7.9 out of 10

Kips Bay

Ranked 10th best neighborhood in Manhattan
40.7396027274288 -73.9762216723918
Great for
  • Medical Facilities
  • Schools
  • Internet Access
  • Resale or Rental Value
  • Gym & Fitness
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Parking
  • Shopping Options
  • Eating Out
  • Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Students
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 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+

"A Pretty and Quiet Neighborhood, Access to All"

I really love having access to the waterfront running path and all the cool places around Union Square. It's really amazing how much quieter it is in this area compared to the west side. Compared to most places in Manhattan, this neighborhood has a lot going for it for the price.
Pros
  • River Access
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A Beautiful and Peaceful Area in the Center of Manhattan"

I recently stayed at a hotel in the lower part of Kips Bay. My friends and I had a great time! It was really nice to be able to go to the local bars and restaurants after exploring the rest of the city. Also, it was only a ten minute walk to the East Village, Flatiron and Chelsea.

I previously stayed at some hotels on the west side and although the experience was fine, the areas over there tend to be much more rowdy and hectic. I'll stick with the east side.
Pros
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Students
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 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 4/5
2yrs+

"Best Deal in Manhattan!"

I moved back to the city from Brooklyn a few years ago after the prices became unbearable in the trendy neighborhoods. After researching for awhile I decided upon coming to the Kips Bay area. It's a really reasonable price for the amount of convenience and nice areas nearby. There's great shopping at the Fairway or the family market across the street. Quietest movie-theater in the city. Not trendy at all, but the quick walk to the East Village is what it's all about. So nice to be able to walk to work again!
Pros
  • Great Price
  • Friendly People
  • Not Pretentious
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • 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+

"Kips Bay is a Great Neighborhood!"

Kips Bay is a great place for a working professional to live. You can walk to work, live in a peaceful area and have access to all the nightlife nearby. There's also plenty of food options too. The rental prices are amazing compared to nearby areas!
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Affordable
  • Good Food
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Pretty and Quiet Neighborhood With Lots of Convenience"

As a native New Yorker and resident of Kips Bay, I can't say enough about the neighborhood. I've lived before in mostly the more trendy neighborhoods, including the Village and Chelsea, and feel this area has a lot going for it. Being able to live in a quiet and convenient neighborhood without the ridiculous prices of the neighboring areas is a big plus.

There are plenty of restaurant and bar options, the East River Park / Stuyvesant Cove area nearby, the best movie theater in the city, and easy access to the East Village, Flatiron, Chelsea, etc. Also, for anyone working nearby in midtown, it basically gives you the option to walk everywhere and avoid taking the subway. Overall, an amazing deal to be in a prime part of Manhattan.
Pros
  • Nearby the River
  • Proximity to Trendy Neighborhoods
  • Great Prices for Manhattan
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Less Tourists
  • Great Price for Manhattan
  • Hipster-free
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"A place to live..not to visit"

Kips Bay is quieter and less crowded than neighborhoods further inland and is made up of mostly residences, schools and hospitals. You have access to the conveniences you need for living such as banks, supermarkets, dry cleaners and drug stores rather than specialty stores. It has good restaurants right nearby such as Danny Meyer's Blue Smoke, Sarabeth's and the Turkish Kitchen and if you like middle eastern/Indian food, there is Curry Hill centered around Lexington Avenue and 28th Street. The Select Buses that run up First Avenue and down 2nd Avenue make the commute to downtown or uptown rather quick and, if you are a biker like me, the bike lanes on First and Second and the greenway along the East River make the commute enjoyable. What it doesn't have are those things that are more attractive to visitors such as French cafes, cheese shops, high end chocolates and high end clothing stores.. But, if you want those, you can find them by walking 5 or 10 minutes to the Flatiron District along Broadway and 5th Avenue or you can shop at Eataly (a high-end Italian Market) or relax at Madison Square Park and then come back home away from the bustle.
Pros
  • convenient
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 5/5
2yrs+

"Kips Bay - Bland, But Livable"

Kips Bay is a small Manhattan neighborhood. It runs from 23rd Street (north of the Flatiron District) to 34th Street (the southern tip of midtown Manhattan), with the East River and Park Avenue South providing its other boundaries. It is primarily a sea of modern, character-less high rise apartment towers, but some of the city's finest residential post-war buildings are also located here.

