8.6 out of 10

East 23 St, Gramercy Park

Ranked 2nd best street in Gramercy Park
40.7397931698346 -73.9854305819972
Great for
  • Internet Access
  • Resale or Rental Value
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Childcare
  • Medical Facilities
Not great for
  • Parking
  • Cost of Living
  • Peace & Quiet
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish

Reviews

3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
2yrs+

"Business Time"

Whereas 5th Ave is the pillar of fancy shopping and apartments buildings in New York City, Madison Avenue has become synonymous with white collar pursuits and big business. I think Madison has definitely gained in notoriety since Mad Men premiered. And, all of the advertising agencies with the exception of one are still on Madison Avenue (although they definitely don't dress as dapper as they used to). There are a lot of business oriented hotels on Madison Avenue as well. While they are still nice for the most part, they don't have the cache of some of the 5th Avenue Hotels. You get the feeling that the Madison Hotels are more catered to people working in the area than tourists.
New York Magazine Headquarters are on Madison and 50th. Oxford University Press is located on Madison at 34th. The New York Life Building is at 26th. There is definitely a theme to this street. The thing I love about New York, though, is that even though there may be a specific street or part of town that dictates one kind of personality or livelihood, there are always other things that pop up that would indicate otherwise. In the midst of all of these agencies and publishing houses, there are buildings like the American Academy of Dramatic Arts at 30th and Andy Warhol's Factory at 32nd.
Once you get down to Madison Square Park, the area becomes much more neighborhoody. The park is lovely and always has a bustle thanks to Shake Shack. Speaking of Shake Shack, pretty much all of Madison Ave and Madison Square Park's restaurant scene is thanks to Danny Meyer. It seems as if he just completely took over the area. And, now that Eleven Madison Park just won the James Beard Award, the area is just going to be crawling with Meyer admirers.
Madison ends at 23rd so there's no downtown to this street. It will forever remain an uptown street where men in tophats go to the office for me. .. . . even if a lot of them wear jeans with holes in them now.
Pros
  • Madison Square Park
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Boring at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 1/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
2yrs+

"Skyscrapers abound!"

If you're into looking at the architecture of skyscrapers or living in a massive building, 23rd is the spot for you. The entire street is comprised of giants. It's definitely a New York street in the way that it is depicted in the movies. But, there's not much of a vibe around here. Whatever the street lacks in energy, though, it makes up in wind. The buildings create a pretty severe wind tunnel.
The Flatiron building is one of the most famous buildings in NYC. It's in the old school style of skyscraper and its sort of a rounded triangular shape. The thing that I think is cool about it (besides the odd architecture) is that it has always been a publishing house. There are still publishing companies in it . . .even if all they pretty much do now is publish e-books for a kindle. Madison Square Park is directly across the street and it starts at 23rd and Broadway. The place is always packed but it's still one of my favorite parks in the city. It doesn't have the nature feel that Central Park does but as far as urban parks go, it's one of the nicest. There's a huge statue of Seward at 23rd in the park. I hate statues of humans because they creep me out. But, I do kinda like that there is one of Seward here. Apparently, he was a huge and very outspoken supporter of the abolitionist movement and that's why he was commemorated here -- the first NAACP march was down 23rd. But, this fact about him is next to forgotten. I feel like most people see the statue and think "why is there a huge sculpture of the man who purchased Alaska for a ridiculous amount of money?"
There's a huge luxury building on the southeast side of 23rd and Broadway that was built on the site of what was the worst fire in New York history. I guess fire and destruction is an acceptable reason to replace an old, cool building with a massive ugly one. And, it is ugly. It looks like a steel version of a tenement home (why do all tenements look alike?).
The Met Life building is on the corner of 23rd and Madison. It's an old building that reminds me of the Back to the Future clock tower for some bizarre reason. It's quite pretty though.
The corner of 23rd and Park Ave houses the monster modeling agency IMG. Actually all of the big modeling agencies are within 5 blocks of this one, so if you want to modelize, this is the spot to hang out. Isadora Duncan lived at the opposite corner of this intersection while she was teaching in America. Sadly, the presence of her is probably overshadowed to most by the potential presence of Gisele Bundchen.
There are a number of Gramercy bars and restaurants here which I'm sure are good but they are kind of lost because of the volume of them, the size of all of the buildings and the fact that many famous restaurants are within a couple of blocks. East 23rd is overwhelmingly skyscrapers so it's kind of hard to consider it a neighborhood kind of place. But, it does have one thing that other streets don't have: a beach. There is a tiny beach at 23rd and FDR park although swimming in the East River would be about half a step up from swimming in the sewer.
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"The Beating Heart of New York"

