8.4 out of 10

Central Park

Ranked 6th best neighborhood in Manhattan
40.7802336132302 -73.9656756346504
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Clean & Green
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Public Transport
Not great for
  • Parking
  • Cost of Living
  • Nightlife
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
  • Singles
  • Tourists

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 2/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+
Editors Choice

"An Oasis of Green Among Gray!"

Want a low-cost and fun day in the city? Head over to Central Park. Right in the middle of all those buildings lies one of the greatest treats this city has to offer: a 770 acre park with miles of walking trails and adventure.

Regardless of your age or income you can enjoy the open fields with a blanket and picnic lunch, stroll the bridle path, rest on a bench and listen to one of the many musicians, dancers, or jugglers or even watch a ballgame. While you will have to pay to take a row boar out on the lake or ride the carousel, each is an experience not to be missed that will leave you with memories to treasure forever.

This is also a very popular destination for the pooches that can be seen jogging along side their owners, or strolling the fields with nose down. I very often see dog and owner stretched out on a blanket in a cool patch of grass taking a new winks before heading toward the next adventure.

In the spring and summer months, Sheep Meadow is the preferred tanning salon of many. Any weekend will find a crowd of people hanging with friends or playing Frisbee. This is a designated quiet zone so no loud radios are permitted (or dogs). Another popular spot is the Bethesda Fountain which often has musicians and dancers entertaining the crowd. Or stroll across to the band shell for even more musical delights. You will also get to see roller bladers doing some pretty amazing stunts. At the entrance to the park on Central Park South you can also take carriage horse ride through the park or try out the new pedicabs.

The park also features a Children's Zoo, two ice skating rinks, and many musical and theatrical productions throughout the year. The free concerts in the part are a major attraction and are mostly held on the great lawn near 89th Street off 5th Avenue. Former performers included Bon Jovi, Sting, Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Diana Ross. There is also Strawberry Fields, where a candle continues to burn for John Lennon and musicians play Beatles songs every day of the year. The Dakota is directly across the street from this area.

A stroll through the park may mean a sighting of such stars as Woody Allen, Mary Tyler Moore, or Madonna, all of whom live nearby. While it can be hard to navigate from east to west, ask any New Yorker and more than likely you will be set on the right path!
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
  • central location
  • close to major transport
  • excellent restaurants
Cons
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • crime rates
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
  • far from downtown
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Central Park - Why Live Anywhere Else?"

For a lot of people moving to NYC, the cold cruel streets and urban environment can leave them longing for the green, green grass of home. But residents who live near Central Park get the best of both worlds. This expansive and brilliantly landscaped green haven provides year-round pleasures both natural (trees, ponds, flower gardens) and man made (theatre performances, musical events, art installations)

You’ll find some of Manhattan’s most desirable and famous properties on Central Park West, such as the Dakota at West 72nd Street. The Dakota is home to a wide range of A-list celebrities, and if you like star-gazing, this area is for you. Money isn’t enough at the Dakota, however. The board is notoriously persnickety and has refused prospective tenants including Billy Joel, Cher, and Antonio Bandaras.

Money IS enough a few blocks down the street and if you’ve got the big money to invest in living there, you should! At 15 Central Park West, for example, owners who originally paid about $2,500, can now command $4,500 per square foot. For park views, be prepared to pay closer to $6,000 per square foot.

If you want to live near the park and are willing to reside further uptown, the blocks above 96th Street are far more affordable, with studios available for as little as $1500. This uptown area isn’t as swanky, but it’s still close to the park and a great place to live.

One of the best things about living on Central Park West or on any of the more affordable side streets that run its length from 59th Street to 110th Street is the ease of commuting. The IND subway has local and express stops along full length of the park, and the ultra-reliable IRT subway is just a few blocks away on Broadway, so you always have options should one train line or another have a problem. You can zoom from CPW to midtown in about 10 minutes and reach the lower tip of Manhattan in about 20.

