Updated June 23rd, 2025
Discover Murray Hill: a neighborhood where classic brownstones, leafy streets, and city living come together. (Jeffrey Zeldman / Flickr CC BY 2.0)
Named after 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.However, if you’re looking for after-hours hotspots and nightlife in Murray Hill, Third Avenue is the place to be. 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 some of the finest architectural gems in the city, such as the Morgan Library & Museum and Sniffen Court. Grand Central Terminal and the nearby Beaux Arts-style mansions remain iconic highlights of Midtown East. At 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library’s vast collection makes it one of the world’s premier cultural institutions. For nearby entertainment, venues like the New York Art Theatre and other Midtown cultural spaces offer performances and events, though longtime institutions such as the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater and the Jewish Repertory Theater have since relocated or closed.
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 – Studio in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-20123)
There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York City. Depending on the length of stay, find the perfect Midtown East furnished apartment or a vacation rental thanks to New York Habitat’s vast collection of properties.
– This furnished studio apartment in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-20123), on 36th Street between Lexington Avenue and Third Avenue, offers abundant light in a high-rise building with a doorman, gym, laundry, and modern finishes.
– This one-bedroom furnished apartment in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-19350), on East 34th Street near 2nd Avenue, sits on the 23rd floor of a full-service high-rise with a doorman, gym, and laundry. It features large windows, a modern kitchen with bar seating, and a bright, comfortable layout.
In the midst of the busy holiday season, New York Habitat has numerous accommodations to stay in Midtown East and especially 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.
Murray Hill is definitely its own community, but it is close to everything. I immediately think of Bryant Park, which is often said to resemble the Jardin de Luxembourg. In the summer, it has its own carousel, free yoga and movies on the lawn. Otherwise I like to sit there and watch the beautiful skylights go on, or go the Library and pretend I’m Truman Capote :-).
My friend and I rented an apartment with New York Habitat last summer. The area we were in was Murray Hill. Prior to going to the city, we didn’t really know much about any of the neighborhoods, but this one turned out to be great! It is close to Midtown and Times Square, and easy to get to the East Village, too. We made the best of our time in New York, and the accomodations made it easy for us to relax at the end of our long days.