No-fee rental apartments are plentiful, with many condo and co-op owners hosting open houses each week. Rents are comparable to other New York neighborhoods (around $3,500 for a one-bedroom), but the quality is definitely higher. Renters can expect amenities such as half-bathrooms, dishwashers, and other ‘fine living’ extras. And the further east to head, the better the rents may be. On side streets, you may be able to find a studio for as little as $2,100 per month.

With so many residents, the area is awash in everything you need for day-to-day living. Unlike some neighborhoods, Kips Bay has lots of tailors, dry cleaners, shoe repair shops, and supermarkets, in addition to tons of bars and restaurants. There’s also a spiffy Kips Bay multiplex which helps made the area ‘self-sufficient.’

Have the need for speed when it comes to commuting? You’re in trouble in Kips Bay. Although construction of a subway along 2nd Avenue is underway, the neighborhood is accessible exclusively via bus or taxi. And whether you’re on a city bus or in your private car, the traffic is snarled during rush hour, as Long Island commuters travel through Kips Bay on their way to the Midtown Tunnel (34th Street) and Queensboro Bridge (59th Street).
Pros
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
Cons
  • Boring
  • No personality
  • Generic
  • No distiinct ambience, can be best described as a mish mash
  • Dive bars along First Avenue can be a bit of a nuisance at night
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Kips Bay: Pretty Place that is Nice to Stroll Through"

Kips Bay is a small neighborhood on the East Side of Manhattan that runs from 23rd to 33rd Streets or thereabouts. Since it's the East Side we New Yorkers generalize by saying it's more stuffy as compared to the West Side. Shops are just more geared toward organic foods, sunglasses, boutiques and the like, whereas the West Side just seems more down-to-earth. But who can really say. It may just be the attitudes. This area is lovely -- this I can say. It's clean, nice to walk through, and generally pleasant to the eye. You can find some really nice apartments over here, although they may be a little pricey. There is a nice movie theater in the area so that's certainly a plus. Restaurants are plentiful and unlike other areas that are further uptown, Kips Bay is very reasonably priced.

You can find some fun bars, and if you walk to the river you can catch some great views especially on the Fourth of July when they do the fireworks.

This is not really a place for tourists in my view -- not enough to do, but it's a great place to visit if you have the time and have seen every other neighborhood in New York City.
Pros
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
Cons
  • No distiinct ambience, can be best described as a mish mash
  • No personality
Recommended for
  • Singles
  • Retirees
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
2yrs+

"Just a hop away from neighborhoods that are hopping"

Notable in Kips Bay are the Bellevue Hospital facilities - which are really incredible, it's sort of like the airport of hospitals. Hopefully no one reading this will ever find themselves there but if you do, you'll find yourself in good hands. Other than Bellevue - a building that is rather historic in itself - there isn't much to be seen in this neighborhood. (Obviously, if the first thing one mentions in a review is a hospital, there isn't much hope for the area.)

Kips Bay is well stocked with drug stores (not surprisingly, see above), and little places to grab a bite. But this little section of Manhattan is a far cry from anything trend-worthy. On the up-side, it's not a far walk to the cooler neighborhoods of Chelsea or the East Village. Heck, you could even cab it to the LES in no time at all.

