The Upper West Side is one of the most family-oriented residential neighborhoods in New York. Initially settled by upper-class Jewish families, the area has long been a welcome haven for young professionals and those with an artistic bent. Apartments in this neighborhood have ample access to plenty of stores and markets (including the renowned Zabar's on Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets), public transportation, great public schools, and two major parks.

There have always been a number of shops and restaurants in this region, and the strong economy in recent years has only contributed to their proliferation. Both Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues are probably the best examples of this trend. Each thoroughfare does brisk business on weekends, especially during the summer months.

Compared to the manic pace of the West Village and Midtown West, however, the area is relatively placid, but hardly devoid of excitement. The Upper West Side contains Lincoln Center, one of the most important cultural centers in Manhattan.

Five major performing groups are housed in the three main buildings that face the fountain, and the nearby Juillard School, which consistently graduates top performers in music, theater and dance, hosts a number of inexpensive and sometimes free productions throughout the school year.

For sunny Sunday afternoons, Central Park may seem like the natural locale in which Upper West Siders might choose to spend a Sunday afternoon. Nonetheless, many residents prefer the slightly less popular but just as beautiful Riverside Park. Riverside Park may not be as wide as Central Park, but it is considerably longer, winding its way from 72nd Street all the way to 159th. Despite the fact that the West Side Highway runs almost directly through its center, Riverside has become a favorite with locals seeking to get out of their apartments for a while.

Hugging the curves along Riverside Park's eastern edge is Riverside Drive, the only major thoroughfare in Manhattan to consistently deviate from the straight and narrow. The brownstones and apartment complexes that line Riverside Drive's east side are especially prized for their magnificent views of the park.

While it may not boast a park view, West End Avenue remains the neighborhood's most sought-after address. The street is lined with beautiful apartment buildings of varying sizes, each more picturesque than the last. And since most of the traffic in the area travels up and down Broadway, it remains relatively quiet no matter what time of day it may be.