3.3 out of 10

1 Ave, Murray Hill

Ranked 13th best street in Murray Hill
40.7461916072479 -73.9717562596706
Great for
  • Gym & Fitness
  • Shopping Options
  • Cost of Living
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Pest Free
Not great for
  • Parking
  • Clean & Green
  • Childcare
  • Eating Out
  • Lack of Traffic
Who lives here?
  • Singles
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  •  

Reviews

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

"Really boring"

1st Avenue in Murray Hill starts off exactly how you would expect an Avenue in Murray Hill to start off: just a bunch of big boring buildings. The buildings from 34th-36th are all just massive luxury apartment buildings that are hard to tell apart. The nice thing about them, however, is that for luxury buildings, they're not nearly as expensive as other neighborhoods would be for the exact same apartment. The not so nice thing is that the neighborhood is boring as all get out. And, there is a tiny park right at 36th, but it's just about the only green in the neighborhood and it's surrounded by noise and traffic so it's hardly idyllic. There's also a nice little public square across 36th with a cool fountain . . . that is less than idyllic because it's directly across the Avenue from the Queens Midtown Tunnel. The tunnel is hardly aesthetically pleasing and there is always so much traffic right around so you can't exactly enjoy a nice spring day.
The block at 38th is (surprise) big buildings! One side of the block is luxury apartment towers and the other side is taken up by office towers. It's this way pretty much all through the neighborhood. But, the blocks from 39th-41st are taken up by old, abandoned power buildings which actually helps out the cool of the neighborhood however creepy they may be. I'm pretty sure once they are torn down, the high rise, luxury buildings won't have nearly the charm that the rotting old power plant has, sadly.
The block at 41st is the only good block aside from the power plant, and it's equally as creepy. There's a small playground on the east side of the street and playgrounds always creep me out but that just may be my problem. And, across the street from the playground is a bizarre apartment complex called Tudor City. The area used to be called Dutch Hill (where all the drunkards lived) and when Tudor City went up in the 20's, the complex was meant to raise the neighborhood and even took into account that all of the factories and slaughterhouses were on the east side, so there are very few windows on any of the buildings that face east. How nice of them, huh? It kind of looks like an old timey door and it's equal parts scary, interesting, and depressing. I'm not sure what the units look like, and I can't decide if I want to know. But, I'm glad it's there. This neighborhood can use a little more color like Tudor City.
There's nothing to do pretty much in this entire neighborhood and 1st is no exception. There are no restaurants, bars, activities; there's no shopping and no energy. And, the traffic and noise aren't ideal. I would pass on this street unless you found a deal you just can't pass up . . . like free.
Pros
  • Tudor City is cool in a creepy way
Cons
  • No energy or aesthetic
  • Isolated from the rest of NYC
  • Little nightlife
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Retirees
2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • 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+

"It's a miracle to get through it..."

While out-of towners might only know about 34th Street due to its association with heart-warming Christmas film "A Miracle on 34th Street", New Yorkers and those in-the-know associate the street less with Christmas cheer than with Christmas terror: a glut of chain stores and department stores (including the famous Macy's) crowded with New Yorkers and visitors alike, rushing, pushing, and shoving to throw the last 20% coffee grinder or remote control into their shopping bags. That said, much of these negative stereotypes - however true - apply less to East 34th Street than they do to its westward neighbor (the area concentrated near Herald Square and Penn Station is particularly bad). Further East, rather, 34th Street leads into the mostly quiet residential neighborhoods of Murray Hill and Kips Bay, two affordable middle-class family neighborhoods that make up in livability what they lack in other amenities, such as a vibrant nightlife scene or a variety of restaurants. That said, the foodie scene has some standout joints, including Villa Beriula Restaurant, Gigi Cafe, and the vegan Franchia Teahouse and restaurant, all located on 34th Street itself. While the area isn't exactly overflowing with charm, it's far more livable than Herald-Square horror stories have given it credit for.
Pros
  • It's not West 34 Street
  • Affordable family neighborhood
Cons
  • Little nightlife
  • Isolated from the rest of NYC
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 2/5
  • Clean & Green 2/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 2/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Lots of noise!"

this street is really noisy and busy. It seems that it never sleeps. It's rich on shopping centers and boutiques, it is also good on eating out places... But I wouldn't recommend it as a place where to live or to work - unless you are the calmest person in the world!
Recommended for
  • Singles
4/5
2yrs+

"Fun Street for Anyone"

Easy 34th Street is a fun place for singles, couples, families, and elderly alike. East 34th Street offers some great shopping and dining areas. There are also several hotels nearby allowing for easy access to the street. Additionally, East 34th Street has some great sights to see including: Macy's, Penn Station, and the Empire State Building. They give free 90 minute walking tours of the area if you are interested. The reason it is so fun is because there is something for everyone to do. Next time you are in the city you should certainly take a stroll down there.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
2/5
2yrs+

"Too noise to deal with."

East 34th Street was intended to be a residential block but over the years it has become a busy business district. It crosses with Park Avenue and brings in a ton of professional foot traffic. The NYU medical center keeps things lively, in a bad way, at all time sand the FDR and Tunnel Approach creates a great deal of traffic. While it's a great location central to all residents really have to be willing to give up peace to live in the area.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
4/5
2yrs+

"Great food and drink"

This is usually considered as the best area for exquisite dining or sweet bar hopping. The food here is unparalleled for quality, and each restaurant down the street is a must eat at, so you better hope you're hungry when you get there! And of course, if bars are more your types, hit some of them up. For any way of nourishing the body, this is pretty much the best street.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
1/5
2yrs+

"When a Neighborhood Goes Terribly Wrong Murray Hell"

I first visited Murray Hell on a Thursday night in May. It kind of reminded me of Yuppie Mardi Gras. Large obnoxious crowds are the norm in this neighborhood. Murray Hell runs down 3rd Ave. between 29th and 38th Street. Loaded with expensive beer joints and fru fru resturants frequented by patrons who are much more interested in what they see in the mirror then what they see on the menu. In my opinion the only reason to visir Murray Hell would be to install a new cell tower.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
1/5
2yrs+

"Noise, traffic, and Helicopters; oh my"

E 34 st is a major residential block in the city too bad it is way too busy with Midtown Tunnel traffic from 3rd Ave to the FDR. NYU medical is at the FDR making noise all hours of the night, awful traffic from the tunnel at all hours makes it hard to cross the street. Also not everyone knows that there is a heliport at the river, which can add to the noise. If you are looking at the Rivergate building it does offer alot of space for the price but a what cost given all the noise.
Recommended for
  • Singles

Best Streets in Murray Hill

1

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4.5/5
"Offers just about all you could ask for"
40.7451520380616 -73.980633427065
2

East 27 St

3/5
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40.7425173567454 -73.9840771334204
3

Madison Ave

3/5
"Long, wear good shoes."
40.7474526230379 -73.9831859639574
4

East 37th St

3/5
"Actually pretty which is surprising for this area"
40.7476045664277 -73.9766814139304
5

East 40th St

3/5
"Ritzy Shops Near Park Ave."
40.7495364070816 -73.9755124639604
"Lively, but a bit dark"
40.7430119085033 -73.9843067387784
7

East 38th St

3/5
"Some gorgeous homes"
40.7480404995 -73.975802578354
8

East 39 St

2.5/5
"Big Buildings and little else"
40.748635492555 -73.9752874004532
9

East 30 St

2.5/5
"The Opposite of Lacking"
40.7445628249164 -73.9831765782236
10

East 28th St

2/5
"The Copper Chimney"
40.7433262225268 -73.9840785672877

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