So the conclusion is this: even if there isn't a lot to do in the immediate blocks that make up Kips Bay, it's not very difficult to get from boring Kips Bay to a more happening area. And then, when you've had your fun for the evening, it wouldn't be so bad to head back to this quiet area and hit the hay.
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Boring
  • Generic
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Pretty Neighborhood But Not Much Going On"

Kips Bay is a nieghborhood in the midtown-east section of the city, extending from 23rd Street to 34th Street and 1st to Lexington Avenue. My association with the area, dating from my college days,are the Kips Bay apartments that house many NYU professors, with the NYU Langone Medical Center on first and 34th Street.

This is a more a residential than commercial area, somewhat removed from other parts of the city. The area offers good shopping options with a Borders Bookstore and Petco on 2nd Avenue and 33rd Street. There are several gourmet grocery stores and the area offers some nice if somewhat pricey restaurants, as well as some good diners. There is not much going on in the way of nightlife, although there is a movie theater located next to Borders.

For myself, the area lacks character and is a place I walk through on the way to someplace else. However, this very feature can make it an attractive housing option for those who seek a quiet neighborhood somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of the midtown area, yet within walking distance to it. The many office buildings are located primarily on Park Avenue South, Madison Avenue, and Fifth Avenue.Keep in mind that housing in the neighborhood the area is expensive for both buyers and renters with apartments on the smaller side.

The area is served by the Lexington Ave subway, (4,5 and 6) as well as buses. For those with a car, it is also a quick trip outside the city via the midtown tunnel.

This is also a great neighborhood for restaurants. As one of the other reviews said, it isn't a trendy neighborhood, and the apartments tend to be small. But it's still a nice area. I'd live in Kips Bay in a heartbeat.
Pros
  • Convenient
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Boring
  • Generic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Country Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Generic Neighborhood Right Next To Everything"

Kip's Bay is nothing special but it's located in Manhattan, right next to everything you may need.

This is probably best for residents as this is one of those places there is nothing for tourists to check out unless you enjoy looking at the exteriors of college campuses. Luckily, it lies within walking distance of everything the Village and Midtown Manhattan have to offer. The area has your basics: pharmacies, a couple of supermarkets, gyms, hospitals, schools, and a decent amount of cafes and bars. Nothing spectacular, not too much history, but a decent place to live if you can afford to live within walking distance of Midtown.

For tourists, you may be able to find a bite to eat and a drink but not much else. This is simply a residential area for folk that want an easy commute to work and college and medical school students that attend the nearby schools.

Overall, this is actually a pretty nice place that is quiet and safe and has access to the more popular aspects of the city but apartments are far from cheap. It has everything you'd need from a neighborhood: basic shopping, movie theaters, food, bars, but not much else. Bonus points if you work at one of the local hospitals as every nearby joint offers a discount.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
  • Great views
  • Nice Buildings
Cons
  • No personality
  • Boring
  • Too busy at times
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 5/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 3/5
2yrs+

"Nice neighborhood near midtown"

Kips Bay is a Manhattan neighborhood on the east side from about 23rd Street to 34th Street. Generally, it runs east from Lexington Avenue, although I don't think these neighborhood markers are official. This is a nice neighborhood that is far enough east to actually feel residential. (As you go toward the center of Manhattan, it becomes more commercial.) It can even be relatively quiet in Kips Bay compared to a lot of areas in Manhattan. Yet, there's plenty of shopping and things to do (although not a great deal of nightlife.) The grocery stores are pretty good in most of this neighborhood, and there are movie theatres and bars.

This isn't a cheap neighborhood. After all, it's pretty much right in the center of everything in Manhattan, and that location comes at a price. But if you can afford it or share a place with others, it can be a great place to live, especially if you work in midtown on the east side, as many people do. There are tons of office buildings in this part of town, some of them even on Lexington Avenue or Third Avenue. The majority, however, are on Park Avenue South, Madison Avenue, and Fifth Avenue. If you work there, you'll only have a few blocks to walk or one or two subway stops to get to work.

