Murray Hill / Kips Bay

[Morrissey]

Hey everyone -

Any thoughts on the Murray Hill/Kips Bay area? I just want the lowdown - the good the bad and the ugly? How is it like living there? Overpriced? Undervalued? New Condo Developments? Easy access to all amenities? Crimes? Ethnic makeup? Young and upcoming? Filled with old folks? let me know!

MOZ

[Derek2k3]

This NYT article was recently published about the neighborhood.

Dull Is Beautiful: Learning to Love the Tedium of Murray Hill
By LESLIE EATON
Published: August 7, 2005

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/07/nyregion/thecity/07colm.html

[Morrissey]

This NYT article was recently published about the neighborhood.

Dull Is Beautiful: Learning to Love the Tedium of Murray Hill
By LESLIE EATON
Published: August 7, 2005

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/07/nyregion/thecity/07colm.html

Just clicked on it - couldnt read it somehow -

What is your personal opinion?

[Schadenfrau]

Murray Hill is the neighborhood that real estate brokers sucker recent college grads/people who have never lived in NYC into moving to.

[Morrissey]

Murray Hill is the neighborhood that real estate brokers sucker recent college grads/people who have never lived in NYC into moving to.

How about gramercy? do you live in the city schadenfrau?

so the question is - do you feel murray hill is a good place to live?

[Schadenfrau]

Check my location to figure out my location.

Whether or not Murray Hill is a good place to live is really a matter of what you're looking for.

Murray Hill is known to be dull. It is known to be populated by recent college grads and people who are fresh to New York City. It's on the east side of Manhattan. If that's what you're looking for, it's a good place to live. If that's not what you're looking for, it is not a good place to live.

[BrooklynRider]

It's an "average" neighborhood.

No one is running to any hot trendy bars or restaurants in Murray Hill. It has perfectly fine amenities - it just isn't a particularly "hot" neighborhood.

It's Midtown South. Not bad for a person working in Midtown on the eastside or who commutes downtown or works at the hospitals.

The 6 train is the only transportation along with the bus.

Perhaps if you tell us what YOU are looking for, we can answer som direct questions.

[Morrissey]

It's an "average" neighborhood.

No one is running to any hot trendy bars or restaurants in Murray Hill. It has perfectly fine amenities - it just isn't a particularly "hot" neighborhood.

It's Midtown South. Not bad for a person working in Midtown on the eastside or who commutes downtown or works at the hospitals.

The 6 train is the only transportation along with the bus.

Perhaps if you tell us what YOU are looking for, we can answer som direct questions.

I am looking for apartments in the Upper East Side (too pricey), murray hill, hoboken and gramercy. Gramercy is probably THE BEST out of the bunch right? And most residents get the KEY to the park too right?

so in other words, murray hill is boring..... how sad....

[Morrissey]

Check my location to figure out my location.

Whether or not Murray Hill is a good place to live is really a matter of what you're looking for.

Murray Hill is known to be dull. It is known to be populated by recent college grads and people who are fresh to New York City. It's on the east side of Manhattan. If that's what you're looking for, it's a good place to live. If that's not what you're looking for, it is not a good place to live.

Actually i really want to live in the city. I want to get an apartment (studio or 1 br) in an area that is not too far from WTC (20 minute subway ride), close to a gym, pharmacy, a market without all the bars and such you know? I really dont like places where it gets really crowded late at night around 10pm and etc.

your thoughts?

and yes i just checked - you are from south bronx -

[Ninjahedge]

Hoboken and jersey City are good places to look as well.

The PATH train will get you to downtown in about 15 minutes, and they go about every 7 min during rush hour (about every 30-45 late night).

If you are looking at Hoboken, a lot of the old buildings are rent controled, so you may want to look for a place that is NOT brand new and DEFINITELY not "luxury".

For information on this, you may want to call Carol McLaughin at 201-420-2396 and she could tell you lots more. Just be REALLY nice to her, she can help you through a lot of BS and save you a lot of money....

As for Murray, I would not be able to help you there.

[redhot00]

Actually i really want to live in the city. I want to get an apartment (studio or 1 br) in an area that is not too far from WTC (20 minute subway ride), close to a gym, pharmacy, a market without all the bars and such you know? I really dont like places where it gets really crowded late at night around 10pm and etc.

