NUMBER 4: LOWER FDB CORRIDOR

Our popular HB series that ranks the top 10 uptown neighborhoods is back for the end of the year count in 2014. Harlem is a large part of Manhattan that changes block by block so we have put together a list of the best micro-nabes based on location, architecture, transportation, local amenities along with record closing prices when applicable. This is our own opinion based on reporting on the neighborhood for a few years and a new post will be made each day until the number one spot has been revealed.

No. 4: Lower Frederick Douglass Boulevard Corridor, South Harlem, 8th Avenue between 110th and 124th Street.  Lower FDB actually drops one spot from last year but will probably always be in the top 5 annually.  As mentioned before, the area is a perfect new middle class neighborhood that has quite a few amenities which vary in their appeal.  On FDB, one can purchase meats at the local artisanal butcher, have a seat at two great Italian eateries, get a carb fix at the local bakery, sip at a boutique tea shop, dine at an Indian eatery, get some authentic Japanese sushi, grab a bite of Ethiopian cuisine, send a pet to daycare, sign up for a yoga class, drink at a couple of beer gardens or drop into a hip speakeasy to just name a few choices. Nowhere else in Harlem can one find such a long list of up and coming shops but those who want a little charm in their neighborhood might find it lacking along the strip.

This area actually was the most desolate in the bad ol' days and had to be rebuilt since many of the property owners just let their buildings literally fall apart.  Those looking for a valley of condos will probably be happy here but others seeking the iconic brownstone blocks that Harlem is famous for might be a bit disappointed.  We expect more big changes to come to this corridor since Marcus Samuelsson will open another Harlem restaurant in the coming weeks so maybe this little local neighborhood might start to get interesting again in 2015.