Harlem NYC is a historic and culture-diversified neighborhood on the north side of Manhattan, New York. The area has been an important center of African-American culture since the late 19th century, primarily through the “Harlem Renaissance” of the early 20th century, when it became a hotbed of American art, music, literature, and social movements. Today, Harlem still retains an intense black cultural scene, with the sounds of jazz and soul music permeating the streets, as well as several historic spots and museums showcasing the unique story of Harlem NY.
Location of Harlem NYC
People may wonder where Harlem is in NYC, and the answer is that it is located to the north of Manhattan. Harlem NYC is usually divided into East Harlem, West Harlem, and Central Harlem. The zip code in Harlem NYC includes 10026, 10027, 10030, 10031, 10035, 10037, and 10039.
East Harlem: Located east of the Harlem River, East Harlem is bounded by approximately 125th Street to the north and 96th Street to the south. East Harlem NYC is home to a predominantly Latino community and is one of the most historical areas, often called “El Barrio”.
Central Harlem: Located in the heart of Harlem, geographically between 125th and 155th Streets, it is bounded by 8th Avenue on the west of the Harlem River and 5th Avenue on the east. Central Harlem is known for its deep African-American cultural heritage and historic sites.
West Harlem: West Harlem is located west of 125th Street and extends west to Riverside Drive. The boundaries of West Harlem include portions of the Columbia University and Hudson River, which in recent years have become a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural projects due to urban redevelopment.
Apartments For Rent in Harlem NYC
uhomes.com provides a wide range of apartments for rent in NYC with different room types in Central Harlem, West Harlem, and East Harlem. We provide the apartments with modern furniture, a good location, and convenient facilities nearby. There are some recommendation for you to consider:
3333 Broadway offers affordable apartments for rent in New York in the West Harlem neighborhood. There are pet-friendly studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments for you to choose from, with a convenient laundry room, a garage, a package locker, a lounge, a delivery alert system, reception, and a 24-hour doorman.
224 W 124 Apartments provides high-end apartment in the Central Harlem neighborhood. The apartments are fully furnished 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom room types that are pet-friendly and smoke-free. 224 W 124 Apartments offers a large rooftop lounge with BBQ grills, a cooking bar, and an outdoor dining table. The fitness center, yoga room, sauna, kids’ playroom, game room, and lobby lounge for the residents to enjoy a better living experience.
The Reserve NYC provides luxury apartments for rent at 215 East 124th Street, in East Harlem. The Reserve Apartments offers the apartment with an in-unit washer and dryer, electronic and keyless entry, and a spilted heating and cooling system in each unit. The modern kitchen at The Reserve NYC also has stainless steel appliances.
East Harlem New York
History and Culture
East Harlem is also called El Barrio, and it is famous for its rich Latino culture. In the early 20th century, large numbers of Puerto Rican immigrants moved into East Harlem NYC and formed a unique cultural atmosphere. The community is filled with decorations of the Puerto Rican flag and murals depicting the struggles and lives of immigrants, such as the artwork on the walls of the Julia de Burgos Latino Cultural Center. Besides, East Harlem holds the National Puerto Rican Day Parade yearly, with the traditional Latino music, dance, and food that attracts many tourists.
Landmarks in East Harlem New York
- El Museo del Barrio: It is the only museum in New York that focus on Latin American, Caribbean, and Latino art, with a rich collection ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works of art.
- Harlem River Drive: People can ride along the Harlem River Drive and see the beautiful scenery, especially in the charming at dusk.
- La Marqueta: It is a historical market used as the primary business center for Latino, and become a cluster of emerging small businesses and artists.
Food and Shopping in East Harlem
- Puerto Rican cuisine: La Fonda is a famous restaurant that serves mofongo and lechón asado. Another is Casa Adela, well-known for the pollo guisado.
- Mexican and Dominican cuisine: El Paso Taqueria offers traditional tacos, and go to Cuchifritos to taste Dominican snacks.
- Local Market: East Harlem Market on 125th Street sells fresh Latino ingredients and artifacts.
Central Harlem
History and Culture
Central Harlem is the core area of Harlem, the centerpiece of the Harlem Renaissance, and carries a wealth of historical sites and cultural memories. During the Harlem Renaissance (the 1920s and 1930s), Central Harlem witnessed an unprecedented cultural boom, where black artists in literature, music, art, and theater produced many classics. During this period, jazz and blues became Harlem’s signature musical forms, and many legendary musicians, such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, made their mark.
Landmarks in East Harlem New York
1. Apollo Theater: The famous Apollo Theater, located at 125 St, is the iconic landmark in Harlem NYC, and it has been the stage for many legendary musicians such as James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Maya Angelou. Nowadays, the theater always holds concerts, art performances, and cultural activities.
2. The Harlem History Museum: The museum shows the rich culture and historical heritage in Harlem from the Harlem Renaissance and introduces visitors to the importance of black culture, art, and social movements in the region.
3. Morningside Park: Morningside Park is located near Columbia University, and people can enjoy the extensive green spaces to relax, run, and picnic with friends. You can also enjoy the beautiful scene of the whole Harlem in this park.
