New York Habitat Blog

Named for the illustrious shipping and trade magnate, Richard Murray, the neighborhood of Murray Hill in New York is a peaceful and quiet enclave of Midtown East. The neighborhood is mostly known for its extensive residential housing made of historical 19th Century townhouses and the high-rise apartment complexes. Once occupied by a notable older demographic, Murray Hill is becoming a prime location for young professionals for its picturesque city streets, relaxed atmosphere and restaurant selection.

About Murray Hill

Starting in the north at 42nd Street, Murray Hill stretches to 27th Street and encompasses everything in between Fifth and Second Avenues. For most of the 20th Century, Murray Hill has been dominated by wealthy residents who have created a tight-knit community. The strong sense of community is unmistakable and a rare find in New York City. Getting to know the neighbors is easy as there are only a few supermarkets, dry cleaners and grocery stores in the area. Favorite bars and restaurants among residents are typically found along Park Avenue and draw the after-work crowd with the best happy hour deals in the city.

New York accommodation: 2 Bedroom Rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454)

If looking for after-hour hot spots and night life in Murray Hill, however, the place to be is Third Avenue. Reasonably priced restaurants, famed delis and quaint boutiques are also found along the edge of Murray Hill. The nickname of ‘Curry Hill’ has been given to the neighborhood thanks to the influx of Indian restaurants that have recently moved into the area.

Filled with a rich history, Murray Hill boasts of some the best architectural designs and buildings in the city such as the Morgan Library and Sniffen Court. The Beaux Arts mansion and Grand Central Station are other magnificent structural sites to see while in the city. At 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library’s myriad collection makes it one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. For nearby entertainment, the New York Art Theatre, on Park Avenue, the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater, on 33rd Street, and the Jewish Repertorty Theater, on 40th Street, are all within walking distance.

Murray Hill is also a prime hub for city-wide transportation. Subway access to the 4, 5 and 6 trains can be found at Grand Central Station at 42nd Street as well as Park Avenue and 33rd and 28th Streets. If venturing to the neighboring boroughs, the cross-town 7 train traces 42nd and runs out to Queens. The popular M16 and M104 cross-town buses also run regularly in and out of the neighborhood.

Murray Hill Accommodations

New York Apartment: Murray Hill (NY-12300)

There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York City. Depending on the length of stay, find the perfect furnished apartment or a vacation rental in New York Habitat’s vast collection of properties.

- This studio in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-12300), on 30th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, features a beautiful exposed brick wall and big windows overlooking the quiet street below.
- This two-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-4454), on 33rd Street between First and Second Avenues, is a modern apartment with a state-of-the-art home theater system and hotel amenities.
- This one-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-11945), on 37th Street at First Avenue, is located in a luxurious high-rise with two health clubs and laundry facilities within the building.

In the midst of the busy holiday season, New York Habitat has numerous places to stay in Murray Hill with proximity to the city’s best stores. You might also consider Murray Hill when attending Fashion Week in New York or the 4th of July festivities.

Have you ever stayed in Murray Hill and want to share the experience with others? Leave a story in the comments section below.

The Flatiron District is located in Central Manhattan roughly bounded by Sixth Avenue to the west, 25th Street to the north, Park Avenue South to the East and 18th Street to the south.

The neighborhood is another one of Manhattan’s unique niche areas which originally grew up in the late 19th century when the “Ladies Mile” shopping district developed around Broadway and many cast iron buildings were constructed with neo-classical, Beaux-Arts and Second Empire Style influences.

The neighborhood’s signature building, The Flatiron Building, is its namesake because of its historical significance to the city. The building was the tallest skyscraper in the city when it was built and its unique triangular shape around Broadway and Fifth Avenues makes it one of New York’s most memorable structures.

The Housing:

The Flatiron District has limited housing and many of the offerings are expensive, but people find that the location is well worth the price. The predominant housing options are lofts located on the side streets and newer high-rise condos scattered on the Avenues. New York Habitat can help you find a furnished apartment or a vacation rental accommodation in this neighborhood.

The Culture:

The neighborhood is small but includes many of the city’s top restaurants, the always popular Madison Square Park and a unique mix of shopping. Some of the popular restaurants include Craft and Craft Bar by chef Tom Colicchio that serves new American food, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, specializing in southwestern food, and Tabla, an Indian restaurant facing Madison Square Park.

As for shopping, the neighborhood has become a magnet for large national retailers but has plenty of local flair as well. There is a large Home Depot on 23rd Street as well as a Filene’s Basement and a Container Store on Sixth Avenue. The neighborhood also features one of the original Barnes and Noble stores – from before the bookseller became a national chain — as well as Paragon Sports on 16th Street and Broadway, one of the city’s most famous independent sporting goods stores.

Madison Square Park, which fills the land between Fifth and Madison Avenues from 23rd to 25th Streets, is one of the neighborhood’s highlights. The park includes a famous burger stand, which is run by the owners of the Union Square Grill and includes some of the best burgers in the city. If you decide to go for a burger, come early or prepare to wait because the secret is out. You can even enjoy a glass of wine (plastic) with your burger while sitting at a table in the park.

The Location:

People who live in the neighborhood often choose it because of its central location halfway between Herald Square and Union Square. Many midtown offices are within walking distance, though if you prefer there are several subway lines that serve the neighborhood including the 6 train at 23rd Street and Park Avenue South, the R,W trains at 23rd Street and Broadway, and the F,V trains at 23rd and Sixth Avenue. With all of these options, accessing any part of Manhattan is relatively easy.

When looking for midtown apartments, consider the Flatiron District. Its easy access to Midtown offices, close proximity to Madison Square Park and top-notch restaurants make it an attractive choice.

Photograph provided by francois-roux-photography.com