Lenox Hill

Lenox Hill Neighborhood of Manhattan

Consisting of more than 20 blocks, Lenox Hill is a historic district in the Upper East Side, New York City. Situated along the East River, this neighborhood has extensive waterfront promenades. Lenox Hill is served well by the New York City Subway and other major roads that connect Manhattan with neighboring boroughs.

Attractions and Sightseeing

Lenox Hill has more than 10 blocks that are situated along the East River. Overlooking the river, John Jay Park offers premier recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Named after one of New York’s most celebrated governors, this 3.3-acre green space includes multiple outdoor swimming pools and various playgrounds.

John Jay Park is connected to the John Finley Walk, which includes wide promenades along the East River. The trails offer great views of the neighboring Roosevelt Island, which is a historic island that’s situated between Manhattan and Queens. The John Finley Walk terminates at Twenty-Four Sycamores Park, which is located near the Queensboro Bridge. From this part of Lenox Hill, you can see the Roosevelt Island Tramway run back and forth above the East River.

The southeastern corner of the neighborhood is home to the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden. Built in 1799 from locally quarried stone, this residence is one of the oldest surviving properties in Manhattan. During the 19th century, this charming estate was a popular resort for the city’s elite. The Colonial Dames of America has operated the Mount Vernon complex since the late 1930s.

The Park Avenue Armory is another top cultural venue in the heart of Lenox Hill. Originally built in the 1870s, this property has hosted a wide range of unique art exhibits and other thought-provoking events. The Park Avenue Armory takes pride in promoting unconventional forms of visual art and entertainment.

Asia Society and Museum is another prominent attraction that’s located in Lenox Hill. As the name implies, this institution celebrates and showcases the culture of Asian nations. This venue features art galleries, history exhibits, festivals, seminars, and other events relating to Asian customs and traditions. Asia Society strongly promotes civilian and diplomatic relations between the United States and Oriental countries.

History

Lenox Hill is named after a merchant who immigrated to New York City from Scotland in the late 18th century. Robert Lenox purchased more than two dozen acres upon his arrival in NYC. In the middle of the 19th century, farms and estates of the area gave way to industrial and commercial development. The New York & Harlem Railroad ran through the heart of Lenox Hill in order to accommodate the city’s rapid growth. Today, this historic district is mostly lined with premier high-rise properties that are within walking distance of Manhattan’s top amenities.

Location and Transportation

Lenox Hill consists of dozens of blocks in the eastern part of Manhattan. Carrying vehicular traffic southbound and northbound, Park Avenue defines the western boundary of the district. East 60th Street marks the southern edge of this large neighborhood. This street merges with the Queensboro Bridge, which links Manhattan with Queens. The East River naturally marks the eastern limits of Lenox Hill.

Having multiple lanes going in opposite directions, FDR Drive is a major highway that runs parallel to this river. The northern edge of Lenox Hill is identified by East 77th Street, which is open only to traffic heading westbound towards Central Park.

The 4, 5, and 6 lines of the New York City Subway run through this major neighborhood. You can catch these trains at the 68th and 77th Street stations. The 72nd Street and Lexington Avenue-63rd Street stations are served by the Q and R trains.

Additionally, several Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) bus stops are located in Lenox Hill.

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