Now indelibly associated with Don Draper's elegant fedora in AMC's retro-hit series "Mad Men," Madison Avenue is nevertheless far more than womanizing ad men and Grand Central Station. From the businesslike district near Union Square to the elegant promenade marking the Upper East Side, Madison Avenue has it all. It's quite a multifarious street, with a character that shifts with the street number. Downtown and midtown Manhattan is slick and businesslike, while the uptown stretch is achingly fashionable - both the mannequins inside the windows and the real-life models trodding the pavement. North of 86th Street the neighborhood takes a more family-friendly feel, as it becomes the nexus of the Carnegie Hill area, and Yves St. Laurent gives way to open-air cafes like Bistro du Nord and Table D'Hote, and Furla bags are replaced by prams. North of 97th Street the area changes again, centering around Mount Sinai Hospital - with a wealth of quick-and-cheap eateries and bars that cater to the hospital/doctor nightlife scene. The variety of Madison Avenue is inspiring, reflecting the fascinating and diverse nature of New York.
Pros
  • Elegant
  • Possibly the best blend of upscale elegance with a lively restaurant/bar scene in Manhattan
  • Ease of public transport
  • great bar scene
Cons
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"where the dollars fly"

Welcome welcome. Tourists bring out your pocketbooks and get ready to grab those designer items you dreamed about. If you find your way to the east side of Manhattan you will end up on one of the most popular shopping streets NYC has to offer. A street booming with opportunity to spend. Known as the fashion district Madison ave is full of stores for all. Get to NYC and get the real designer items on Madison ave.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Bastion of high end retail"

New York City like many other global metros is full of shopping haunts but perhaps its most famous and luxe shopping district is located along an avenue known as Madison Avenue. Madison Avenue is located on the east side of Manhattan and it stretches upwards from Madison Square which is located on 23rd Street all the way up to 138th Street in Harlem.
Before it came to be known as the district of luxe shopping the term ‘Madison Avenue’ was often used to describe New York City’s vibrant advertising industry as some of the city’s most famous advertising agencies like Young and Rubicam and TBWA were located here . Today however many of these agencies have departed for the more ‘hip and happening’ neighborhoods located in downtown Manhattan and Madison Avenue has now become the domain of the who’s who of the design world as the world’s most famous and well known brands make sure that they have a representation along this avenue.
The main shopping district of Madison Avenue actually starts in the 40’s and continues well in to the 90’s and includes outposts of high end retail like Brooks Brothers, Johnston and Murphy, Calvin Klein, Furla, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Mulberry, Missoni, Gucci, Longchamp, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples and many more.
The Barney’s Department store is also located along Madison Avenue at 60th Street. The store has a wonderful restaurant called Fred’s which makes for an ideal lunch spot if you plan to spend your day window shopping or even dropping big bucks at the many fabulous stores located along Madison Avenue.
Pros
  • Luxe shopping enclave
  • Ease of public transport
  • Elegant
  • Possibly the best blend of upscale elegance with a lively restaurant/bar scene in Manhattan
Cons
  • Boring at night
  • Snooty sales people man the stores that populate Madison Avenue
  • Expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5
2yrs+

"Fashion and culture"

If you feel the need to reacquaint with American art and culture, The Whitney is a great place to stop off at. New York can’t be faulted for the amount of museums and places of interest but this stop off stands out because of its focus on American art and its own unique style. And if its style you want, you cant beat the street that is home to Gucci, Hermes, Prada, Chanel, Chloe and many many more. It’s maybe best to let the lady shop and you spend time in the museum!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"If you've never been, you have to go"

Madison Ave is one of the quintessential New York City streets to see. If you’re a tourist, you must head over to Madison Ave – preferably in the Upper East Side area, though Midtown has a lot to offer as well. Be prepared to venture into crowds on warm sunny days, though, as there is a great deal of shopping to be had on the street. The atmosphere on this street really can’t be beat – just bring lots of money, or be prepared to stare wistfully at those all around you on a shopping frenzy.
5/5
2yrs+

"High End Designer Paradise"