Sounds like Murray Hill is the place for you then. Like a previous poster said, the amenities there are perfectly adequate, so you should have no problem finding a pharmacy and a market to your liking. If you don't want to live among a lot of bars, but want them nearby, well you are just north of Gramercy, and just south of Turtle Bay, both of those neighborhoods are loaded with bars.

Not everyone who lives in Gramercy gets a key to the park. The boundaries that make up Gramercy are not all that clearly defined, so you may think you live there, but are not eligible for a key.

[Morrissey]

Sounds like Murray Hill is the place for you then. Like a previous poster said, the amenities there are perfectly adequate, so you should have no problem finding a pharmacy and a market to your liking. If you don't want to live among a lot of bars, but want them nearby, well you are just north of Gramercy, and just south of Turtle Bay, both of those neighborhoods are loaded with bars.

Not everyone who lives in Gramercy gets a key to the park. The boundaries that make up Gramercy are not all that clearly defined, so you may think you live there, but are not eligible for a key.

To everyone - thank you for responding to my thread - i will keep looking around. I have an open house around the Beekman area this afternoon and ill let you know what happens.

once again, thank you!

[Schadenfrau]

Gramercy Park is far more expensive than the Upper East Side. In fact, the UES is one of the cheaper places to find an apartment in Manhattan, now. However, if you're looking to commute to the World Trade Center site, you'd do better to live on the west side.

[ryan]

I think Morrissey should live in Brooklyn Heights. There is certainly no nightlife, it's close to downtown, and it has the same homogeneity that all those bland boring east side neighborhoods have in common. Plus a better view.

That said, I've met a lot of people who live in Murray Hill and love it. Kind of a suburban/frat culture that transplants miss(?). Great Indian food is a plus...

[Morrissey]

Gramercy Park is far more expensive than the Upper East Side. In fact, the UES is one of the cheaper places to find an apartment in Manhattan, now. However, if you're looking to commute to the World Trade Center site, you'd do better to live on the west side.

west side? hmmm i dont think that area is safe no?

[Morrissey]

I think Morrissey should live in Brooklyn Heights. There is certainly no nightlife, it's close to downtown, and it has the same homogeneity that all those bland boring east side neighborhoods have in common. Plus a better view.

That said, I've met a lot of people who live in Murray Hill and love it. Kind of a suburban/frat culture that transplants miss(?). Great Indian food is a plus...

Brooklyn Heights sounds really good! Is that near DUMBO with all the spectacular 1,000,000 dollar lofts i've been hearing?

[ebrigham]

west side? hmmm i dont think that area is safe no?

By west side, I think he means near the 1/9 subway line, which makes a commute to the WTC more convenient. If you are within a block or two of this line, it is safe.

[ASchwarz]

By west side, I think he means near the 1/9 subway line, which makes a commute to the WTC more convenient. If you are within a block or two of this line, it is safe.

Am I in a 70's time warp? Where on the West Side of Manhattan is it not safe? The West Side overall is probably more expensive than the East Side.

Tribeca, Hudson Square, West Village, Chelsea, Midtown/Hell's Kitchen, Upper West Side, Hamilton Heights, Hudson Heights/Washington Heights. Every single one of these neighborhoods is desirable and safe.

Regarding Murray Hill, it seems to fit your requirements perfectly. Murray Hill is safe, quiet and has good amenities. You should check out the neighborhood and view some apartments.

[BrooklynRider]

Am I in a 70's time warp? ...

LOL - I was thinking the same thing.

[Morrissey]

LOL - I was thinking the same thing.

have you guys checked out http://www.clintonwest.com ?

what are you thoughts....? being built over the amtrak line? it is prob sold out - but how can you live above the amtraks?

[ASchwarz]

Clinton West is on a platform, which shouldn't be a problem. I don't think you would hear or feel the trains but you would have to ask at the sales office. It would probably be much quieter than living above a subway line. Subways in Manhattan tend to be close to the surface, while suburban rail lines tend to be deeper underground.

A number of West Side developments are built above this same rail line. The entire Trump Place development is built above the Amtrak line.

Again, you need to visit these neighborhoods before making a decision. Clinton appeals to a different kind of person than Murray Hill. You have to decide what type of neighborhood best fits you.

