Hell's Kitchen Vs Upper East Side

Why is Hells Kitchen and Upper East Side cheaper than the rest of Manhattan? Barring Uptown. Compared to the rest of Manhattan, Hell's Kitchen and UES appear to have much more cheaper apartments. I could guess because Hells Kitchen is right next to Times Square and apart from 9th Avenue it's pretty shitty and somewhat seedy.

I personally prefer the neighborhoods of the west side- Hell's Kitchen, Chelsea (where I live now), west village- and it's super easy to pop downtown on the 1/2/3 or a/c/e. Living in Hell's Kitchen or Upper West Side? Hey all, I'm looking at apartments with a couple roommates and am interested in Hell's Kitchen and the Upper West Side. UWS definitely seems super family friendly, laid back and filled with kind people.

However, Hell's Kitchen has some nice upscale buildings that have been tempting us. Finally: New York neighborhoods explained. When it comes to living the American Dream, New York City is the first place that comes to millions of people's minds.

But New York is big, and there are many Manhattan neighborhoods to choose from. From historical locales like Harlem to modern gems like the Lower East Side and Chinatown, each area offers something different that adds character to. Seconding the Upper West Side as a consideration.

Plenty of bars & restaurants, great access to transit, there's a decent park close by. 1/2/3 trains would be convenient to get you straight to work. I've heard Murray Hill is good for college grads, but at times can feel like a bit of a 'bubble' or like a giant frat house.

Hell's Kitchen I've heard has good food and bars, but apparently Covid killed a lot of the buzz. Less of the college crowd too. Thoughts? Are my assumptions wrong in any way? My office is in Midtown Manhattan.

Upper Manhattan is the area above 96th Street. Midtown Manhattan is the area between 34th Street and 59th Street. Lower Manhattan is the area below 14th Street.

West Side is the area west of Fifth Avenue; East Side is the area east of Fifth Avenue. Time square towards Hells kitchen ie Midtown West would not be my choice over the upper West side. I don't think Midtown West/Hells kitchen is unsafe or has lots of junkies.

If i were you i'd look for something on the east side, closer to the 456 line. Upper East Side would be more fun for a 31 yr old, its closer to central park, i'd say it's probably safer, and it's a better commute to grand central. The midtown/hells kitchen area has good restaurants on 9th and 10th, but if you ever have to go to 8th ave or any farther east you'll encounter mobs of people all the time.

Honestly we got really tired of fighting through crowds just to get to the subway.