East Harlem

Many people have heard the odd sappy song about East Harlem, waxing poetic on women and wine, or on roses blooming in the midst of struggle and challenge. The truth of the matter is less dramatic, though still infused with the innate romantic vision of triumph over adversity. East Harlem is a neighborhood in the midst of tremendous change, as well as one with a rich cultural fiber and history.

Following the speculative development boom of the late 1800’s, East Harlem was packed with luxury apartment buildings, museums and cultural institutions, and a number of single-family row houses. East Harlem of a century ago sat poised to become what the Upper East Side is today: a teeming stew of wealth and luxury. While the culture of the neighborhood blossomed and the new buildings waited for new tenants, however, many landlords invested elsewhere with the extension of train lines to the outer borough—the "suburbs." Rising prices and landlord absenteeism/neglect led to building disrepair, with rents not reflecting the new state of the neighborhood.

Fortunately for East Harlem, however, residents and community action groups never lost hope or interest in their vibrant and unique community, and today this area is again a proud place to call home. A group of mostly working class residents make up the individual fibers of El Barrio, or Spanish Harlem—perhaps an inappropriate moniker these days, since the area plays host to a number of languages. Stoop conversations are always loud and animated, but can be heard in Spanish, English, French, Indian, or Chinese at any given time. Rather than a place where one would feel misplaced amongst a largely Spanish-speaking population, East Harlem is a neighborhood where—no matter how you dress or what you look like—you can ease into the rich sense of community that provides the backbone for the area.

You can also, if you look hard enough, find some of the largest apartments in Manhattan up for grabs in East Harlem. The rumors of the guy with the three-story flat he rides his bike through every morning are true, while perhaps not necessarily the norm. With the increased city interest in East Harlem rejuvenation, potential buyers receive tax breaks and incentives to buy floors or entire buildings in the area. For those not quite ready for the commitment, apartments are always significantly below market value for Manhattan—and usually with just a few tools, a bit of free time, and a touch of willpower—you can restore any apartment here to its former glory. Or the glory of your own creation.

For those with the right intentions and a desire to mix and mingle with a melting pot of cultures and ideas, East Harlem is the place to be. Respected museums, great apartments, and convenient transportation on the 4,5, and 6 trains make this neighborhood one of the best values in Manhattan for those ready to move on up to the east side.