This is also a great neighborhood for restaurants. As one of the other reviews said, it isn't a trendy neighborhood, and the apartments tend to be small. But it's still a nice area. I'd live in Kips Bay in a heartbeat.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
Cons
  • No distiinct ambience, can be best described as a mish mash
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5
2yrs+

"Walk (don't run) to Kip's Bay"

Kip's Bay is not without charm, but it is without allure. Nobody brags about their Kip's Bay apartment or is dying to go to some party there. It's a neighborhood without cache. If you want to live somewhere that will impress people, live somewhere else. If you want to live somewhere that may impress you...walk (don't run) to Kip's Bay.

The community isn't a tight one and nobody (that I've met) is proud to live here. That doesn't mean, however, that it's not a fine place to live. In fact, Kip’s Bay could prove to be a rather charming place to live.

In fact, the mix of architecture is rather surprising and hints at the long and strange history of the area. Some wood frame houses still exist, harkening back to the early days of the American Revolutionary War.

Traffic is generally not a problem, though is prone to congestion especially near FDR drive. Tourists generally avoid this area, so restaurants (which aren’t standout) are not typically crowded. A short walk to the 4/5 trains put you on an express track to the rest of the city.

Proximity to Murray Hill and Midtown add to the appeal of Kip’s Bay, putting you close to prime areas at a reduced price.
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
2yrs+

"Nice Place to Live but You Wouldn’t Want to Visit"

Just east of Manhattan’s own “frat row” (aka, Murray Hill), Kips Bay is all about convenience. The neighborhood consists of high rises, medical facilities, grocery stores, drugstores and, yes, a mall. Basically, it’s easy to live there and just as easy to run errands there. You need medicine or food late at night? No problem. But if it’s shopping, nightlife, or a culinary treat you seek, start walking south. Or north, or west. Anywhere else. Because, like everything else about Kips Bay, the location is convenient. Because you want to be able to walk to another neighborhood to do just about anything interesting.

Of course, there is the movie theater. One of the largest and cleanest in the city, the Loews Theater is one thing people actually go to Kips Bay for. It’s attached to a strip mall, which is (word of the day!) convenient if you have time to kill before your movie starts. Otherwise, there’s nothing in this little strip mall that isn’t in another, better neighborhood anyway. This neighborhood is really best suited for those in the medical profession or those are studying to be. NYU’s medical school is here, Bellevue is here, etc. So, it’s a nice and easy, walking commute for those who notoriously work/study all hours of the day and night. If you’ve got time to have a life, though, you won’t want to have one here.
Pros
  • Quiet
  • Convenient
Cons
  • Boring
  • Generic
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
2yrs+

"Really not as bad as people say"

Kips Bay is not the horrible neighborhood other reviewers make it out to be. There are a lot of hideously ugly high rises, built in that bricky-glassy 60’s mode, I’ll give you that. And then there’s something called the Kips Bay Mall, which is just never a good idea. There’s also Bellevue hospital, which I can tell you from personal experience is-unfortunately-not bursting with crazy people. Much of the neighborhood is dominated with NYU medical buildings. Which are also ugly and filled with cranky med students.

BUT there is more to this neighborhood than the ugly buildings and a plethora of medical facilities. Among the ugly buildings, there are completely charming, pretty buildings in unexpected places. If you don’t like unsightly high rises, keep your eyes closer to the ground and I guarantee you’ll start to appreciate the beautiful brick buildings with little alleys and decorative stone trims. There are charming carriage houses and some lovely little stores around the corner from the condos.

Keep in mind that having lots of high housing isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means cell reception is great, there is cable in most of the buildings, grocery stores stock all manner of food, bus stops aren’t scary and lonely, and there are drugs stores where you can pick up cough syrup and ice cream in the middle of the night.

