Although many of Manhattan's neighborhoods have had their ups and downs, the majority of Central Park West is just as prestigious a place to own or rent a New York apartment now as it was decades ago. Towering over Central Park like a vast wall of monoliths, the buildings present both a literal and figurative pinnacle in the quest to reach the top in New York City.
Of course, the main attraction for those who seek apartments on Central Park West is the unparalleled view of the park. While most other city denizens prefer to live close to the ground in order to avoid those grueling walk-ups, on Central Park West, the higher you are the better. The reason is instantly apparent once you look out over the swath of green all the way over to Museum Mile on the other side.
Central Park West begins as one of the offshoots at Columbus Circle with the ultra-luxurious Trump International Hotel and Towers. Donald Trump purchased the decaying building in the early 90s and completely refurbished it. Now it presents a reflective glass exterior behind which are housed a five-star restaurant, luxury apartments, and some of the poshest hotel rooms in the tri-state area.
On the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West stands the Dakota. Although the castle-like building-complete with dry moat-has long been a favorite among the famous, it is now notorious as the place where John Lennon was shot.
Walk further north and you'll soon come to the four-block sprawl of the American Museum of Natural History. The museum contains many reproductions of animal habitats and some truly monstrous gems, but the main attraction, especially for children, is most definitely the dinosaurs.
One asset that Central Park West residents enjoy as a result of the magnificent location is the proximity of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Those lucky enough to have an apartment on Central Park West needn't worry about crowds or inclement weather, as the route goes directly past their windows. Many residents get into the spirit of the day by inviting other New York residents over to watch the festivities.
Because of the combination of amenities and location, apartment vacancies in Central Park West are not the easiest to come by. Those willing to make the investment, however, will find the dividends more than make up for the expense.