Food and Shopping in Central Harlem New York
- Sylvia’s Restaurant: One of Central Harlem’s well-known restaurants, Sylvia’s Restaurant is famous for its classic Southern soul food. The signature dishes are the fried chicken, stewed pork trotters, and Tortillas. Starting in 1962, Sylvia’s Restaurant became an important cultural icon in Harlem, attracting locals and tourists for authentic Southern flavors.
- Red Rooster Harlem: It is a modern restaurant founded by renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. A fusion of traditional and innovative Southern cuisine. The popular dishes are Harlem Fried Chicken, Waffles, and Pan-Fried Catfish.
- 125th Street Shopping District: 125th Street is Central Harlem’s main business street, filled with stores and booths. People can go to 125th Street to buy clothes, jewelry, and street snacks.
West Harlem
History and Culture
West Harlem is a unique neighborhood with an abundant history. This community has been the birthplace of many important historical events and cultural movements, especially in the early 20th century, when it became an important center of African American culture. It is also the center of the Harlem Renaissance; many famous writers, musicians, and artists like Langston Hughes and Sarah Vaughan lived there before. The culture of West Harlem is multicultural among African Americans, Caribbean, and Latinos. The neighborhood is filled with art galleries, museums, music venues, and food culture, especially soul, jazz, and hip-hop music.
Landmarks in West Harlem Manhattan
- The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is one of the institutions that studies African American history and culture, and it is affiliated with the New York Public Library. Many archives and documents on African American history, culture, and art are valuable resources in this center for studying culture.
- The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine: one of the largest Gothic churches in the south of West Harlem. It is a place of religious practice and hosts frequent concerts and art exhibitions, making it a place where art and faith meet.
- Columbia University: located near the West Harlem neighborhood. As one of the top universities in the United States, many students would choose this university to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in this university.
Food and Shopping in West Harlem New York
Fumo Harlem: A popular Italian restaurant in Manhattan with delicate dishes and a cozy atmosphere. Fumo Harlem offers handmade pasta, charcoal-grilled meats, and a variety of delicious pizzas that perfectly combine tradition and innovation.
The Vale Public House NYC: The modern bar provides various food, snacks, and beer. The menu of the bar is traditional American food with burgers, fries, and kinds of cocktails and beers.
The Shops at 145th: The shopping center offers various shopping options from fashion brands, daily necessities, and local stores.
Universities in Harlem NYC
Columbia University
Columbia University, located near West Harlem, is one of the Ivy League Institutions and is famous for its academic research and innovation. The university provides rich academic resources, and a diversified study environment attracts many talents.
Barnard College
Barnard College is a women’s liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University that focuses on high-quality undergraduate education. The college is located in Harlem, NYC, and emphasizes small classes and personalized academic support.
The Manhattan School of Music
The Manhattan School of Music is a music college with a high reputation that focuses on developing outstanding performing artists. The Academy provides students with a world-class musical education and a wealth of performance opportunities.
Transportation in Harlem NYC
Subway:
Lines A, B, C, and D: Cross 125th Street station and quickly connect to Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
Lines 2 and 3: Via Lenox Avenue (125th Street Station), connecting the Bronx to lower Manhattan.
Lines 4, 5, and 6: These lines via the East Harlem run along Lexington Avenue with stops at 116th Street and 125th Street.
Line 1: Run along the Broadway, and cross the 137th Street station in West Harlem.
Buses:
Harlem NYC is densely populated with bus lines that offer alternatives to the subway:
M60-SBS: Bus rapid transit line connecting Harlem to LaGuardia Airport.
M100, M101: major routes through Harlem, connecting the Bronx to Midtown Manhattan.
M7, M102: extends from Harlem to the rest of Manhattan.
Bx15 connects the Bronx and Harlem, running along 125th Street.
Bicycling and Walking:
Harlem is suitable for you to go out walking and bicycling, especially when you are planning to explore historic buildings and parks. Harlem NYC has multiple bike lanes, such as riding bicycles along Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue, to connect with other areas in Manhattan. There are also Citibike places where residents and visitors can conveniently rent bikes.
FAQ
Yes, Harlem NYC is a good place to live and known for its rich cultural history, diverse neighborhood atmosphere, and vibrant arts scene. It is home to many restaurants, music venues, and historic sites, and is particularly known for its African American culture and the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem has undergone significant remodeling in recent years, with improved policing and increased ease of living.
Harlem is a great place to visit in New York, and it attracts visitors with its rich history and culture. You can feel the Harlem Renaissance by visiting spots such as the Apollo Theater and Strivers’ Row. Harlem’s soul food restaurants, jazz clubs, and art galleries are also highly distinctive and add a unique experience to the trip. In addition, attractions such as Marcus Garvey Park and St. John the Divine are worth seeing.
Walking in Harlem during the day is generally safe. Security in Harlem has improved in recent years, especially on the main streets, such as the 125th Street neighborhood. Daytime visitors can feel comfortable visiting landmarks, restaurants, and stores. However, it is advisable to maintain a basic sense of security, such as avoiding isolated or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Brooklyn and Harlem are located in two different areas of New York City, about 13 to 16 kilometers apart, depending on the starting point and route. Driving takes about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taking the subway is a standard option and usually takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the subway line.