Dolce, Dolce, Dolce! High end designers are in no short supply on Madison Avenue and even if you can't afford to shop at the high end stores it's always nice to take a peek at what you are missing. Dolce and Gabbana, Christian Dior and Armani all have stores on Madison Avenue and if anything it's fun to watch people shop away as yo walk by. The entire Avenue has a rich cultural vibe to it that should not be missed.
4/5
2yrs+

"Yet Another Manhattan Party Hub"

E 23rd street is a great place for the younger crowds. I went to so many parties here! Nothing is actually surprising on this street after you get used to it! It's one of the best college-party scenes around, if you know where to go. I agree with whoever said that the Grand Saloon was a great place for drinks...we would still be in costume after some of the parties we went to, but the Grand Saloon was the sort of place where you could walk in, in the middle of August, dressed as an evil-minion-bunny (or whatever the theme of the party was) and not be asked any direct questions :)

I like that the food isn't overly priced, and the people living on E 23rd are just about right. If you don't have a ton of money, and like to party with friends and are generally relaxed and outgoing, you will be able to find some fun on this street! It's very easy to make friends, especially in the Saloon or in any of the other smaller cafes lining the opposite streets.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5
2yrs+

"Shoppers (or window-shoppers) paradise......"

For high-end shopping, there is no place like it. You can find all the designer stores here. Even if you can’t afford them, it is fun to see Hermes, Dolce and Gabbana, Armani, Christian Dior, just to name a few. You have to be buzzed in to some of them. From the 57th Street to the 80’s, we were in shopping heaven. Madison isn’t known for places to eat. Our suggestion is the have a hot chocolate (the best I have ever had) and a little something at Mirabelle’s in the low-sixties.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"You thought you were well dressed..."

...until you saw the people on Madison Avenue. Actually, it's quite a humorous blend of couture, high/low contemporary, just plain low contemporary, and just plain clueless dressing. Skip the obvious places and go for Takashimaya (if you have the cash). Well, even if you don't have the cash, put on your prettiest clothes and go there and drool at the most artful selection of clothes in the city. If you're one of those tourists that love to go into Prada and LV and gawk at the big shiny expensive things, please don't expect special treatment. Those sales clerks are rude to everyone until they whip out their credit cards.
Recommended for
  • Singles
4/5
2yrs+

"Prime space for real New York living"

Madison Square Park, anyone? Great place to chill, especially if you live nearby. A bit smaller than the further downtown Union Square, but nice to admire the view of the Flatiron. Seriously, you just have to give props to the architectural significance. Also, not to bring up shopping in everything I write, but the City Opera Thriftshop is very near and a GREAT place to go for quality vintage clothes and furniture. You'll be the best decked out hipster in town.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
2/5
2yrs+

"Shoppers paradise for rude people"

A great strip to shop on, but most of the people who sell the high end stuff are very very rude. I'm not the most wealthiest person going around, but walking into a store i expect to be treated with respect.

Seek the back alleys in SOHO, much better shopping experience.
3/5
2yrs+

"Im going to have to disagree on this one"

I've been down Madison Avenue many many times, and while I do agree it's quite the spectacle in terms of shopping and someone what of a tourist trap, i think once you have done it once, you really get over it. Too much traffic hinders how nice it is as well.
Recommended for
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"The Mad Ave"

This street is New York City. It is filled with all of the things people come here to see: fashion, restaraunts, and the gritty culture that defines this tiny island on the East Coast. It is completely PACKED with stores, restaraunts, and people, so I don't think it would be the best place to live... unless you have an addiction to shopping and eating, which most of us do.

In terms of fashion, you'll find the all too amazing PRADA! Go in and have a peek, even if you can't afford anything. If you can, you'll be given champagne as you shop, which of course, helps to loosen up those wallet strings! You'll also find Calvin Klein, Cesare Pasciotti, Christian Louboutin (one of the most amazing shoe designers on Earth!) and many others.

For food, if you can still afford it, try Istana Restaraunt and Bar for some high end drinks.

All in all, Madison Avenue is for those who came to shop!

Madison Avenue is close to several metro stations and is close to many buses. Foot traffic is heavy and I recommend the street to EVERYONE!
3/5
2yrs+

"Hip Street for Hip Kids"

East 23rd street is a cool street with lots of young people and things to do. You’ll find lots of nightlife venues (Grand Saloon— good drink prices) and plenty of good eats (Viang Ping Palace— decent Chinese/Vietnamese place & Kool Bloo Express Eats, which boasts American food). I liked the coolness of the people on the street, someone for everyone I think. As I walked this street, I saw a young man dressed in clothes fresh out of 1980s and thought how wonderful it is to live in a city where freedom of expression is not only encouraged but expected.


