NUMBER 3: THE LOWER FDB CORRIDOR

Our popular HB series that ranks the top 10 uptown micro-nabes is back for the best neighborhood countdown of 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.

No. 3: Lower Frederick Douglass Boulevard Corridor, South Harlem, 8th Avenue between 110th and 124th Street.  This year the Lower FDB drops a position this year since some major townhouse records set in the top two spots.   Marcus Samuelsson's Streetbird, Double Dutch Coffee, Row House, Cafeine cafe, Blujean, Melba's, Mess Hall, Vinateria, Harlem Tavern, Lido, Harlem Food Bar, B2 Harlem, Serengetti Teas, Hop House and RDV are just a few of the notable places on Boulevard which makes the area quite a destination spots for foodies.  The shuttered gas station site over by Central Park on 110th Street now has market rate condos worthy of the address on Frederick Douglass Circle and the few brownstones on the side streets are inching toward the mid $3 million mark in sales.  Everything is starting to look a bit like the Upper West Side as far as residential dwelling goes but there is more diversity and less of the mainstream retail that pretty much makes up that other part of town.

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.  Three major subway stops along 110th, 116th and 125th also make the area ideal as far as transportation is concerned.