Gramercy

The quiet and serene setting of Gramercy Park has something for everyone. Located in the Gramercy Park Historic District, Gramercy Park has been a New York icon since Samuel Ruggles first developed it in 1831. An investment of $180,000 created one of the most respected and beloved areas of the city. Today’s Gramercy Park has seen increases in population each year, as its walkable layout balances perfectly with all that it has to offer, even for those with the most refined taste.

For many within Gramercy Park, it’s the view that makes it all worth it. Adorned with brownstones and classic doorman buildings, this posh yet humble setting shows visitors that classic New York City is alive and well. Areas like this are a stark reminder that the low-key beauty of Manhattan never goes out of style. A walk through the quaint streets is enough to showcase everything that makes this quiet neighborhood stand out.

• Exclusive park with benefits for key-holding residents
• Kalustyan’s; Middle Eastern foods and spices from around the world
• Tree-lined streets and a quaint, peaceful atmosphere
• Local coffee and delicious pastries at Irving Farm
• To die for ice cream at Caffe Panna

The tranquil streets of Gramercy Park give residents a mix of that quaint feeling of home, complete with people-watching and cozy surroundings alongside the luxury (and sometimes pricey) accommodations that come with a Manhattan address.

Noted as one of the earliest attempts at “city planning,” Gramercy Park was created from the ground up with people in mind. The upscale buildings house some of the elite within the city while still offering easy access to the 4/5/6 trains and many down-home luxuries that one might expect from a small town. This perfect blend of opulence with a down-home feel makes this location so unique among its neighbors.

At just about 30,000 residents, Gramercy Park has some of the most upscale and sought-after stores and eateries. The Union Square Greenmarket is perhaps the most famous of these destinations. It is at this year-long market that farms and smaller food distributors come together to give shoppers some of the most specialized choices around. The food available at Union Square has been the talk of the town since 1976.

When it comes to sit-down meals, the choices are even more plentiful in Gramercy Park. Those wanting a quick meal in an upscale Manhattan-style restaurant have found that Casa Mono provides top-notch food and service. This Michelin-star eatery has everything one would expect from a meal in the area.

For a drink, there are plenty of excellent options. Pete’s Tavern offers a vintage feel, while Hawksmoor NYC serves cocktails alongside a selection of meat, fish, and desserts. Still hungry? Bedford Cheese Shop can provide the best charcuterie boards in the neighborhood, and Ess-a-Bagel has delectable dough to eat it with. Kalustyan’s is a popular market for Middle Eastern and Indian food items.

While the neighborhood is a thing of beauty, it’s the park itself that takes exclusivity to a new level. Gramercy Park is one of two private parks in New York City. This exclusive location is also one of only three in the entire state, and lucky locals, who pay an annual fee, can access it with a key. Those without, however, can walk along the beautiful streets and dog-walking routes around the picturesque setting.

For those with an artistic flair, the Metronome, also known as The Art Installation Metronome, is a massive art installation found at the south end of Union Square. This stunning showcase of artistic expression was created through the Public Art Fund and Municipal Art Society.

Once you’ve tasted the food, visited the park, and taken in the art, there’s always the historical flair that comes with a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site on 20th between Park and Broadway. This replica of the 26th United States President’s home is presented just as it would have been during the lifetime of Teddy Roosevelt.

Education in Gramercy Park is as respected as the scenery itself. The choices in the area are plentiful, including a number of sought-after enrollments.