It’s also easy to get to the eastside. Crosstown buses can be found about every 10 blocks. Schedules vary depending on the time of day, but you seldom have to wait more than 10 minutes.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
Cons
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Central Park: A Lavish Oasis in the Middle of the Big Apple"

Central Park is probably the most famous park in the world. Surrounded by housing, from high end to low income as you make your way uptown, Central Park offers everyone a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wonderfully landscaped with flora and fauna, and mature trees, Central Park is a haven for runners, cyclists, walkers, offer workers out on a lunch, tourists seeking shade from the sun, and taxi cab drivers trying to cut across town. Its zoo, carousel, and lake are prized and many people come to NYC just for those. I often go to the Museum of Natural History myself which is on the upper east side just outside the park. Vendors abound offering all types of food and wares, and if you have enough energy you can walk the length of it (from 59th St Columbus circle all the way up into upper Harlem). The park is expansive, but offers New Yorkers miles of grass, something that doesn't exist in much quantity in the city. Festivals about in the summer at the band stand such as the Shakespearean festival. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Once you go in, it will take you a bit to come out the other side (if you are going across town). Tourists will love the street performers.
Pros
  • Zoo
  • Carousel
  • Band Stand
Cons
  • Beware of muggers at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"The Crown Jewel of New York City"

Central Park is by far the biggest park in the city yet no matter what part you try to find real estate it all seems like too much. Central Park is pretty much where they put all of the trees that once used to be in the city but it is truly a great place to live, if you can afford it.

The park is great, whether you live by yourself, with a partner, or with kids. There are hundreds of acres of running tracks, sports fields, ponds, and just a place to relax in the shade or on the grass. The park also features a full zoo, a carousel, horse carriage rides, boat rentals, two ice skating rinks, and also hosts many musical and theatrical productions throughout the year. The free concerts in the park are actually one of the best kept secrets among New Yorkers as stars like Bon Jovi, Elton John, and Diana Ross have performed in the free, open-air theater.

For tourists, the area is pretty cut and dry. The park is great but there is not a whole lot to do otherwise. The area is a bit difficult to get around, especially if you want to go from one side of the park to the other. It is a very expensive neighborhood in terms of just about everything. On the bright side, this is also the area many stars choose to call home so you never know when you will see Woody Allen or Scarlett Johansson at a table next to yours.

Also, while the park might be great during the day, it is best to stay clear of it at night.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central location
Cons
  • dead at night
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
2yrs+

"Where everyone in NYC wants to live"

The area surrounding Central Park is the dream of every New Yorker. Everyone wants to live there, but it's a pipe dream for most of us. This is where some of the wealthiest people in the world live – people like Woody Allen and Mary Tyler Moore, for example. The buildings that line Central Park West and Central Park South are gorgeous, and you can't beat the views of the park.

Central Park is a marvel of landscaping, and I still find it amazing that it ever got built (I understand that it almost didn't.) Today, it probably wouldn't because greed would prevail, and the real estate developers would take it over. I'm sure they'd still love to get their hands on it, but New Yorkers would never stand for it. We love our beautiful park, which is huge and filled with animals (even raccoons), a skating rink, a theatre, a zoo, gardens, and all sorts of other things. It's truly an oasis right in the center of Manhattan, and to live right next to it would be wonderful.

If you can afford to live here, I doubt that I need to sell you on it. The restaurants and shopping are a block or two off the park, but with an address like that, who cares? Besides, if you can afford to live here, you don't have to shop for yourself.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
Cons
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
  • terrible grocery stores
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Trendy & Stylish
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 1/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"An – Albeit Inconvenient – Oasis in the City"

The area surrounding Central Park is some of the world’s most expensive real estate – and there’s a reason. While the rest of us have views of…well, each other really, being cramped building-to-building with a window that leads either to our neighbor’s or the street, those who have settled around the park have a very rare New York view of lush trees, sprawling fields and even lakes and castle-like structures.