And if you tire of the overpriced delis and organic food stores (and who doesn’t?) then take a short walk over to some of the beautiful riverfront walks. Really, they’re beautiful. This neighborhood is not as sleek as midtown and not as quirky as the Lower East Side. But there are lots of conveniences to appreciate and lots of beauty in unexpected places.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 2/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 2/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Hop to Kips Bay for a Movie"

If you like movies, you will like Kips Bay. There is a large movie place there. Besides Lowes Theater, there is also Petco, if you have a pet. There is also Borders next to the theater. So if you do not want to watch a movie, you can read a book.

Around the corner is NY University Hospital. You can also find diners, restaurants, and plenty of delis in the area. There is a little bit of everything in this area.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
Cons
  • Too busy at times
  • Too many people at times
  • No personality
  • Boring
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"Boring, and not especially beautiful"

I can't remember the last time I strolled through this neighborhood - and with good reason. There isn't much to do here unless you're hospital hopping, and I can't say that hospital visits are something I enjoy or that, thankfully, I've been forced to do in recent months.

This is a Manhattan neighborhood that is actually rather unappealing, it's not especially pretty and isn't home to any city landmarks that would attract the occasional NYC tourist. I mean, if your neighborhood is in Manhattan and can only boast a shopping center which is home to a Rite Aid (where isn't there a Rite Aid!) and a Crunch fitness center (also relatively common in the city), then it's likely your neighborhood is pretty sad.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
Cons
  • No personality
  • Boring
  • Dead at night
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 1/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 1/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 2/5
  • Childcare 2/5
2yrs+

"Good place to get sick"

Kips bay is simply overrun with huge hospital buildings, which give the area an impersonal and alienating character. It is hard to think of this neighborhood as residential, since it is so unattractive and so blank in its features. No doubt the attraction to living here is convenience, especially for those who work in Midtown, but it has so little to offer otherwise as a neighborhood. One could never imagine hanging out around this place, or grabbing a drink with friends. The only time I have ever had a reason to cross over to this area is when I needed to attend some health workshops at the Rusk Institute, and I can tell you it was a nightmare having to navigate the area by car. The presence of so many hospitals and medical centers – the NYU School of Medicine and the Bellevue Hospital Center are also here, among others – makes the area a traffic nightmare pretty much constantly. Kips Bay also features a small park area right on the East River, with a man-made piece of landmass that extends out into the water. It was created from excess cement from the various construction projects nearby which was then dumped into the river. Overall, Kips Bay is unattractive and only desirable if you need easy access to Midtown.
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
2yrs+

"Not much to say about it . . except for the movie theatre"

This is so sad, but really all I have to say about Kip's Bay is that it has a giant movie theatre attached to a strip mall. I've been to a couple of bars in Kips Bay -- they tend to get a lot of the after work crowd -- because it's a pretty commercial sort of area.
A lot of luxury high rises continue to go up there, but then I still don't know anyone who lives there. It's generally sort of mashed in with the Murray Hill / Midtown East neighborhoods . . .maybe because no one wants to claim it? Or, because outside of the movies, no one who lives in Kips Bay ever stays in the neighborhood to do stuff?
I walked through it yesterday and I reckon that's pretty much what everyone does. You walk through it to get somewhere else that's cool.
If you live in a high - rise with a significant other and stay home and cook a lot, I bet it's ok. Especially if you live far enough east that you get a water view.
Pros
  • Great views
  • Nice Buildings
  • Movie theatre proximity
Cons
  • Boring
  • Dead at night
  • No personality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • 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 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Not much of a real hood"

