Harlem

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Active Sales Listings
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Harlem, located in the northern section of Manhattan, New York City, is a vibrant and historically rich neighborhood that embodies a captivating blend of culture, heritage, and community spirit. With a history that traces back to the 17th century, Harlem has experienced significant transformation over the years, shaping its unique character and identity.

The neighborhood is renowned for its significant contributions to African-American culture, music, and the arts. During the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 1930s, the area became a hub for intellectuals, writers, musicians, and artists, fostering creativity and innovation that still resonates today. Iconic venues like the Apollo Theater and historic sites such as the Studio Museum in Harlem continue to showcase the neighborhood's artistic legacy.

Harlem's diversity is a defining feature, boasting a dynamic mix of residents from various ethnic backgrounds, including African-American, Hispanic, and Caucasian communities. This cultural tapestry is evident in the neighborhood's vibrant restaurants, shops, and street life, creating a lively atmosphere that is both inviting and captivating.

In recent years, Harlem has undergone significant revitalization and development. Formerly abandoned buildings have been transformed into modern housing and commercial spaces, attracting new residents and businesses to the area. However, Harlem remains committed to preserving its rich history, evident in the well-maintained brownstones and historical landmarks that dot the neighborhood.

Harlem's community-centered approach is evident in its numerous festivals, parades, and community events that celebrate its diverse heritage and foster a strong sense of belonging among its residents. The neighborhood's warm and friendly ambiance contributes to a strong community spirit, making it an attractive place to live for families and young professionals alike.

In summary, Harlem is a neighborhood teeming with history, culture, and diversity. Its influence on American art, music, and literature is undeniable, and its lively atmosphere, combined with its commitment to preserving its heritage, continues to make it a beloved and unique part of Manhattan.


Image Credits Андрей Бобровский, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Photo by Nic Y-C on Unsplash

Neighborhood Snapshot


train

Transit Score:

100/100

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Walk Score:

86/100

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Bike Score:

61/100


Commute Times


to Penn Station

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16.5 min

local_taxi

22 min

to Grand Central Terminal

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21.6 min

local_taxi

20.7 min

to Columbus Cir

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12.1 min

local_taxi

11.2 min

to Financial District

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34.5 min

local_taxi

29.4 min

to Union Square

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25.1 min

local_taxi

28.1 min

to Downtown Brooklyn

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45.4 min

local_taxi

30.2 min

to Long Island City

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31.7 min

local_taxi

25.6 min


Buildings Fun Facts


Oldest Building in Harlem

Built in 1864

17 EAST 128 STREET

Cheapest Building in Harlem (sold, p/sqft)

$3

255 WEST 148 STREET

Most Expensive Building in Harlem (sold, p/sqft)

$30,345

310 WEST 133 STREET

Biggest Building in Harlem (total FAR)

555,954 ft

2300 5 AVENUE


Subway Lines

Map of the neighborhood location

New Developments

Photo for  The Renaissance  - 130 LENOX AVENUE Condominium in Harlem, Manhattan
The Renaissance 130 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10026 Condominium in Harlem
Photo for  The Cereza  - 1790 3 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
The Cereza 1790 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem
Photo for  2132 2nd Avenue  - 2132 2 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
2132 2nd Avenue 2132 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem
Photo for  The Gateway Tower  - 2098 FREDRICK DOUGLASS BL Condominium in Harlem, Manhattan
The Gateway Tower 2098 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10026 Condominium in Harlem
Photo for  2019 1st Avenue  - 2019 1 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
2019 1st Avenue 2019 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem
Photo for  2300 5 AVENUE  - 2300 5 AVENUE Rental Building in Harlem, Manhattan
2300 5 Avenue, New York, NY 10037 Rental Building in Harlem

Popular Buildings

History of Neighborhood

photo of Harlem Harlem's history is a tapestry of diverse influences that have shaped its character over the centuries. Originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, the area was settled by the Dutch in the early 17th century. The name "Harlem" is believed to be a nod to the Dutch city of Haarlem.

During the 19th century, Harlem began to see significant development, with the construction of elegant brownstone row houses attracting middle-class families. However, it was during the early 20th century that Harlem's cultural significance truly blossomed. The neighborhood became a major destination during the Great Migration, as African Americans from the South sought better opportunities in the North. This influx of talented individuals laid the groundwork for the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural and artistic movement that celebrated African-American literature, music, and art, producing influential figures like Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Despite the cultural richness, Harlem faced significant challenges during the mid-20th century, including the Great Depression and urban decay. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s further influenced the neighborhood's identity and political engagement.

Since the 1990s, Harlem has experienced a remarkable revitalization. Community efforts, public and private investments, and historical preservation have contributed to a resurgence of the neighborhood's vibrancy, making it a sought-after place to live and visit in Manhattan. Today, Harlem's rich history is celebrated and cherished, and its dynamic cultural scene continues to thrive, attracting visitors from around the world.

