Why NYC Families Are Flocking to the Upper West Side Before the School Year Starts
As summer ushers in ice cream trucks and family vacations, New York parents are also busy planning something far more strategic: the back-to-school move. The Upper West Side has quietly solidified its status as a top destination for families looking to settle in before the 2025–2026 academic year kicks off. With its proximity to elite private schools across Manhattan and Riverdale—think Trinity, Ethical Culture, and Horace Mann—this classic neighborhood is becoming the go-to for parents prioritizing long-term educational access.
Beyond school catchment zones, today’s UWS properties offer the full family-friendly package: spacious apartments, kid-approved amenities, and quick access to Central Park, Riverside Park, and a bounty of cultural institutions. It’s not just about school runs anymore—these buildings are designed for everything from after-school playdates to Saturday brunches with stroller parking. The appeal of wide sidewalks, tree-lined blocks, and abundant green space gives families a rare blend of urban life and room to grow.
96+Broadway
Credit Evan Joseph
Situated at 250 West 96th Street between Riverside and Central Park, 96+Broadway is a thoughtfully designed luxury condominium by Thomas Juul-Hansen that offers a refined lifestyle in the heart of the Upper West Side. With expansive residences and a standout amenities package—including an elegantly landscaped rooftop terrace and a private dining room designed for intimate gatherings—the building caters to the needs of modern city families. Its location is especially ideal for parents prioritizing education: within close reach of top Upper West Side schools and just a 15–20 minute drive to the prestigious Hill Schools in the Bronx—Horace Mann, Riverdale Country School, and Ethical Culture Fieldston School. With seamless access to the Henry Hudson Parkway, 96+Broadway allows families to stay rooted in Manhattan while easily connecting to some of the region’s most sought-after academic institutions.
720 West End Avenue
Credit VMI Studio
Located at the corner of West End Avenue and 96th Street, 720 West End Avenue is a reimagined pre-war condominium offering expansive residences and over 30,000 square feet of luxurious indoor and outdoor amenities, thoughtfully designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen. Nestled within a landmarked enclave of the Upper West Side, the building enjoys a prime location near Riverside Park and is within walking distance of several of New York City’s most prestigious private schools, including Trinity School, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, The Calhoun School, and more. For families seeking a broader academic landscape, the esteemed Hill Schools in Riverdale are just a short drive away, providing convenient access to some of the region’s top-ranked educational institutions. With its gracious layouts, refined architectural detailing, and proximity to world-class education, 720 West End Avenue offers a rare and compelling lifestyle for families who wish to remain rooted in Manhattan while prioritizing academic excellence.
The Henry
Credit: Naftali Group
Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, The Henry at 211 West 84th Street is a new luxury condominium designed inside and out by the award-winning Robert A.M. Stern Architects to reflect the heritage and architectural prestige of the treasured neighborhood. The Henry comprises a boutique collection of 45 three- to six-bedroom residences, including half-floor, full-floor, and penthouse homes, as well as exclusive townhouses, offering buyers and their families a customizable residential experience enhanced by an expansive suite of indoor and outdoor amenities. The building's close proximity to several of the Upper West Side's top private schools – such as Collegiate, Trinity and The Dwight School, just to name a few – makes it an exceptional choice for families seeking world-class education within walking distance. Complementing this academic access, The Henry’s prime location on West 84th Street places residents moments from some of Manhattan’s most iconic cultural institutions—perfect for enriching extracurricular pursuits, inspiring after-school adventures and nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
212 West 72nd Street
Credit Donna Dotan
Situated at the signature corner between Central Park and Riverside Park, and overlooking the treetops of Verdi Square, 212 West 72nd Street is a true New York address. Thoughtfully planned by award-winning architecture firm, CetraRuddy, the condominium boasts distinctive residences that are an interpretation of modern living and a collection of indoor-outdoor amenities. Located in the heart of the Upper West Side, 212 West 72nd Street is near top performing art venues at Lincoln Center and Beacon Theater, an abundance of green spaces as well as top shopping and culinary offerings. The building's prime location on the corner of 72nd Street and Broadway also allows for seamless connectivity to top private schools right outside of Manhattan, including Riverdale Country School, Ethical Culture Fieldston School and Horace Mann School. Moments away from the Henry Hudson Parkway, buyers with families can effortlessly drive up the parkway to give their kids a traditional school experience, all while staying close to home in Manhattan.
The Astor
Credit: Christian Harder
Originally built in 1901, The Astor has been restored and upgraded for the modern buyer while retaining the pre-war character and charm for which Manhattan's Upper West Side is known. Located just a short drive from the top private schools outside Manhattan, The Astor offers a rare opportunity for families to access a more traditional school campus experience without giving up the convenience of city life. With spacious layouts, timeless design details and a central Upper West Side location, The Astor is ideal for families seeking city living and access to world-class education around the corner.
AIRE
AIRE is a 43-story multifamily tower situated on the Upper West Side offering studio to three-bedroom luxury rentals with breathtaking views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Manhattan’s skyline. Since recently acquiring the property, Gotham Organization has tapped Handel Architects to renovate its residences and amenity spaces as well as curated social programming to build community amongst residents. Inspired by the modern, classic charm of the Upper West Side, the reimagined residences at AIRE feature Mahogany hardwood floors, stone countertops in the kitchen and Fisher & Paykel stainless steel appliances. Floor-to-ceiling windows take advantage of the stunning surrounding views, and ample storage and spacious walk-in closets allow for comfort for all residents, individuals or families alike. Residents enjoy a range of amenities including two private sound-proof rehearsal rooms with a Steinway Baby Grand Piano, a fitness club with yoga and ballet barre area, outdoor terraces, a library, a private half-acre elevated park and garden, and more.
With rising demand and limited availability, the summer market is heating up quickly. Developers and brokers are spotlighting homes with flexible layouts, built-in study spaces, and shared amenities like children’s playrooms, rooftop terraces, and even after-school programming. Whether you're a parent making a move or a savvy buyer eyeing future resale value, the Upper West Side is positioning itself as the smartest address for raising the next generation of Manhattanites.
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