Central Park is overwhelmingly large, which can be the best thing or the worst thing depending on what your day involves. If you’re on the Upper East Side and you need to be on the Upper West Side in half an hour, it’s the worst. With no subways cutting across the park, you’re left with a could-be-dreadful cross-town bus, could-be-astronomically-expensive cab, or a could-be-insanely-inconvenient subway transfer. But if you’ve got a day to while away pretending you’ve taken a vacation to the countryside, the park’s size will not disappoint. To be accurate, it will leave you with too much to do in just a day. Indulge your Beatles-mania at Strawberry Fields. Take in the views from the high-up look-out points of the beautiful Belvedere Castle, and during the summer, catch a Shakespeare play for free at the nearby Delacorte Theater. Geek out with history at the Blockhouse, a fort from the War of 1812. Embrace your inner child or take your own children to the Central Park Zoo, the Cherry Hill Carousel, or to any of the park’s numerous playgrounds. Sail toy boats near the Loeb Boathouse – or enjoy a delicious meal there. Take a break near the Bethesda Fountain, used over and over again as a backdrop in movies. Spot swimming turtles at Turtle Pond, or stroll beautiful gardens like the Shakespeare Gardens or the Victorian Gardens. If it’s activity more than attraction you want, rent bicycles to get around faster, hike the trails, swim at the public pool or take it easy with a book on Sheep Meadow. There’s literally something for everyone, and all you have to do to end your vacation is step back out onto Fifth Avenue or Central Park West.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
  • central location
  • close to major transport
Cons
  • dead at night
  • crime rates
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
  • neighborhood isn't what you'd call hip or young
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • surrounding restaurants tend to be mediocre yet expensive
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
  • limited dining
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
5/5
2yrs+

"Best Park in the World"

How amazing is it that in the middle of the most expensive real estate in the world there is 770 acres reserved exclusively for a park?

Central Park is free for everyone. No matter who you are you can enjoy the fields, pathways, benches, sights, and sounds. If you want to eat something you'll have to pay, or if you want to take a row boat out on the pond (highly recommended), but there's no entrance fee. In other words, you have no excuse to miss this amazing piece of woodland scenery in the center of Manhattan.

My wife and I take our dog here every weekend with a blanket and a couple of magazines. We grab a patch of grass somewhere (you can always find a spot somewhere) and camp out.

When spring hits after a long winter, Sheep's Meadow (the largest clearing in the lower side of the park) is full of beautiful people in bathing suits getting sun for the first time in months. Picnics, frisbee, sunbathing...it's a pretty amazing sight.

The Bethesda Fountain and Bethesda Terrace are no longer under renovation are can now be enjoyed in their full glory.

There’s nothing like Central Park. It’s buzzing with energy and one of the few places in the city where everyone seems to get along.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"New York's Community Center"

On a bright midsummer afternoon, it can feel like all of New York City has chosen to come out and play in the leafy expanses of Central Park. While other parks, such as Riverside Drive or Carl Schurz, have their own neighborhood clientele, Central Park - given its convenient location - is by far the largest and most populated in Manhattan, frequented by tourists and locals alike. But, unlike many parks, Central Park offers more than just green lawns and bucolic charm. Nature-lovers can learn about the park's flora and fauna at Belvedere Castle; families can picnic on Sheep Meadow or rent boats (remote controlled or row-boats) at the lake. With "literary walks," plenty of playgrounds (including the Ancient Playground, located next to and inspired by the Metropolitan Museum, and one of the best kids' haunts in the city, and the stunning rocky wilderness around Hector Playground further south), and even an ice skating rink in the winter, Central Park has it all. That said, there's a few drawbacks to the place: with the exception of street-vendor hot dogs and pretzels, filling food is a rarity in the park, and only the pricey Boathouse offers sit-down fare. But the restaurants off Fifth and Central Park West tend to be generally of a high standard, and if all else fails, the park is always a perfect place for a picnic.

While the park is generally safe, it's worth avoiding at night, where the darkness and seclusion of the area make it a target for criminal activity, as well as some gay cruising in the Bramble area.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
Cons
  • limited dining
  • dead at night
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
2yrs+

"Really a remarkable relief"

There are many parts of Central Park that are unpleasant. Yes, I’m thinking about the southern parts with the clomping horses giving rides to tired tourists. It just smells awful and it’s not at all a relaxing experience for me.

But other parts of the part are truly wonderful. I think the northern section of the park, right by Harlem, is one of the least appreciated areas of the entire city. Much of the natural rock remains in this section of the park. It’s also less busy than other sections. In the autumn the trees change and fall on all the paths. It just more beautiful than I can say. And it’s so unexpected to look out the bus window at building after building after building and then, all of a sudden, see this gorgeous area of trees and grass.

The exercise trails are great for runner or joggers or walkers. Or Rollerbladers or cyclists. There are miles to walk in paths that, unlike the rest of the city, are not straight. The public statues are fun and informative, if you’re in the mood for that.

