Nest Seekers International

Harlem

Once a Jewish enclave, then a magnet for African-Americans, today Harlem is a diverse multicultural neighborhood attracting an increasing number of young professionals. Indeed with Bill Clinton - the not so young former president and spouse of our New York senator - having recently set up shop here, Harlem's renaissance may well be complete. Yet this dynamic, spirited area, which is located around the northern side of Manhattan's central park, starting at 96th Street on the Eastside and 110th Street on the Westside, maintains much of its liveliness, with gospel brunches and newly opened Starbucks sitting side-by-side.


Harlem contains some magnificent buildings with fine, original architectural features, and remains one area of Manhattan where you can find working fireplaces, original moldings and even a driveway for reasonable prices. It is also home to the world-famous Columbia University, located around 125th Street, which gives the neighborhood a cutting intellectual edge. There is an excellent subway and bus transportation system, including express services to lower Manhattan.

Further north, from West 154th to West 181st Streets, Washington Heights has many charming streets with beautiful, spacious art deco and Tudor style apartment buildings, available at affordable rents. To the south, the Eastern part of Harlem - often known as Spanish Harlem - traditionally home to a large Italian and Hispanic population, is also beginning to undergo a boom.