Architectural Style

Architectural style of Art Deco
Art Deco Art Deco architecture, prominent during the 1920s and 1930s, is known for its bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and lavish ornamentation. Characterized by sleek lines and the use of materials like chrome, glass, and terracotta, Art Deco buildings exude a sense of modern sophistication and glamour.
Architectural style of Beaux-Arts
Beaux-Arts Beaux-Arts architecture, rooted in the academic tradition of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, emphasizes grandeur, symmetry, and classical ornamentation. Buildings in this style often boast elaborate sculptures, decorative friezes, and monumental entrances, conveying a sense of opulence and sophistication.
Architectural style of Brownstone
Brownstone Brownstone architecture, prevalent in New York City, features elegant brown sandstone facades. Often seen in rowhouses, these structures exhibit a harmonious blend of ornate details and historic charm, showcasing intricate carvings and stylish entryways.
Architectural style of Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival Gothic Revival architecture, popular in the 19th century, mimics medieval Gothic designs with pointed arches, intricate tracery, and decorative gargoyles. Buildings in this style evoke a sense of medieval grandeur, often featuring dramatic vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass windows.
Architectural style of Modern & Contemporary
Modern & Contemporary Modern and Contemporary architecture focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and open spaces. Contemporary designs often incorporate cutting-edge materials and technologies, emphasizing functionality and environmental sustainability. These buildings represent the evolution of architectural styles, reflecting the spirit of the present era.
Architectural style of Neo-Classical
Neo-Classical Neo-Classical architecture draws inspiration from classical Greek and Roman designs, featuring columns, pediments, and symmetrical layouts. These buildings often convey a sense of grandeur and formality, echoing the architectural styles of ancient civilizations.
Architectural style of Renaissance Revival
Renaissance Revival Renaissance Revival architecture draws inspiration from the Renaissance period, featuring arched windows, pilasters, and decorative motifs reminiscent of Italian and French Renaissance designs. This style showcases a harmonious blend of classical elements, creating buildings that exude timeless elegance.

Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

photo of Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
photo of Studio Museum in Harlem
Studio Museum in Harlem
photo of Abyssinian Baptist Church
Abyssinian Baptist Church
photo of Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
photo of Strivers' Row
Strivers' Row
photo of Minton's Playhouse
Minton's Playhouse
photo of National Black Theatre
National Black Theatre
photo of El Museo del Barrio
El Museo del Barrio

Landmarks and Cultural Institutions Image Credits Witchblue at Italian Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Aude, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , MR.119th. STREET from HARLEM, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , The Fixers (Wikis Take Manhattan 2009 participant), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons ,

Entertainment

photo of Theater and Performing Arts
Theater and Performing Arts There are several theaters and performance spaces in Harlem, showcasing a variety of theatrical productions, including off-Broadway shows, spoken word performances, and community theater productions.
photo of Live Music and Performances
Live Music and Performances Harlem is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, particularly jazz and gospel. Visitors can enjoy performances at iconic venues like the Apollo Theater, Minton's Playhouse, and various jazz clubs. Gospel brunches and performances at local churches are also popular attractions.
photo of Sports and Recreation
Sports and Recreation Local parks and sports facilities offer opportunities for outdoor activities, including sports, fitness classes, and recreational programs.

Entertainment Image Credits David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Feast of Music from New York City, United States, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Popular Restaurants

photo of Red Rooster Harlem
Red Rooster Harlem A renowned restaurant by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, offering modern soul food and comfort dishes inspired by global flavors. It's a popular spot for brunch, dinner, and live music.
photo of Sylvia's Restaurant
Sylvia's Restaurant A Harlem institution known for its classic soul food, including fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. Sylvia's has been serving delicious Southern cuisine for decades.
photo of Patsy's Pizzeria
Patsy's Pizzeria Patsy's Pizzeria is a historic coal-oven pizzeria located in East Harlem, New York City. Established in 1933, it's considered one of New York's original pizzerias, famous for its traditional New York-style thin-crust pizza cooked in a coal oven.

Restaurants Image Credits Studio Sarah Lou, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Paul Lowry from New York, EEUU de A, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Famous people connected to Harlem

photo of Harlem Globetrotters Harlem Globetrotters
photo of Duke Ellington Duke Ellington
photo of Malcolm X Malcolm X
photo of Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald
photo of Al Pacino Al Pacino
photo of Maya Angelou Maya Angelou
photo of James Baldwin James Baldwin
photo of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

People Image Credits Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, Qatar, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons , eBay, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Ed Ford, World Telegram staff photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Kindly granted by Thomas Schulz from Vienna, Austria, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons , Marion S. Trikosko, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Clinton Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Allan Warren, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons , Frank Bryan, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , United Artists, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , ,

Movies

photo of movie Shaft

Shaft

photo of movie Godfather of Harlem

Godfather of Harlem

photo of movie Live and Let Die

Live and Let Die


Movies Image Credits Warner Bros., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , ABC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , United Artists, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Statistics for Harlem

Recent Sales Activity
Date Unit Action
11/19/2025 11 West 131st Street C1 Listed for sale at $1,249,000
11/19/2025 205 East 124th Street 1B Listed for sale at $200,000
11/19/2025 108 West 114th Street 4B Listed for sale at $315,000
11/18/2025 463 West 142nd Street 2A Listed for sale at $969,000
11/17/2025 1809 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard 2E Listed for sale at $900,000
11/17/2025 300 West 145th Street 1K Listed for sale at $650,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 1 Listed for sale at $999,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 2 Listed for sale at $649,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 5 Listed for sale at $749,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 4 Listed for sale at $735,000