Living on the Upper East Side in NYC offers it’s pro’s and con’s. There is an abundance of bars and restaurants up here to choose from. It has more of a residential “neighborhoody” feel up here as compared to the concrete jungle vibe of midtown, or the crazy party scene of the Lower East Side. Sure, maybe it’s not as much of a nightlife destination spot as downtown is, but we like living up here just the same. Plus, the opportunities to find decent apartments to live in with lower rents are a worthy of checking this part of town out. Now, with the MTA smack dab in the middle of the Second Ave subway construction project underway we have seen an influx of new trendy bars, restaurants, and businesses open up within the past year. From what we have heard many more are on the way. Just hope the rents won’t go through the roof here when all is completed.
Still, just waiting for this project to get done is such a cramp in our lives up here. Sidewalks are closed off, businesses have shut down all along the construction route, and enormous ugly structures have been built to house the machinery and equipment. Take a look at these pics I snapped to get a feel of what we have had to put up with for years now. Their target completion date is around 2016. I won’t hold my breath. It is the NYC MTA after all.
I do hope that once this mess is done it will make the area more vibrant, as it really is a nice part of town to live in. After all, it really is just a quick subway ride away from other parts of the city. Plus, it will make the subway commute in the morning not as crowded and will alleviate the congestion as the 4,5,6 line is packed each day. I myself am looking forward to all the new spots to eat and drink coming. My liver and waist line is definitely not going to be happy though!
One of my pet hates is closed off pavements – and no regard whatsoever for pedestrian’s safety.
Sounds like the new bars will compensate though!
Kate x
http://www.kateathome.com/
Hi Kate!
There are a bunch of sidewalks closed off here. No other way around it. Hopefully the new bars and eateries will make us forget about this mess!
According to those pictures, that’s a lovely view. Not! I hope I don’t run into that mess in June. No really, I better not, lol. And my family certainly won’t go grocery shopping in that underground supermarket, or whatever that thing is, lol. 🙂
Hi Susana,
All of this is along 2nd Ave between 96th and 68 street, but there is similar construction all around the city. I’m sure you will see some of it.
You did not mention the crazy loud booms that you were talking about hearing.
Hey Angel!
Yeah, we had those a lot at the start, but it seems a lot of the blasting is over with now. Unless you were talking about my own gas!
At least you guys have a subway system. We have no decent public transport system here in South Africa. One of our major downfalls.
Hey Lanthie!
Sorry to hear that. I would assume you need cars there to get around.
You are pretty screwed here without one. I spend hours in my car each day which is why I have a fairly decent one. Costs a fortune to run!
I hear ya! If you live outside of the city here you also need a car, and it’s not cheap! Glad I don’t need one.
Ughhh New York construction is the worst! I wish they would just “finish” the city one day. Even if it’s only for a week. Imagine being able to see the sky without scaffolding?
Hi Jill!
It never seems to end here! Contruction sites everywhere. One day the whole island will collapse!
I’m so jealous of the subway! We have a horrible bus system here, you really can’t live without a car. I hope all the construction is finished for you soon!
Hi Frugal!
Yeah, the subway system here in NYC is pretty great overall, but this craziness has been going on for years now and will be for quite some time!