Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is a quiet, family-oriented residential area with world-class museums, Central Park access, and excellent safety but limited nightlife and higher costs.

The Upper West Side is basically where families with money live, which makes it super safe - you'll see parents pushing strollers at all hours and kids playing in playgrounds. The family vibe means neighbors actually look out for each other, and there's always foot traffic from people walking dogs or heading to Central Park. Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum bring cultural tourists during the day, but this is really a residential neighborhood where people know each other. You can jog alone in Central Park from the west side entrances and feel secure, especially during daylight hours when there are tons of runners and dog walkers. The downside is it can feel a bit quiet at night compared to downtown neighborhoods, but that's also what makes it feel safe and residential.