Rich Black American history and comparable affordability next to Central Park
Situated just north of Central Park, Central Harlem is a vast neighborhood encompassing various sections, including the Mount Morris Historic District and the area between 110th and 125th streets, known as South Harlem. Having played host to the Great Migration, the neighborhood has long been an epicenter of Black American culture. The area was built up after the Civil War but truly came into its own during the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural development that saw poets like Langston Hughes, musicians such as Duke Ellington and businesspeople including Madam C.J. Walker leave a lasting impact on their respective fields. Though this period of intense creativity and entrepreneurship eventually gave way to postindustrial economic decline, urban flight and discriminatory housing practices in the second half of the 20th century, Central Harlem has re-emerged in recent decades. "The late 1990s were the golden age here because the city government needed to offload a lot of derelict, burned-out and tax-deficient buildings in its control and so, organized open lotteries, essentially giving away townhomes and empty lots to help revitalize the neighborhood," says Caryl Berenato, a broker with Compass who has been selling here since the mid-1980s. "It was done with the intention of fostering a sense of community and pride." Today, pre-war Beaux Arts-style and postwar co-ops are joined by widely restored turn-of-the-century brownstones and a whole host of new development luxury condos, especially in South Harlem. Yet much of this housing stock remains affordable compared to other parts of Manhattan, especially those on the other sides of the park. "There's still good value for young professionals and middle-class families," says Dianne Howard, another longtime local and broker with Compass. Today, generationally rooted Harlemites are joined by diverse newcomers, including West African and recent European immigrants. "Regardless of whether they've lived here their whole lives or just moved in, they quickly become part of our community," Howard adds.
Central Park North borders Harlem.
In Central Harlem there are a lot of different housing options to choose from.
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Eclectic eateries and essentials
Owing to its rich and diverse history, Central Harlem is home to a thriving dining and nightlife scene. While neighborhood stalwart Sylvia’s Restaurant and more recent South Harlem staple Melba’s put their spin on southern classics, Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant and New American bistro Clay give downtown foodies a reason to come uptown. Harlem Shake is a retro-style diner harkening back to the iconic lunch counters that once dotted every street corner. British pub-inspired eatery Edge is a popular gathering place for residents living in the northern part of the neighborhood. Central Harlem is crisscrossed by several commercial arteries such as Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 125th Street, a main thoroughfare lined with essential chain stores like Marshalls and Whole Foods. The vast neighborhood encircles microneighborhoods like Little Senegal, a stretch of West 116th Street with West African restaurants and specialized stores.
Sylvia's Soul Food Restaurant has served the Central Harlem community for over 60 years.
Whole Foods on 125th Street is a major supermarket in Central Harlem.
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Legendary performance venues and amenity-rich parks
Central Harlem has numerous cultural offerings, including the world-famous Apollo Theater, the alternative Maysles Documentary Center, and the cutting-edge Studio Museum, an art institution specializing in work by talents of African descent, which is currently under renovation. The ever-popular Shrine Bar remains a go-to for locals and visitors seeking out live jazz. Incorporating the soon-to-reopen Lasker ice skating rink and pool, Central Park’s North Woods section is a vital resource; a more secluded and peaceful part of this expansive 843-acre green lung. There are a few other parks and playgrounds spread throughout the neighborhood, most of which bear the name of famous figures from Black history. Marcus Garvey Park in the Mount Morris Historic District includes a pool, rec center and temporary installations created by local artists. Morningside Park forms a buffer between Greater Harlem and Morningside Heights. Central Harlem is also imbued with numerous churches, some of which open on Sundays for the public and tourists to experience live gospel.
Popular Central Harlem performance venue Apollo Theater opened its doors in 1914.
There are a number of basketball courts at St Nicholas Park.
