A Guide to Finding your Perfect Central Park Coop

Step 1: Choosing a Neighborhood

You’ve already decided that you want to move into a coop off central park.  Yet how do you know which central park coop neighborhood is for you?

Upper West Side: Central Park West on the Upper West Side is home to a number of great options for your Central Park coop.   Should you choose a coop on the west side of the park, you will be sharing your neighborhood with the American Museum of Natural History and the New York Historical Society.  Park views on the UWS also offer prime views of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Coops on Central Park West are mostly elegant pre-war buildings. 

Upper East Side:  Central Park coops on the East Side of the Park are unique from their Central Park West counterparts.  Along the Park, 5^th Avenue is mostly a residential neighborhood.  However, on Madison, the neighborhood is known for its boutiques.  These unique retailers are part of what sets living on the Upper East Side apart from other Central Park neighborhoods.  Furthermore, on the lower end of the Park, 5^th Avenue’s “Museum Mile”. 

Step 2: Choosing the Perfect Central Park Coop

The Pierre – The ultimate Central Park Coop on the UES.  The Pierre is one of the most exclusive coops on the UES and is directly across from Central Park.  This landmark pre-war building shares a space with the Pierre Hotel and therefore residents have access the premium hotel service.  Other amenities in this Central Park coop include first rate restaurants, a fitness center, and several units also include their own terraces. 

The Dakota – This pre-war co-op on Central Park West is what many look for in a Central Park coop on the UWS.  This large, iconic, building has high ceilings and spacious apartments with breathtaking views of the Park.  Built in 1884, the Dakota was one of the first luxury apartment buildings on the UWS, which at the time was a fairly empty area in Manhattan. 

Known for being the home of John Lennon, The Dakota, has had many celebrity occupants over the years including Judy Garland and playwright William Inge.  The square Dakota features a central courtyard with a fountain and several fireplaces. 

Now that you know more about Central Park Coops on both the UES and the UWS, which area is right for you?