[Morrissey]

Clinton West is on a platform, which shouldn't be a problem. I don't think you would hear or feel the trains but you would have to ask at the sales office. It would probably be much quieter than living above a subway line. Subways in Manhattan tend to be close to the surface, while suburban rail lines tend to be deeper underground.

A number of West Side developments are built above this same rail line. The entire Trump Place development is built above the Amtrak line.

Again, you need to visit these neighborhoods before making a decision. Clinton appeals to a different kind of person than Murray Hill. You have to decide what type of neighborhood best fits you.

Yeah - I mean i was born and raised in Roslyn and went to a huge school in the ithaca region so i am used to quiet places. dont get me wrong - i love to hang out in the meat packing district or even lower east with all the bars, but i certainly cannot live there

Actually the sales office or brokers NEVER told me about the amtrak running through the building, although website makes it so spectacular - thanks corcoran!

Aschwarz are you a broker?

[ebrigham]

Am I in a 70's time warp? Where on the West Side of Manhattan is it not safe? The West Side overall is probably more expensive than the East Side.

Tribeca, Hudson Square, West Village, Chelsea, Midtown/Hell's Kitchen, Upper West Side, Hamilton Heights, Hudson Heights/Washington Heights. Every single one of these neighborhoods is desirable and safe.

Regarding Murray Hill, it seems to fit your requirements perfectly. Murray Hill is safe, quiet and has good amenities. You should check out the neighborhood and view some apartments.

Not sure if you are contesting my point or reiterating it. But I was basically saying the same thing, just not as forcefully.

[Schadenfrau]

west side? hmmm i dont think that area is safe no?

Yeah, Battery Park City, the West Village, Chelsea and the Upper West Side are pretty dangerous places. Seriously, what?

[Schadenfrau]

Man, jinx jinx a million times jinx. I don't think I've ever seen so many posts in so short a time here.

I will change my answer: I think Murray Hill would be perfect for you, Morrissey.

[ebrigham]

When I lived on the UWS, I was run over by a baby stroller thrice and a chocolate lab once. Not sure where that fits in Bloomberg's crime stat book.

[Morrissey]

Man, jinx jinx a million times jinx. I don't think I've ever seen so many posts in so short a time here.

I will change my answer: I think Murray Hill would be perfect for you, Morrissey.

Speaking of places perfect for me....i think i will definitely check out Murray Hill and Turtle Bay!

[Morrissey]

When I lived on the UWS, I was run over by a baby stroller thrice and a chocolate lab once. Not sure where that fits in Bloomberg's crime stat book.

Hey everyone-

I would like to thank EVERYONE for their honest input. I truly appreciate it. Thank you and Good night

it was a pleasure!

[ryan]

Am I in a 70's time warp? Where on the West Side of Manhattan is it not safe?

Didn't you see West Side Story?! Gangs.

[BrooklynRider]

But they are gangs that snap and dance and twirl each other in their arms.




"Henry! Quick! Call the cops! The gangs are doing ballet again!"

[Morrissey]

But they are gangs that snap and dance and twirl each other in their arms.




"Henry! Quick! Call the cops! The gangs are doing ballet again!"

speaking of safety - there is a shooting in murray hill 2 days ago!

[KipsBay]

I believe there has been around a handful of shootings in Murray Hill in the past decade, so crime is really relatively low. Although, I've seen a few more broken car windows lately but that may not be specific to the area.

It's odd how some tag Murray Hill and Kips Bay (east of 3rd Ave) as either "boring" or "Frat" like. It's always easy to be a critic. I personally enjoy living here. I think the area appeals both to singles and families and that contributes to its undeserved "boring" tag.

I suggest you walk around the area before you make up your mind. If you are looking to purchase a condo, becareful, because there is a lot of supply coming up over the next decade too. There are lots of "affordable" restaurants, and many services in the area like pharmacies, supermarkets, cleaners, movie theaters, hospitals, post office, libraries, hardware stores, gyms... If you stay off the 33rd-35th Street on 3rd Ave bar scene, the area is relatively quiet too; although watch out for apartments on 35th Street-38th streets because traffic to and from the Midtown tunnel can be heavy during rush hour. If you are commuting either to Roslyn or uptown/midtown/downtown, Murray Hill/Kips Bay is well situated and offers quick and convenient transportation options (still we could use the 2nd Ave subway line since the 4/5/6 trains do get overcrowded - but that solution is a decade away).