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Ornate brownstones and modern mid-rises
Central Harlem spans a large portion of Upper Manhattan and includes historical districts such as Mount Morris Park. Restored Queen Anne brownstones in this 16-block quarter come with ornate details and marble flooring. These stately homes range from $2.5 million to $7.5 million. The section of Central Harlem dubbed South Harlem is increasingly defined by new development towers where sizable 2-bedroom condos cost between $1.5 million and $3.5 million. Homes with direct views of Central Park and located along 110th Street fetch a premium but nowhere near those in other park-facing neighborhoods. Throughout Central Harlem, 2-bedroom units in mid-rise Beaux Arts-style co-op buildings sell for $250,000 to $750,000. Income-restricted HDFC co-ops are also common throughout the neighborhood, and according to Berenato, ensure that people who were born and grew up here don’t get priced out. “Central Harlem is a good neighborhood for first-time buyers due, in part, to great tax abatement incentives,” Howard adds. While the area has vastly improved since the second half of the 20th century, when crime was rife, the Cap Index predicts that crime, specifically robbery and assault by weapon, remains slightly higher than the national average.
New condos can be spotted alongside prewar co-op buildings and townhomes.
One of the new immaculate condo buildings on Central Park North in the Central Harlem community.
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Quality schools cater to a diverse community
According to the Department of Education, Central Harlem has some of the best public charter schools in New York State. With an overall B-minus Niche rating, P.S. 175 Henry H Garnet Elementary School excels in arts programming. With a B-plus score, Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy Charter School is another excellent option that promotes a socio-emotional learning model. Continuing to middle school at Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change, with a C-plus rating from Niche, students benefit from a state-of-the-art library. High school can be completed at Democracy Prep Charter School. With an A-plus Niche rating, the top-ranked school offers rigorous civic courses and college prep.
Central Harlem high school Percy E. Sutton Educational Campus has an A-minus Niche rating.
Thurgood Marshall Academy is a public middle and high school in New York City.
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Express trains to all parts Manhattan and beyond
“Central Harlem has great transportation links down the West and East sides of Manhattan,” Howard says. The A, B, C, D and 2 and 3 subway lines run up either side of the neighborhood. A trip to the Financial District takes just over 30 minutes. Connected through nearby East Harlem, the 4, 5 and 6 subway lines link directly with the Upper East Side. There are also plans to extend the Second Avenue Subway — the N, Q, and R lines — up to 125th Street and across to the Lexington Avenue stop currently served by the 4, 5, and 6 lines. Residents have easy access to Harlem River Drive, RFK Bridge and the George Washington Bridge; expressway connections that bypass much of Midtown’s rush hour and holiday traffic. The 125th Street Metro-North regional train station offers frequent service to the northern suburbs, as well as a single-stop ride to Grand Central.
The 125th Street, Lenox Ave stop in Central Harlem offers express service uptown and downtown.
From Central Harlem you can get to anywhere you need using public transportation.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Central Harlem neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Harlem
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Central Harlem Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Harlem, Manhattan sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Harlem, Manhattan over the last 12 months is $850,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Renovated South Facing King Size 1 Bedroom in the MonteCristo!Come home to this well laid out and sun-filled 1-bedroom HDFC co-op in the heart of South Harlem!Featuring hardwood floors, high ceilings, oversized south facing windows, and plenty of natural light, this inviting home offers a comfortable layout with a windowed bathroom and ample closet space.The building
Rarely available, this spacious upper-floor residence is nestled in a storied pre-war building just north of Central Park. Beautifully renovated and filled with natural light from brand-new windows throughout, this three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home seamlessly blends timeless character with modern comfort. The thoughtfully renovated kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring stainless
Showings are by appointment only.This move-in ready studio apartment on the third floor of an elevator building in fashionable South Harlem represents terrific value. The unit is in very good condition with high ceilings, hardwood floors, a tiled bathroom, and kitchen with new cabinets. 157 West 123rd is a well-run HDFC cooperative bordering the Mount Morris Park Historic District.
