East Harlem is a living, breathing, collision of vibrant immigrant communities. East Harlem has become a cultural haven, from its title as the birthplace of the salsa and the graffiti movements, to the home of dining landmarks such as Rao’s and Patsy’s Pizzeria.

 

East Harlem is a daily mix of cultural, historical, and artistic fusion. Newcomers from all walks and origins continue to shape the local food, culture, and commerce scene.

 

 

Despite economic and population flux, East Harlem’s present-day education system is home to some of the best and most innovative programs in the city. The primary school trio is known as Central Park East (Central Park East I, II, and III, respectively) boasts competitive admissions standards and reputations for creative, comprehensive, socially insightful approaches to learning. Those who live here also fall in love with the abundance of playgrounds and public green spaces like The Conservatory Garden in Central Park. Meanwhile, the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile home to The Jewish Museum, Cooper-Hewitt, the Guggenheim, and more are all within walking distance of neighborhood cultural gems such as the Museum of the City of New York.

 

 

No Spanish Harlem stroll would be complete without a sight, smell, or sound of Latin America or the Caribbean islands from soulful fusion supper clubs such as Camaradas to sidewalks lined with carts selling Puerto Rican-born plantain mofongo and hand-blended Mexican “licuado” smoothies. The newly-developed East River Plaza at 116th Street home to Target, Old Navy, and an adjacent Costco boasts suburban convenience that lures both locals and midtown Manhattanites.

 

 

Low-rise pre-war buildings are available throughout the neighborhood, and make up the majority of options as you move further north. Longtime (and new residents in the know) also take advantage of a variety of rent-stabilized housing options. Land and space are more affordable in East Harlem and renters can get great value for a large apartment that they might not be able to find elsewhere.

 

 

Through decades of cultural influx and socio-economic challenges, East Harlem has endured as a home for authentic cultural expression. From progressive after-school and public education initiatives to landmark churches and eateries, East Harlem’s rapidly emerging future remains ever-rooted in a monumental past.