East 41st St, Midtown

Just one block south of the crowded, cramped 42 Street, here on East 41st Street the density has already dissipated. Grand Central, for easy transport access, is but a short walk away, as are the oft-packed theatres of Midtown and Broadway. But this street, largely commercial, is far calmer. The vibe here is "seasoned professional" rather than "eager tourist," and the restaurants, cafes, and nightlife reflect the needs of the white-collar workers who spend their days at the Art Deco office skyscrapers that are so common in this part of midtown. Popular eateries in this district include popular Mexican restaurant Sinigual Contemporary, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and the Tuscan Cibo. If you head even further East, close to the river, you reach the picturesque Tudor City development, a quiet, middle-class village in the heart of an otherwise buzzing commercial area. One of the rare really residential parts of Midtown, it's ideal for diplomats or other international types looking to be close to the U.N.

This street is in the historic district of Tudor City, in east Manhattan. As a girl born and raised in the Midwest, walking along this street reminds me of being back home in Oklahoma, with tree lined blocks, friendly-faces, and a real neighborhood feel. This neighborhood, with its prized real estate and vicinity to the United Nations, offers a true neighborhood in the middle of the concrete jungle. Groups of children from the neighborhood’s preschool take daily strolls through the park. This area is completely residential, so no nightlife or trendy restaurants, but a tip for you couples: there are benches over looking the Hudson and the United Nations that would be the perfect spot to end a night on the town. And for the rest of us, it’s a nice place to collect yourself. Tudor City is one of the many nooks of the city that is truly beautiful!