But the thing I love most about Central Park is that if you get far enough inside, you can barely hear the city anymore. It’s amazing how a few layers of trees can really dampen noise from subway cars and buses and electric fans and people and everything else. It’s a wonderful retreat.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"What's not to love about Central Park?"

This is one of those rare places in the city that no one can really criticize, because what's not to love about Central Park? It's the perfect place for a quiet afternoon alone with a new book, for a first date conversation, or a healthy jog around the reservoir. And it's a must-see tourist destination for certain.

Though it may look completely natural and many of the trees have aged quite a bit, the entirety of the park was imported or man-made, which to me makes it all the more impressive and that much more of a true symbol of the city.

People from every walk of life converge in the park year-round, but it is of course especially beautiful during the spring and summer months, causing more and more park goers to linger throughout the day. It makes for a all-around hot spot because there are so many things to do there - from active things like roller blading or rowing boats across the lake to touristy things like carriage riding to lazy summer things like sunbathing.

Not only that, but Central Park is essential to an island with so much surrounding concrete, and an obvious choice for a much-needed respite from the drama of the city.
Pros
  • classy neighborhood
  • the Strand sells some of its best used books at its stand at the southeast corner of the park
  • Beautiful
  • central to everything
  • everyone dressed so well
  • Trees
Cons
  • surrounding restaurants tend to be mediocre yet expensive
  • neighborhood isn't what you'd call hip or young
  • crime rates
  • dead at night
  • far from downtown
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"The ultimate summertime hangout"

It's not an exaggeration to think of Central Park as the best public park in the world, when you think about how it provides recreation to millions of people every day. Besides its natural beauty, its historical highlights, and its beautiful views, the park also has many odd corners and surprising twists. Near 67th Street and 5th Avenue you can find a statue of Balto, a sled dog that saved Alaskan explorers from death, and a statue that has been sat upon by every kid who ever passed by. The Literary Walk is lined with Shakespeare and Burns, plus a spectacular collection of elm trees. At Box Bridge, a fine cast iron bridge, you can get your fill of swans, boats, and lovers. You can also visit Yoko Ono's Strawberry Fields and look at the “Imagine” mosaic, which is home to candles and hippies year-round. There's also a butterfly habitat to the left of the Boathouse restaurant, near where bicycles are rented. It is a fenced-in area with flowering wild plants specifically planted to attract butterflies. The Shakespeare Garden near Belvedere Castle contains all the flowers mentioned in all of Shakespeare's plays. But aside from all that, Central Park is the classic summertime hangout. You can grab a girl, a blanket, and a bottle of wine and make an afternoon of it.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 1/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 1/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Relief from urban life"

We can be grateful for many years to come that city planners more than 200 years ago had the foresight to plan a large public place like Central Park into Manhattan's quickly developing landscape. Who hasn't enjoyed a summer afternoon in Central Park? In 2005, the real estate value of the park was estimated at over 520 billion, and yet that valuable Manhattan space is entirely free and open to the public. The park is bordered on all sides by Central Park West, Central Park South, Central Park North, and Fifth Avenue, where some of the most expensive real estate in the city is located. Some of the most renown Central Park attractions include the carriage horses that are operated from Central Park South, the free, open air performances of Shakespeare during summer organized by the Public Theater, and the ice skating rink that operates during winter time. Central Park can be said to be the great equalizer of the city. Everyone goes there, everyone makes use of its many attractions, people come there from all parts of the city and from every background imaginable. The great dream that its creators had, of a democratic development that would provide relief from the pressures of urban living to all, is very much alive in this gorgeous space.
Pros
  • central to everything
  • Trees
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
Cons
  • dead at night
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • surrounding restaurants tend to be mediocre yet expensive
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 1/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Smells like Money"

Central Park is New York City’s iconic patch of green which is located in the heart of Manhattan. This green lung extends from 59th Street to 110th Street from Eighth Avenue to Fifth Avenue. The park has several entrances at Columbus Circle, at East59th Street, at East 79th Street etc. The Park also has traverse roads at 65th, 79th, 86th and 96th streets which connect the West Side to the East Side and vice-versa.

