dberkowitz

It's a lovely, convenient stretch, most populous between the Park Ave subway and 2nd Ave, where it dead ends at some apartment buildings before continuing on to the East River. On the 2nd to Park Ave front, there are some fantastic culinary options within a block north and south including several Indian restaurants in Curry Hill, two great Turkish spots, several Thai restaurants, good sushi, bagels, and more. There are two Duane Reade drugstores (a big one and an Express), a 7-11 and a couple bodegas, laundry and dry cleaners, two barbers, Fed Ex, a custom photo store, a liquor store, the 24 hour hardware store the Nut House, and many other convenient destinations. There's a housing project, but in years living there, I've always felt safe at any hour of the day or night. The biggest downside? There's some noise from bars like Tonic, which isn't always the best neighbor.

E86th street boasts local and express subway stops, a cross-town bus, gyms, electronics and clothing stores, grocery stores, and even a handful of half-decent restaurants. It's a quick walk to just about anything you need. It's not a mecca for culture or nightlife, but there are some decent spots for that in walking distance.