Murray Hill, Manhattan
Murray Hill offers a balance of convenience, character, and accessibility. It combines historic rowhouses, cultural institutions, and a lively dining scene with one of Manhattan’s most central locations.
Murray Hill
1. Neighborhood: Central Manhattan location with a mix of historic rowhouses, prewar co-ops, and modern high-rises.
2. Conveniences: Third Avenue shops, grocery stores, fitness studios; nearby Bryant Park and St. Vartan Park.
3. Transit: 4, 5, 6 at 33rd & 42nd; 7 and multiple lines at Grand Central; easy tunnel and bridge access to Queens.
Real Estate: Condos, 19th-century townhouses, Co-ops; affordable entry compared to Gramercy and Midtown.
The Vibe at a Glance
Murray Hill blends historic charm with Midtown convenience, offering tree-lined side streets, cultural anchors like the Morgan Library, and a lively dining scene. Its mix of co-ops, condos, and townhouses on the east side appeals to young professionals and long-time residents alike. Central, approachable, and full of character, Murray Hill balances city energy with a distinctly residential feel. Thinking of buying or selling in Murray Hill? Get tailored insights on pricing and strategy—let’s start the conversation.
Located in Manhattan, NYC 10016
Commute Times
Financial District: 26m train, 23m car
Long Island City: 22m train, 17m car
Union Square: 13m train, 15m car
East Village: 30m train, 16m car
Subways
(4) (5) (6) East 34th Ferry, PATH
Neighborhood
North to South: 42nd St. to 34th St.
East to West Madison Ave. to 1st Ave.
Nearby Neighborhoods: Kips Bay, Midtown East, Midtown
Murray Hill
Murray Hill, stretching from East 34th Street to East 42nd Street between Madison Avenue and the East River, is a neighborhood that balances convenience, historic charm, and central Manhattan energy. Once known as the enclave of financiers and social clubs, it became a postwar magnet for young professionals drawn to its proximity to Midtown offices and Grand Central. Today, Murray Hill has evolved into a diverse residential area where classic townhouses, prewar co-ops, and sleek high-rises sit side by side, offering an approachable yet sophisticated slice of Manhattan living.
Vibe and Atmosphere
Murray Hill carries an identity shaped by contrast: it feels lively yet residential, bustling yet approachable. Its tree-lined side streets showcase 19th-century rowhouses and historic districts like Sniffen Court, a collection of Romanesque Revival carriage houses converted into residences. Along Lexington and Third Avenues, the rhythm picks up with casual eateries, Irish pubs, and convenience retail that cater to its younger professional population.
Cultural anchors like the Morgan Library & Museum and Scandinavia House add refinement, while nearby icons — the Empire State Building to the west, the United Nations to the east — remind residents they’re at the very core of New York City.
Amenities and Conveniences
Life in Murray Hill is practical and connected. Pharmacies, grocery stores, wine shops, and fitness studios line Third Avenue, while Park Avenue provides a grander backdrop of offices and upscale retail. Healthcare access is strong, with NYU Langone’s Ambulatory Care Center and multiple urgent care clinics nearby.
Green space is more limited compared to downtown neighborhoods, but residents enjoy nearby St. Vartan Park for playgrounds and sports courts, and the East River Esplanade for waterfront walks. Being blocks from Bryant Park and just north of Kips Bay’s East River parks expands options within walking distance.
Dining and Shopping
Murray Hill’s dining scene mirrors its mix of casual and classic. Irish pubs remain a defining feature, with long-time favorites like Dillon’s Pub and Mulligan’s as staples. Along Curry Hill on Lexington Avenue, Indian restaurants such as Dhaba and Chote Nawab continue the area’s legacy of vibrant South Asian flavors.
The neighborhood also offers standout Japanese options, from Momosan Ramen & Sake, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s ramen-focused restaurant, to elegant vegetarian kaiseki at Kajitsu. For comfort food, Utopia Bagels anchors the affordable side. Classic institutions like El Parador Café, one of Manhattan’s oldest Mexican restaurants, bring depth to the mix.
On the café and bakery side, spots like Lucid Café and Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish give residents plenty of choices for coffee, breakfast, or a quick bite. Shopping here is largely practical — pharmacies, wine shops, and grocery stores along Third Avenue — while larger retail experiences are just minutes away in Midtown, including Grand Central Market and Bryant Park’s seasonal offerings.
Transportation
Murray Hill is one of Manhattan’s most centrally connected neighborhoods. The (4) (5) and (6) lines run along Park Avenue, with stations at 33rd and 42nd Streets. The 7 train and multiple subway connections at Grand Central Terminal — just a few blocks north — make commuting across the city seamless. Crosstown buses and easy access to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel offer direct connections to Long Island City and beyond. For drivers, the East River bridges and FDR Drive provide access up and down Manhattan. Walkability is high, and Citi Bike stations make it simple to connect to adjacent neighborhoods like Midtown, Kips Bay, and Gramercy.
Schools
Murray Hill is served by a mix of public and private options. P.S. 116 Mary Lindley Murray School and P.S. 281 The River School provide elementary education within the neighborhood. Older students often attend Murray Hill Academy or the nearby Churchill School and Center in Kips Bay. Private and specialized programs in Midtown (and north and south) expand the options for families seeking alternative paths.
Real Estate Insights
Murray Hill’s housing market is a mix of approachable and aspirational. Elegant 19th-century townhouses and historic co-ops line the quieter blocks, while larger high-rises and doorman condos cluster closer to the East River and Park Avenue. Sniffen Court, a landmark district, adds unique architectural flavor with converted stables turned residences.
Sales Market At A Glance (2025)
Average home value (ZHVI): ~$777K
Median list price: ~$866K
Median sale price (all homes): ~$774K
Murray Hill Residential Properties Market snapshot (Aug 2025): Studios: ~$423K, 1-Bed: ~$750K, 2-Bed: ~$1.33M, 3-Bed: ~$1.65M
Source: Property Shark, Street Easy, & Zillow (2025). Zillow’s Home Value Index (ZHVI) reflects average home values across all properties, using seasonally adjusted measures that incorporate recent sales and market data.
Trends
Murray Hill remains one of Manhattan’s more affordable neighborhoods relative to Midtown and Gramercy. Co-ops provide the lowest-cost entry, while condos continue to rise in value thanks to demand from younger buyers. Townhouses, while rare, command premium prices. Its central location and convenient transit keep it a steady market with broad appeal to first-time buyers and professionals seeking proximity to Midtown offices.
Final Thoughts
Murray Hill offers a balance of convenience, character, and accessibility. It combines historic rowhouses, cultural institutions, and a lively dining scene with one of Manhattan’s most central locations. While less expensive than many surrounding neighborhoods, its rising condo market and consistent demand point to steady long-term growth. For buyers and renters alike, Murray Hill is a neighborhood where Manhattan’s history and energy meet everyday livability.
Thinking of buying or selling in Murray Hill? Whether you’re exploring co-ops, condos, or considering selling your current home, I’m happy to provide a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) or share tailored insights into the local market. Reach out — let’s start the conversation.
For in-depth guides on topics like NYC condo and co-op financing, co-op board applications, CMAs, and closing timelines — visit the Resources & Insights hub for resources designed to help guide buyers and sellers in the Murray Hill real estate market.