NUMBER 8: ASTOR ROW

Our popular HB series that ranks the top 10 uptown neighborhoods is back for the end of the year count in 2015. 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: Astor Row, Central Harlem, 130th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenue. Astor Row was founded in Harlem by the great Astor family of New York and the porch-front country homes have dropped behind one more position from last year since sales at another historic district further north has bested the historic upper Lenox Avenue block.  What is interesting for 2015 is that the record sale of the year at $2.775 million was on the north side of the street which is not landmarked but have homes that are substantially larger in width.  Some of the remaining shells on the block have been renovated in recent years but there are still enough leftover for things to look a bit untidy at certain corners.  Nevertheless, the pedigree here is undeniable and one day, this magnificent block will be one of the restored wonders of the city.  Furthermore, access to the express subways are only 5 blocks away and there is plenty to do along Lenox Avenue just directly south of this location.