NUMBER 8: UPPER LENOX AVENUE

Our popular HB series that ranks the top 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.

Number 8: Upper Lenox Avenue, Central Harlem, between 125th Street up to roughly 132nd Street and the immediate brownstone side streets, not counting Astor Row.  Upper Lenox maintains the Number 8 position this years since brownstones tend be more modest in the area and some of the blocks still are a little rough around the edges.  With thats said, more of the shells are being bought up and the small empty lots are finally being sold for new developments.  West 126th Street also is finally getting fixed up these days and more residential units should be available by this time next year.

As previously mentioned, the best thing about upper Lenox is that it is the heart of Harlem with many shops and a really great proximity to the express train on 125th Street.  With Red Rooster as the modern anchor and old school favorites such as Sylvia's attracting foot traffic, one can find lifetime locals, new residents, tourists, gay couples and even a hipster or two.  Notable dining options did not really materialize this year especially since a new location for Lenox Lounge never happened but we expect the commercial spaces to get better by 2015 since the housing stock will be in even better shape.   Then there is the Whole Foods which just might just actually open just at the southern borders once the building starts rising in the next few months.