It does get worse aesthetically in Manhattan than Murray Hill, and it is called Kips Bay. Unlike Murray Hill, which is merely dowdy, Kips Bay just goes the way of plain old ugly. It's a high-rise extravaganza around these parts, and whatever the merits of the apartments inside the high rises, the neighborhood in itself is nothing to marvel at. This is not at all helped by a predominance of huge, faceless, personality-less institutional buildings, several NYU medical facilities, the Rusk Institute, Bellevue Hospital, and the Manhattan VA Hospital. I once saw a film, or rather a movie, at the Kips Bay Loews theater, and walked away with a serious case of the heebie jeebies. I am a true New York snob, which means that what I cherish most about life in this city is that it never, ever resembles anything I might find in the suburbs. However, the commercial strip mall known as the Kips Bay Plaza, with its Loews theater and its Borders bookstore, seriously offended my New York aesthetic sensibilities and made me want to run screaming to Times Square. So, yeah, live here if you really must, but as for your New York street cred, you'd have a lot of explaining to do.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
Cons
  • No personality
  • Dive bars along First Avenue can be a bit of a nuisance at night
  • Boring
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 2/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Medical Facitity dominant neighborhood."

Kips Bay is a neighborhood located on the east side of Manhattan. This neighborhood lies between Lower Manhattan and Midtown Manhattan and its boundaries are generally considered to extend from 23rd Street to 34th Street from Lexington Avenue to the East River and it is bordered by other neighborhoods of Murray Hill and Gramercy Park. This neighborhood can be best described as a mixed use neighborhood as it is home to several commercial and residential buildings.
One of the most prominent residential developments located here between 30th and 33rd Streets is the Kips Bay Towers block which is made up of two buildings. This complex was designed in the early 1960’s by renowned architect I.M.Pei and has 1118 apartments along with a three acre private garden for residents. The neighborhood also has a mini-mall in the form of the Kips Bay Plaza which is located between 30th and 33rd Streets on Second Avenue which has cinemas, stores, restaurants and a fitness facility. The neighborhood is also home to several hospitals and medical instruction centers like the Tisch School of the Arts, NYU College of Dentistry, NYU School of Medicine, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bellevue Hospital Center teaching hospital which are all located along First Avenue. The neighborhood is also well served by international schools like the United Nations International School which is located on a pier facing the East River and the British International School which is locate on Waterside Plaza . Other schools located in Kips Bay include the Churchill School for Learning disabilities and the Public school P.S.116. Kips Bay is well served by New York’s public transport system and has buses like the M15, the M16 and the M34.
Pros
  • Kips Bay is home to some good restaurants like Alibaba and Ethos
  • Great views
  • Movie theatre proximity
  • Nice Buildings
Cons
  • No distiinct ambience, can be best described as a mish mash
  • Dive bars along First Avenue can be a bit of a nuisance at night
  • No personality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Tourists
  • Students
3/5
2yrs+

"International neighborhood with a family-friendly feel"

This out-of-the-way neighborhood in the East 20's and 30's is often best-known to non-resident New Yorkers as the site of the large Kips Bay movie theatre, which is one of the city's bigger cinemas. But alongside beautiful river views - there is a large stress of riverside parkland that, while not quite as stunning or enormous as Riverside Drive, is nevertheless a lovely place for an afternoon stroll - Kips Bay has plenty to offer residents in search of decently-priced housing.

The main draw for the neighborhood is probably the proximity of the UN, and, naturally, there's a large diplomatic population in the area, giving the district a highly international feel. Plus, the attendant United Nations International School is one of the city's best International Baccelaureate programs, a certain draw for parents. Kips Bay is very much a self-contained neighborhood, with plenty of bookstores, gyms, cinemas, pharmacies, and more - and thus might appeal to families more than more specialized districts.
4/5
2yrs+

"No longer a Bay but everything else"

Kips Bay is a comfortable and quiet neighborhood located on the East Side of Manhattan. What was once a bay is now a popular community that extends between 27th and 34th Streets and east of Third Avenue. Young professionals seem to be moving here in droves due to its proximity to Midtown’s business district and the Downtown’s nightlife. Both destinations are just a walk or short ride away.

