Upper West Side

I've lived in the UWS in the West 90's for two years and I really like it. My favorite part is the ease and access to both Central Park and Riverside Park, which are both beautiful. If you are a runner and enjoy the outdoors, the reservoir in Central Park is right next to you. We have a lot of great restaurants with diverse food options. There are a lot of dog runs and the UWS is very pet friendly with many shops and stores offering water bowls outside of their store fronts for the pups.

If you live on an avenue (Broadway, Amsterdam, Columbus) it will be pretty loud. I live in between Columbus and Amsterdam and it's very quiet at night.

There isn't much nightlife here. There is a stretch of bars on Amsterdam in the West 80's that cater to Columbia students/alumni and have beer pong and things like that. There aren't any clubs or dancing places up here. However, the subway is pretty convenient with the 123 line here and then the BC accessible via Central Park West.

And lastly, the apartments are very tiny and the rent is very high. However, to live in Manhattan that is pretty standard. Restaurants can be pretty pricey as well.

The Upper West and East Side are amazing neighborhoods. Both areas are safe and clean. The people are nice here and its close to almost everything. I love the UWS :)

If you like the idea of living in an upscale and classy neighborhood, you will like the UWS. It has a lot to offer anyone. Stores, shopping centers, theaters. You name it, you will find it in this area.

Also, Riverside Park is a nice diversion to the stress of the city. Definitely a place worth checking out.

I much prefer the Upper West Side to the Upper East Side. In fact, I really like the Upper West Side. The architecture is so beautiful -- the most beautiful buildings in Manhattan are in the UWS, in my opinion. Everyone talks about the opulence of UES but the buildings are sterile and lame compared to what you get across the park. Walking down the west side of Central Park is one of my favorite things to do. The neo- gothic monstrosities lining the park are really a sight for sore eyes. Going further west, the neighborhood gets much younger and artier. Everyone kind of knows the UWS for being the place you live when you want to live in the West Village but can't afford it. It's just as beautiful and green and almost as quaint and hip . . .just a lot less expensive.
It's uptown, so it's definitely quieter than a lot of neighborhoods, but because so many young people have made the move, it's definitely starting to pick up as far as nightlife is concerned. The UWS also houses the Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera , and the Ballet. So, there is plenty to do for the culturally conscious and it's right down the street!
My sister just moved to the UWS and she was really nervous that it was going to be boring and too far. It is a little far but she always talks about how nice it is to be able to get up in the morning and walk to Central Park -- that it kind of makes up for the lacking in the nightlife department. And, it's so much quieter than downtown -- which I find to be a nice relief. No one really likes living in noise and filth.
It's much younger than it was 5 years ago, it's clean, green and beautiful. Plus, the UWS has this bohemian feel to it that other "artist" neighborhoods seem to have lost recently. I'm a big fan.

I've been living in Upper west side for around 2 years now , and I've loved every day of it! It has a good mix of beauty and peace. I live in a very small place and could definelty do with a bigger apartment , but i've been pushing those plans for later, because i dont want to leave this neighborhood. Yes, the rents are a bit pricey..but if you want to stay in New York city, thats a price you need to pay!
This place is great , coz you have Central park on one side and just a few blocks away is the Riverside Dr. park along the hudson river. You'll always find something to do around here. A good selection of grocery stores only helps you love the place more, and ofcourse theres Broadway to take care of your shopping needs.
Overall, a great neighborhood to live in.