East street is close to the following metro station: 6 at 23rd st, R/W at 23rd st , and is accessible to many buses. Foot traffic is and it is a good neighborhood for .
5/5
2yrs+

"good god, I thought it was just advertising"

It isn't. I heard about "Madison Ave advertising agencies" and I thought the place would be full of advertising people the way Wall St has a wall. I was very very wrong.

One block over from Park Pl. (Heh, like in Monopoly), it has some of the snazziest shops imaginable. My god, though, some of them are expensive.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"As good as it gets"

Anyone who has ever been to this street knows that it has no rivals and certainly no equals. I love coming to NY and this street is a must on my 'to see' list everytime. The shopping is great and even if you can't afford any of the high end merchandise from the fabulous stores here, it is great to come here and get inspired to make something of yourself and come back and go on a shopping spree. There is entertainment, great shopping, and who knows who you might run in to.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"Glamorous Place to Shop"

Madison Avenue the coolest place I've been shopping. The worlds upscale boutique's are located at this place like Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani just a few that i visited. Besides the Stores and Shopping this place has Luxurious Hotels surrounding the place. The place is full of life and Glamor.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5/5
2yrs+

"Best street for shopperholics"

Madison Avenue is one of the best streets of New York city. It has got some of the posh localities. Madison avenue was named in honor of James Madison, the fourth President Of United States. You could come across world’s top brand stores on this street. Boutiques such as Gucci located on this street can give you a run for your money.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"My favorite spot in city"

This street got its name from the fourth president of USA, James Madison. It carries only one way traffic and runs north-south of New York city. World’s top class boutiques such as Gucci,Valentino are located on this street. The name Madison avenue can be found in many television advertisements. There a very few advertising agencies over here. But I was deeply engrossed in shopping offers. It is a place to be if you always dreamt of having a Gucci or a Valentino brand.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"One of my fantastic Tours"

A very famous and a beautiful place of NY to visit. I have dreamt of it living there.Its one of the most famous streets because of its impressive greenery, fountains, architecture, its well shaped structure which add a lot to its beauty and elegance.
Another great attraction here is the Madison Square Park. I really love the shopping area. Its always new and an inspiring experience to be in Madison.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
5/5
2yrs+

"My Absolute Favorite New York Green Space Madison Square Park"

On of my favorite Green Spaces in New York is Madison Square Park . It is the typical New York park with great landscaping, fountains, statues and people, people, people. It is easy to find it is bounded on east by Madison between 23rd and 27st. Another thing that makes this park so great is that it has exsisted for 150 years and has recently undergone a total renovation in 2001. The only problem I have with this park is on busy days this park is EXTREMLY BUSY. So busy it may be uncomfortable for some. This park is an absolute must see for visitor and resident of New York alike.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5
2yrs+

"Best place for shopping on the planet. Extremely trendy."

Madison Avenue is one of the most famous streets in New York City. It is extremely famous for its shopping which is some of the best. The shops there are great and all the current trends and fashions start here before anywhere else. It is a very chic street. If you are looking for nice clothes, fancy things, a good time, and amazing shopping make sure you come here before going anywhere else.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
5/5
2yrs+

"Famous for its shops"

One of the most famous streets in New York City, Madison Avenue is known for its outstanding shopping districts. Like Fifth Avenue, Madison Ave is also home for the trendiest and up-to-date fashion styles. This avenue was named after the fourth president of the United States of America, James Madison.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
5/5
2yrs+

"Great Window Shopping and People Watching"

On, the avenue, Fifth Avenue. Goes the famous verse to the song EASTER PARADE. Fifth Avenue has always been known as one of the best streets in the world for shopping but it has become over run by not so chic big box stores. For fine shopping nothing beats a stroll up Madison Ave in the 60's and 70's. Try wondering over to the Carlyle for some cabaret and world-class Dover sole.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
advisor2008
advisor2008 Hi All,

To discover additional detailed statistics about this GREAT City please check the link below:

http://www.bestplaces.net/city/New_York-New_York.aspx (Copy & Paste)

Hope this helps & enjoy your day!
2yrs+
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East 21st St

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