This meticulously maintained residence offers a spacious three-bedroom, 2.5-bath triplex owner’s unit, thoughtfully designed across the upper floors. Soaring ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and oversized windows fill the home with natural light and warmth. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances and a center island, creating the perfect setting for both everyday living and
Perfectly positioned between the historic neighborhoods of Sugar Hill and Striver’s Row, The Bradhurst Condominiums offers the ideal blend of classic uptown character and modern convenience. This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence is located within one of three mid-rise elevator buildings thoughtfully converted approximately 25 years ago.Step inside to discover a spacious,
Exceptional combined lot with corner/frontage offering Flexibility (Block 1912, Lots 60, 61, and 62) totaling approximately 7,491 square feet located along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in West Harlem. This vacant land assemblage offers strong visibility with Corner Exposure. Situated in the heart of established institutions and steady foot traffic. Zoned R7-2 with a C1-4 commercial overlay, the
Eklund Gomes Team presents this charming 2 bedroom Condominium in the sought-after Park Central, a charming prewar elevator building at 220 West 111th Street. Building offers building laundry facilities and a beautiful shared roof deck. Located on the raised first floor with a set back from the street, this bright and well-kept residence combines classic character with the convenience
Central Harlem Development OpportunityAn exceptional Opportunity to acquire three contiguous lots surrounded by institutional anchors, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks. (Block 1912, Lots 60, 61, and 62) totaling approximately 7,491 square feet located along Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd in West Harlem. This vacant land assemblage offers strong visibility and corner exposure in a
This two bedroom/one bathroom apartment is located in a prewar walk-up coop building, built in 1920, on a residential street in Central Harlem. It has southern exposure with street views. The block is bustling with trucks with building supplies, as well as those with signage that says "Construction, Home Renovations and Removal". It is convenient to the park, transportation (Express trains on
Photos are virtually staged. Welcome to Strivers Gardens Condominium, where modern living meets the vibrant energy of Harlem. This sun-filled one-bedroom home is perfectly positioned on a quiet, tree-lined street and offers a thoughtful layout, abundant natural light, and the conveniences of contemporary city living. Northern exposures bathe the residence in sunshine throughout the day,
Hello, Harlem! Welcome to 29 West 138th Street! This stunning split two-bedroom, one-bathroom residence is located in the heart of Central Harlem and offers a wonderful combination of space, comfort, and convenience. Beautiful hardwood floors, oversized windows, and an abundance of natural light create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout. The home features full-size closets, an in-unit
Space is valuable. Flexibility is rare. A thoughtfully configured Harlem townhouse that offers both is even rarer. Currently configured as three residential units, 158 West 119th Street is a four-story Harlem townhouse that offers the rare combination of generous scale, income-producing potential, and remarkable flexibility. Encompassing nearly 6,000 square feet of interior
You are not going to want to miss this opportunity!Unit #1C at the Towers on the Park is a gorgeous 1 Bedroom (1BR) 1 Bathroom (1BA) Unit at Towers on the Park! *All appointments and Open House Visits MUST be scheduled By Appointment*Located one flight up in the 301 tower, the apartment faces Northwest, easiest to access from the stairs or the elevator, and is located in one of
Welcome to 49 Bradhurst Avenue! This spacious two-family, four-story duplex townhouse is located in desirable Central Harlem. The property offers approximately 3,053 sq ft of interior living space, featuring 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, high ceilings, a spiral staircase, and closets throughout, providing ample room for comfortable living, flexible layouts, or investment potential. This is an