The real estate that surrounds Central Park constitutes some of the most, exclusive and expensive real estate in Manhattan. On the East side towards the south end of the park, the neighborhood is littered with luxurious hotels like the Plaza and the Pierre both of which offer expensive residences as well as hotel accommodation. Also located within the neighborhood are some of the bastions of high end retail in Manhattan like the Bergdorf Goodman store, The FAO Schwartz Children’s store and the glass cube which contains one NYC’s most famous and heavily tourist trafficked Apple stores. As you head along the park on the East side ,the Park is bordered by elegant co-op buildings which have spacious apartments that house some of the city’s most prominent and moneyed residents like ex-NY state governor Eliot Spitzer.

Also located within this neighborhood are some of NYC’s world renowned museums, The Museum of Metropolitan Art (the Met), The Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, The Frick Collection, El Museo del Bario, The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Museum of the City of New York etc. Many of these museums are concentrated along a stretch of Fifth Avenue which stretches from 82nd Street to 105th which is commonly referred to as Museum Mile.
The stretch of Fifth Avenue which borders the park is well served by the city’s public buses like the M1, M2, M3 and the cross town buses like the M66, M72, M79, M96 and M106.

On the west side of the Park on 59th Street lies Columbus Circle which is home to mixed use Time Warner Center which has within in upscale retail, dining ( the renowned Per Se restaurant) and accommodation options( high end condominiums and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel). North of Columbus Circle is area known as Central Park West. This highly coveted neighborhood has the American Museum of Natural History located within it as well as some of New York City’s most high profile real estate in the form of buildings like the Dakota which was home to the Beatle John Lennon, 15 Central Park West which is home to Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein and the stately Beresford building which houses Vikram Pandit the current CEO of the Citigroup.
Pros
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
  • The neighborhood can be described as being elegant and refined
  • A boon for culture lovers
  • Beautiful
  • everyone dressed so well
  • central location
Cons
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
  • boring
  • crime rates
  • dead at night
  • expensive
  • far from downtown
  • terrible grocery stores
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
5/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
2yrs+

"Perfect for a quick getaway"

During my last trip to the park, I found myself sitting under the fall trees, listening to a three piece jazz band that often plays to the crowds in the Park. Central Park can be almost magical if the weather is just right – thanks in part to countless movies that have immortalized the place. No one is too young or too old or from too far away to enjoy Central Park, a much needed respite from the rest of the stress-inducing isle of Manhattan.
Pros
  • buskers
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • classy neighborhood
Cons
  • dead at night
  • crime rates
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
  • neighborhood isn't what you'd call hip or young
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
2yrs+

"It goes without saying: Central Park is incredible"

You can't visit New York without going to Central Park. And, you can't live in New York without going to Central Park either. Without that oasis, all NY'ers would lose their minds. It is giant and beautiful and even when it's crowded it is still serene.
It's a great place to get away from the sensory overload of the city any time of year, but when the first signs of spring come, going to Central Park is glorious. And, there are so many things to do besides just sitting and reading a book (not that that's not great).
The Central Park bike loop is 6.2 miles of moderately hilly riding with great things to look at and some really cool people watching. Strawberry Fields (the monument to John Lennon) is always full of people and sometimes has a group of uber - fans gathered round singing songs in tribute. You can watch the giant turtles at turtle pond, have a drink at the Boathouse (cliche but still awesome) and go row boating after a quick ride on the carousel.
Shakespeare in the Park and The Philharmonic in the Park are must -sees for Central Park in the summer. The Philharmonic is pretty self - explanatory. Shakespeare in the Park is presented by the Public Theatre for free. There are always big names starring in the plays (Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Al Pacino) and the open air theatre with the lights and all the nature is stunning.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • You never run out of things to do
  • Trees
  • close to major transport
  • close to Columbia
  • central to everything
  • excellent restaurants
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Country Lovers
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Great Place to Picnic and Have Fun"

Despite the hustle of city life, there is actually a place you can go to have fun and enjoy yourself. Why not unwind and get away from the stress of the city. You can have a picnic while watching performers do their act. There is so much you can do. If you have kids, take them along.
Pros
  • Beautiful
  • Trees
  • central to everything
  • classy neighborhood
  • The Central Park area of New York City is the main verdant spot in the concrete jungle of Manhattan
  • excellent restaurants
Cons
  • Too busy at times
  • crime rates
  • No street parking near the park if you need to park you have to put your vehicle in a parking lot
  • The area around Central Park is not very well illuminated at night and can seem a bit spooky
  • Extremely expensive neighborhood
  • neighborhood isn't what you'd call hip or young
  • surrounding restaurants tend to be mediocre yet expensive
  • limited dining
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Internet Access 1/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
2yrs+

