NUMBER 9: UPPER LENOX AVENUE

Our popular HB series that ranks the top uptown neighborhoods is back for the end of the year count in 2016.  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 9: Upper Lenox Avenue, Central Harlem, between 125th Street up to roughly 135th Street and the immediate brownstone side streets, not counting Astor Row.  Upper Lenox goes up one position from 10th place last year and those looking for a deal on brownstone under or around $3 million can still be in the running at this affordable part of Harlem.  Those who are familiar with Central Harlem know that the townhouse stock tends to be a little more modest and the facade renovations in previous decades have not been the most complete.  With that said,  a new wave of developers have arrived in the past couple of year who are restoring homes in a more accurate fashion.  A record shell sale for $1.75million raised a few eyebrows this year and has somewhat set a new standard for the neighborhood.

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 like Inoue, Yuzu, Babbalucci and Corner Social have become reliable new neighborhood establishments.   We expect the commercial spaces to continue in quality in 2017 since the housing stock will be in even better shape.   Then there is the Whole Foods which just might actually open just at the southern borders since the opening date is now set for summer.