421-a Tax Abatement until 2035Sun-filled penthouse with a private rooftop terrace offering open southern city views. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom residence features large windows throughout and a well-designed layout with an open kitchen suitable for both everyday living and entertaining.The primary bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom with a separate shower and tub. The second
Mega Harlem Townhouse apartment , with spacious back yardpet friendlytons of detailslarge pane wiondows for light and viewsmarble tile baths with pedal sinkhuge kitchen with great counters, and a copious amount of cabinetsthis one wont last for so long , so please respond promptly
Welcome to 60 West 125th- One of Central Harlems Newest Rental Developments16th Floor North Facing 1 BedroomAvailable July 1stThe Apartment: Beautiful 1 Bedroom Apartment with City Views Queen Bedroom with Large Closet Long Living Room with Floor-to-Ceiling Windows Corner Stainless Steel Kitchen with Microwave and Dishwasher Central AirThe Building: Brand New Development Featuring a Wide Range of
This quite HDFC Cooperative on the second floor is located in the historic neighborhood of Sugar Hill. Reasonably priced and a great opportunity to be in a prime area while paying a low maintenance fee. Sold As Is. All floors are new except for the bedroom. All windows are new. Painting or wall work needed. Let's walk through the apartment - enter into a long hallway that can show off your
Welcome to 114 West 131st Street! This spectacular, fully gut- renovated three bedrooms , two baths duplex apartment is turnkey and ready for you. Unit #2 features a spacious duplex layout with exposed brick and mahogany banisters. Each of the three large bedrooms can accommodate king-size beds, offering plenty of extra room and abundant closet space for storage.You will enjoy two full
prewar elevator building that will offer elegantly renovated one bedroom apartments. The thoughtfully renovated apartments feature high ceilings, solid oak flooring, caesarstone counter tops, open kitchens with under cabinet lighting and elegant stainless steel appliances. The bathroom offers floor to ceiling ivory d'oriente tile with Duravit deep soaking tubs. This condo conversion epitomizes
Sunny and Spacious 2 bedroom apartmentThis Sunny and Spacious 2 bedroom apartment is an absolutely fantastic home with two Queen sized bedrooms, bright and sunny living room and an open kitchen plus so much more...Apartment Features:-Bright and Sunny Rooms-Updated Kitchen Appliances-Both Bedrooms comfortably fit Queen Sized Beds and Furniture-High Ceilings and Hardwood Floors-Well Proportioned
Incredible value for a spacious 3-bedroom apartment with an ideal layout and generous living space! Apartment Features:-Expansive Living Area Perfect for Entertaining and Relaxing-Three Spacious Bedrooms that Comfortably Fit Large Beds & Furniture-Beautifully Maintained Bathroom-Soaring High Ceilings & Hardwood Floors ThroughoutBuilding & Neighborhood Features:-Professional Management with a
Stylish Lofted Studio with Custom Walk-In Closet! Apartment Features:- Bright lofted studio with an open, airy layout-Open kitchen with stainless steel appliances-Spacious walk-in closet with custom built-ins and additional storage-Nicely Renovated BathroomBuilding & Neighborhood Features:- Rooftop deck with panoramic views- On-site laundry room-Pet-friendly-Close to Marcus Garvey Park, Whole
Spacious 1-Bedroom with Exposed Brick in Prime South Harlem! Apartment Features:-Bright, sun-filled living room with Exposed Brick and Decorative Fireplace- Spacious bedroom that comfortably fits a queen-size bed and full furniture set- Full-size granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, and microwave- Breakfast bar perfect for casual dining or entertaining- Beautiful bathroom
Welcome to Savoy Park- A Gated Rental Community in the Heart of Harlem!**Massive 2 Bedroom/1 Bath** Rent Stablized**Photos are Stock. Video Available Upon Request****Income Restrictions May Apply**The Apartment:- Large East Facing 2 Bedroom with Open Views- Updated Vinyl Flooring- Separate Kitchen with Dishwasher and Granite Counter Tops- Subway Tile Bathroom- King Size Bedrooms with Double Door
Corner unit, In-unit Washer and Dryer, WHOLE FOODS in the corner.A must see unit! Gut renovated true 3 bedroom corner home with top of the line finishes!. The renovations include all stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, built-in microwave, and plenty of cabinet space. The bathroom is beautifully redone with a modern feel. Hardwood floors throughout the unit and excellent closet space, to top
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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