This has always been a very fancy area to live--maybe the most chic on the Upper West Side. But recently it's gotten much more family friendly with a huge influx of new developments and businesses.
Some of the most beautiful buildings on the Upper West Side can be found in this neighborhood. 69th between Central Park West and Columbus has extraordinary townhouses (and also hosts one of the most famous Halloween block parties in the city). 67th street on the park block is home to Hotel des Artistes, as well as several other buildings that were constructed for musicians and artists in the early 20th century. Many of them feature double height living rooms, North facing for the artists, as well as over sized living rooms to accommodate the pianos and the other musicians. These buildings have a old world European feel to them, and most still have elevator operators.
Over the last 20 years, many condos have been built in the neighborhood. The Millennium buildings (Reebok) are high end condos, many of which have been combined into large, family sized apartments. Of course, a lot has been written about 15 CPW, but there are some extraordinary CPW buildings in this stretch, including 55 CPW (where Ghostbusters was filmed), 41 CPW (Harperly Hall, Madonna's former building), the Prasada (very intimate building with huge apts), and the San Remo. Of course the most impressive of them of is the Dakota, so named because when it was built in 1888, people joked that it was so far away it was like living in the Dakota territories.
To the West, Riverside Boulevard and the Trump buildings (and all the newer condos that have followed) are like a suburban vision of city life. I made fun of those buildings until I was invited to a pool party when my son was younger. At 240 RSB they have a baby pool and a grown up pool. (and about 100 other amenities.) I could definitely get used to living over there...it offers a really nice quality of life for the right buyers. Not to mention a stellar river view...
Along West End Avenue, Lincoln Towers comprise many buildings in the 60's up to 70th street. These post war behemoths were built for the middle classes and provided an affordable way to live in the city. They are still immensely popular and can offer large homes in a great location. They have also become NORCS (Naturally Occuring Retirement Communities) with lots of services for seniors.
As for extras, nothing beats living near Lincoln Center. It's the heart of cultural life in New York City, and as a result there have always been restaurants and other interesting businesses surrounding it.
In no particular order:
THE APPLE STORE
THE TIME WARNER CENTER (including WHOLE FOODS which brought needed grocery shopping to the southern end of Lincoln Square)
FAIRWAY
CITARELLA (just north but worth including)
FAIRWAY
CITARELLA (just north but worth including)
LINCOLN SQUARE MOVIE THEATERS (including the art houses on Broadway)
THE SENSUOUS BEAN: great little coffee store, a truly endangered species
URGENT CARE MANHATTAN: high end walk in medical center (OK, it's owned by my husband but it's a welcome addition to the neighborhood, ask anyone!)
