NUMBER 7: UPPER LENOX

Our popular HB series that ranks the top uptown neighborhoods is back for the end of the year count in 2017.  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 7: Upper Lenox Avenue, Central Harlem, between 125th Street up to roughly 137th Street and the immediate brownstone side streets, not counting Astor Row.  Upper Lenox goes up two position from 9th 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 sale at 290 West 137th Street closed at $3.205 million in the past year but most homes tend to still be in the mid $2 million range.

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.   The Whole Foods on 125th Street just opened this past year and thus more interest in the neighborhood will surely come about when 2018 rolls around.

HarlemBespoke.com 2017