never more that a five to seven minute walk from green space. An ideal family neighborhood.