Fantastic ethnic restaurants along Lexington Avenue and Third (also called Curry Hill) has brought many new residents to this great neighborhood. Kips Bay is also the center for healthcare and medicine, making it highly desirable. It is home to the New York University School of Medicine and Dentistry, Bellevue Hospital, and the Chief Medical Examiners Office. Due to the amazing array of hospitals and medical centers, many doctors and staff live in this community. Many of the brownstones and townhouses have disappeared, but most residents live in attractive and newer apartment buildings.

Nearby restaurants include Curry Leaf, The Capital Grille, and Pershing Square (a bustling American brasserie on East 42nd Street). Shops include Sean John, Sid’s Bike Shop, and the Little Pie Company. Be sure to stop by my personal favorite for your decorative soaps and scented supplies at Caswell Massey at 518 Lexington Avenue.

Kips Bay has the perfect location without all the hustle and bustle that goes with life in the Big Apple. Definitely a four to five star community.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
3/5
2yrs+

"Not exactly a tourist hot spot"

The hideous Kips Bay Towers may be this neighborhood’s most prominent landmark. The buildings seem to sum up the area: overbearing, square, boring. Don’t even bother yourself with this place – most New Yorkers don’t, either.
If you’ve wandered off your main tourist course and you also happen to be looking for a moderately expensive French meal, then you happen to have come correct – you can check out Les Halles in the neighborhood. The décor has a bit to be desired but you are not exactly in the fashion district, so just concentrate on the food and you’ll be okay.
4/5
2yrs+

"Kips Bay, a changing neighborhood in East Manhattan"

Close to Gramercy Park and Murray Hill. Bordered by Third Avenue between 27th and 34th Streets, this neighborhood is delightful. Offering a unique charm, Kips Bay is a wonderful place to live.

Kips Bay is named for the body of water it borders. A fairly economically diverse neighborhood, Kips Bay is a bit less swanky than its neighbors, and much less exclusive. Though this neighborhood lacks the prestige of nearby neighborhoods, Kips Bay maintains a level of class all its own.

One of the best features of the neighborhood are its educational and medical facilities. Kips Bay is home to the prestigious New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts as well as the School of Medicine, not to mention the United Nations International School for the children of those affiliated with the cooperative organ. This makes Kips Bay a more desirable place for families to settle, as well as more established singles, in addition to retirees.

Accessibility is a major plus to living in Kips Bay, as this neighborhood is conveniently located and filled with wonderful shopping options. There is “Kips Bay,” a mall of sorts located within the neighborhood with various offerings. There has also been a surge of new businesses and small boutiques to Kips Bay.

Real Estate in the neighborhood is restricted to high rise apartment buildings, which are pricey. Most people who live in Kips Bay work nearby, however, offering true “bang for your buck” in terms of monthly transportation costs.

Entertainment is yours in Kips Bay, not only in terms of the offerings within this neighborhood but because of the proximity to other areas of the city, boredom is impossible!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees

Best Streets in Kips Bay

1

East 33 St

3.5/5
"Family-Oriented and Relaxing"
40.7444956519023 -73.9772943389742
2

East 26th St

3.5/5
"From Bowery to the Bronx"
40.7396575506525 -73.9792120061894
3

2 Ave

3.5/5
"Great Downtown: Awful Uptown"
40.7416470673304 -73.9781633439196
4

East 28th St

3.5/5
"Convenient, delicious, and loud"
40.7417562595781 -73.980350737213
5

East 32 St

3/5
"Busy during the day"
40.7443443781796 -73.9788246988713
6

East 31 St

3/5
"Old hotel row"
40.7437256790645 -73.9792743256116
7

3 Ave

2.5/5
"Not too shabby"
40.7425950131566 -73.9804042915979
8

Mount Carmel Pl

2.5/5
"Apartments near hospital"
40.7398460178204 -73.9777465512152
9

East 29th St

2/5
"East 29th Street"
40.7420347749962 -73.9790967234432
10

East 30 St

1.5/5
"One good bar and nothing else"
40.7407176550973 -73.9739438321021

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