By Christie's International Real Estate New York
The Upper West Side runs from one great park to another. On the east edge, Central Park West looks across to Central Park. On the west edge, Riverside Drive curves along Riverside Park and the Hudson River. Living on Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side feels different from living on Central Park West, and that difference is a big part of what makes the neighborhood so appealing. Here is a look at how each avenue lives day to day.
Key Takeaways
- Riverside Drive overlooks Riverside Park and the Hudson River, while Central Park West faces Central Park.
- Both avenues feature historic districts and architecture that is part of the neighborhood's character.
- Daily routines look a little different on each side, from riverside walks to museum visits.
- The right choice depends on how you like to spend your time and the kind of building you want.
Riverside Drive: Along the Hudson
Riverside Drive is a curving avenue that follows the edge of Riverside Park. The park traces back to a plan by Frederick Law Olmsted, and its lowest level is a waterfront promenade with views across the Hudson River toward the Palisades. A walking and biking route that is part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway runs through the park, so a morning stroll or ride is steps away.
Living on Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side means a more open feel, with sky, water, and trees outside the window. Many buildings along the avenue look out over the park, and the bend of the road gives each block its own character.
Living on Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side means a more open feel, with sky, water, and trees outside the window. Many buildings along the avenue look out over the park, and the bend of the road gives each block its own character.
What Riverside Drive Offers
- Riverside Park at your doorstep
- Hudson River views from the waterfront promenade
- A walking and biking route along the shoreline
- A curving avenue with a calm, open feel
Central Park West: Facing Central Park
Central Park West runs along the park's western edge and has a lively, classic Manhattan feel. Residents can step into Central Park for a run, a picnic, or a walk past landmarks like Strawberry Fields, the Shakespeare Garden, and Belvedere Castle. Across the street from the park, the American Museum of Natural History sits near the Naturalists' Gate, which leads into a wooded part of the park.
The avenue is straight and wide, and its buildings stand in a long, graceful line along the park. For many people, the pull of Central Park West is the easy access to one of the world's best-known parks and the cultural life around it.
The avenue is straight and wide, and its buildings stand in a long, graceful line along the park. For many people, the pull of Central Park West is the easy access to one of the world's best-known parks and the cultural life around it.
What Central Park West Offers
- Central Park across the street
- Easy access to the American Museum of Natural History
- Park landmarks within a short walk
- A wide, tree-lined avenue with a classic feel
Architecture and History on Both Avenues
Both avenues are known for their buildings, and both are covered by historic districts that help protect the neighborhood's look. On the Riverside side, districts like Riverside-West End and Riverside Drive-West 80th-81st Streets include rowhouses, townhouses, and apartment buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
On Central Park West, districts like Central Park West-76th Street and the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District include rowhouses and apartment buildings in Beaux-Arts and other classic styles. Walking either avenue is a chance to see how much history is built into the streetscape. If you are drawn to prewar details, both sides have plenty to explore.
On Central Park West, districts like Central Park West-76th Street and the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District include rowhouses and apartment buildings in Beaux-Arts and other classic styles. Walking either avenue is a chance to see how much history is built into the streetscape. If you are drawn to prewar details, both sides have plenty to explore.
Architectural Highlights
- Rowhouses and townhouses from the late 1800s
- Beaux-Arts details on many facades
- Apartment buildings from the early 1900s
- Historic districts that help preserve the neighborhood's look
Daily Life on Each Side
Everyday routines shape how each avenue feels. On Riverside Drive, a lot of residents build their days around the park, with walks, bike rides, and sunset views over the river. Weekends often mean a stroll along the water.
On Central Park West, days can revolve around the park and the museum, with runs on the loop, afternoons on the lawns, and a short walk to cultural stops. Both sides are close to shops, restaurants, and transit, so everyday errands stay easy.
On Central Park West, days can revolve around the park and the museum, with runs on the loop, afternoons on the lawns, and a short walk to cultural stops. Both sides are close to shops, restaurants, and transit, so everyday errands stay easy.
Everyday Rhythms
- Morning walks along the river on Riverside Drive
- Park runs and picnics near Central Park West
- Museum visits just across the avenue
- Local shops and restaurants a short walk from either side
How to Decide Between the Two
Choosing between the two avenues often comes down to a few simple questions. Do you picture yourself looking out at the river or at the park? Do you want a quiet, open feel or a classic, bustling one? Which kind of building suits you best?
Visiting both in person is the best way to learn how each one feels. Spend a morning on each side and see which one fits your routine.
Visiting both in person is the best way to learn how each one feels. Spend a morning on each side and see which one fits your routine.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Which view do I like most, the river or the park?
- What does my ideal weekend look like?
- Which building style appeals to me?
- How close do I want to be to the museum, the park, or the waterfront?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it like to live on Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side?
Riverside Drive overlooks Riverside Park and the Hudson River, so many residents enjoy riverside walks, bike rides, and open views. The avenue curves along the park, which gives it a calm, open feel. Visit the avenue in person to see how it fits your routine.
What is Central Park West known for?
Central Park West faces Central Park and is near the American Museum of Natural History. It is known for its classic buildings and easy access to the park. Walking the avenue is a good way to get a feel for it.
Are Riverside Drive and Central Park West in historic districts?
Both avenues include historic districts that help protect their architecture. The specific district depends on the block. Your agent can help you see what applies to a particular building.
Explore Both Avenues With Christie's International Real Estate New York
If you are weighing Riverside Drive in the Upper West Side against Central Park West, Christie's International Real Estate New York can help you compare the two. Our team works with buyers across the Upper West Side, and we can talk through building types, co-op and condo questions, and the details that make each block different.
Whether you are drawn to river views or park views, we will help you find the right fit for how you live. When you are ready to begin, get in touch with our team and we will help you plan your next step.
Whether you are drawn to river views or park views, we will help you find the right fit for how you live. When you are ready to begin, get in touch with our team and we will help you plan your next step.