And the East River Promenade has great skyline views and links all the way downtown to the hudson river park for a geat bike ride...

Good luck.

[Morrissey]

I believe there has been around a handful of shootings in Murray Hill in the past decade, so crime is really relatively low. Although, I've seen a few more broken car windows lately but that may not be specific to the area.

It's odd how some tag Murray Hill and Kips Bay (east of 3rd Ave) as either "boring" or "Frat" like. It's always easy to be a critic. I personally enjoy living here. I think the area appeals both to singles and families and that contributes to its undeserved "boring" tag.

I suggest you walk around the area before you make up your mind. If you are looking to purchase a condo, becareful, because there is a lot of supply coming up over the next decade too. There are lots of "affordable" restaurants, and many services in the area like pharmacies, supermarkets, cleaners, movie theaters, hospitals, post office, libraries, hardware stores, gyms... If you stay off the 33rd-35th Street on 3rd Ave bar scene, the area is relatively quiet too; although watch out for apartments on 35th Street-38th streets because traffic to and from the Midtown tunnel can be heavy during rush hour. If you are commuting either to Roslyn or uptown/midtown/downtown, Murray Hill/Kips Bay is well situated and offers quick and convenient transportation options (still we could use the 2nd Ave subway line since the 4/5/6 trains do get overcrowded - but that solution is a decade away).

And the East River Promenade has great skyline views and links all the way downtown to the hudson river park for a geat bike ride...

Good luck.

I ran in Cornell - is there a jogging/running path on the east river? I was actually at a friend's on 35th. It is actually not that bad. I was quite surprised at the availability of parking (meters)- although i don't even own a car. I was there around 9-11pm at night and i felt really safe there and was quite surprise with the number of bars and restaurants (affordable too) on 3rd ave.

I checked out the prices - condos are too expensive - i think I will go for a coop. My broker and I have narrowed down to three areas: Murray Hill, Gramercy and Sutton. I actually like Murray Hill the most - but it is not as PRESTIGIOUS as Gramercy - oh well....everything is expensive these days...

Overall, I think I am seriously considering the Murray Hill Area.

How is the NYSC there? I walked around and there are 2 , one on 2nd ave and 34 and the other on 31st....which do you prefer?

[NewYorkYankee]

NYSC offers a free week trial so you can choose which you prefer.

[KipsBay]

Originally Posted by Morrissey
"I ran in Cornell - is there a jogging/running path on the east river? I was actually at a friend's on 35th. It is actually not that bad. I was quite surprised at the availability of parking (meters)- although i don't even own a car. I was there around 9-11pm at night and i felt really safe there and was quite surprise with the number of bars and restaurants (affordable too) on 3rd ave."

Yes, the East River Promenade is great for jogging/running and biking. Below 14th Street, the promenade actually offers a number of different fields, including baseball, football/soccer, tennis and track too. Some of the fields are artificial turf and some are real grass. And a number of these fields have been recently renovated. Actually, there is a lot of reconstruction going on there.

Originally Posted by Morrissey
"How is the NYSC there? I walked around and there are 2 , one on 2nd ave and 34 and the other on 31st....which do you prefer?"

I don't know - I belong to a different gym...

Originally Posted by Morrissey
"I actually like Murray Hill the most - but it is not as PRESTIGIOUS as Gramercy - oh well....everything is expensive these days..."

Even if you have the key to Gramercy Park, you can't really do much there except stroll. If you prefer some activities, go to St.Vartan's Park on 35th-37th Street and 2nd-1st Aves for pickup basketball or handball. And if you want to stroll in a small park setting, check out NYU hospital 34th Street and 1st Ave which has a greenhouse open to the public. Not the same as Gramercy, but lot's of nice birdies, and really big gold fish, and you can buy the exotic plants too.

Hey Alexander Hamilton bought his son a house on 29th Street between 2nd & 3rd Ave, so Kips Bay/Murray Hill's not too shabby. The Wood Frame house is still there and is on the national register. You can also see the carriage house too. I believe there is a Wine Tasting class in one of those buildings...