"A Place for All New Yorkers"

"Central" in more ways than one, Central Park is the green heart of the busy metropolis that is New York City, a place that brings the social strata and vastly diversified enclaves of New York City together as a community. Expect to find Upper East Side moms, perfectly coiffed, playing with children in the numerous playgrounds that dot the green landscape, teenagers-in-love necking on the meadows of the Great Lawn, dog-lovers running to keep up with their German Shepherds, joggers, cyclists, picnicers, and more. Unlike Riverside Drive, Carl Schurz Park, or other city parks, Central Park lacks a single "neighborhood" feel - rather, it's a truly democratic venue: a place for everyone.

At its best in the winter, when snow covers the landscape (the path from the zoo to Central Park South, in particular, comes to resemble a Victorian winter wonderland), or in the heat of the summer, when sunbathers transform the grass into a sea of increasingly pink bodies and the park gains a nightlife of its own with free events like SummerStage and the ever-worthy Shakespeare in the Park, Central Park is nevertheless a year-round attraction. Places to go include the Central Park Zoo, with its seals and penguins (and adjacent petting zoo for the more domestically minded), the enormous Alice in Wonderland Statue by the model boat rental stand, and the nature conservation paradise Belvedere Castle. The back mezzanine of the Metropolitan Museum also looks out over the Park, creating a perfect place for a picnic!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"Much more than a park"

The Central Park neighborhood is truly for everyone. This area bustles with joggers, families, and business professionals; not to mention tourists from all over the world. The Park itself is the most visited park in the United States, and home to many more attractions than the countless walking paths and large ponds. Central Park is home to Central Park Zoo, the Central Park Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare in the Park, ice skating rinks, and much more.

You won’t find bars or nightclubs in the park, but you will find some classic night spots along the border, including Mickey Mantle’s and Harry’s New York Bar. Tavern on the Green is Central Park’s most notarized restaurant and for something a little more romantic, try the Boathouse Café overlooking Central Park Lake.

Several supermarkets and pharmacies are also in the area, as well as three post offices. Central Park has all the amenities of urban life with more of a suburban feel. Have a picnic, go for a jog, rent a rowboat, or just park yourself on a bench and people watch - Central Park will bring that serenity you need in a very busy world.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5
2yrs+

"Get to the Park for a bit of relaxation (though probably not a break from the crowds)"

I feel like I almost don’t even need to encourage everyone and their mother to head over to Central Park at least once, because it seems like everyone does so regardless of whether they’ve been told they must.
Central Park is the ultimate desert oasis – it offers a break from the wall-to-wall concrete and traffic overflow contained in the rest of the city. The Park is populated with everyone from the homeless to the business elite on their lunch breaks. Young people can be seen sipping lattes and sporting ankle boots, and there are often outdoor weddings held in and around the boathouse. If you’re into biking, jogging, or just want to row a boat around a tiny lake overpopulated with row boats, you can do all of these things here.
Central Park is truly gorgeous, and being located in the midst of all that concrete only makes it seem that much better.

Best Streets in Central Park

1

West 59 St

4.5/5
"Park Living"
40.7662411785499 -73.9775761874709
2

East Dr

4/5
"The best of Manhattan, this street runs the length of Central Park."
40.7838795750048 -73.9591768447992
3

Columbus Cir

3.5/5
"A Hub of the Westside"
40.7684265265769 -73.9816315647617
"Transverse this Road with caution!"
40.769865218902 -73.9747038359898
"The route to all the goodies"
40.7738043695359 -73.9725121707311
6

West Dr

3.5/5
"Great for joggers, during off-traffic hours"
40.7870201971717 -73.9671436207382
7

5 Ave

3.5/5
"Crowded part of the park"
40.764260000221 -73.973862501056
"Top end of the Resevoir"
40.7884015005813 -73.9561449973001
"The American Museum of Natural History Tops The List"
40.7851415700214 -73.9694464924141
"The way to Belvedere and the Wall"
40.7786856035021 -73.9681952675445

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