Gramercy is one of New York’s most exclusive neighborhoods, and according to TimeOut, the most interesting, too. The reason? Well, part of it is off-limits even to born-and-bred New Yorkers. At the heart of Gramercy is its namesake park, Gramercy Park, which is iron-gated for certain resident access only. This private enclave is one of only two private parks in New York City. Since 1844, Gramercy Park has been accessible only to a select group of keyholders from the 39 surrounding townhouses. Each key costs around $350, and there are only 383 keys in circulation.
Compared to nearby Union Square, Greenwich Village, and the Flatiron District, Gramercy is sleepier and less touristy. This explains why it’s home to a star-studded roster of past and present residents, such as Julia Roberts, Baz Luhrmann, Karl Lagerfeld, Richard Gere, Cara Delevingne, and Oscar Wilde.
Food
- Diner24 (283 3rd Ave, New York): As the name suggests, this old-school diner is open 24 hours a day. Gorge out on 12oz smash burgers and some truly wild milkshakes; Diner24 is a much-needed remedy for a city tired of exclusive reservations and overpriced, small plates.
- Gramercy Tavern (42 E 20th St, New York): As New York as it gets, Gramercy Tavern was founded in 1994 by Danny Meyer, the restaurateur behind Union Square Cafe, and was mentioned as Blair Waldorf’s favorite restaurant in Gossip Girl.
- L’Americana (51 Irving Pl, New York): Takuma Watanabe, the head bartender behind Angel’s Share, has ventured into Italian cuisine with this cozy, brick-lined spot. You won’t regret adding the caper-infused Negroni or the Tomatini to your pasta order.
- Pete’s Tavern (129 E 18th St, New York): As the city’s continuously operating oldest bar and restaurant, Pete’s has been slinging Italian eats since 1864. The place is a star in its own right, making cameos on Seinfeld, Law and Order, Sex and the City, and the Food Network.
Attractions
- Gramercy Park: Since 1831, this private park has been the pride and joy of Gramercy residents. If you’re not one of the privileged keyholders, you can still stroll around the park’s perimeter and admire the architecture of the surrounding mansions. Staying at the Gramercy Hotel? Guests get access to one of the hotel’s 12 keys to the park.
- Gramercy Theatre (127 E 23rd St, New York, NY): This intimate venue is for catching more niche events, like album release parties, comedy shows, and indie bands. Owned and operated by Live Nation, it’s one of their two concert halls in New York City.
- Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace (28 E 20th St, New York): Located nearby in the Flatiron District, this recreated brownstone is where the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, was born and bred. The National Park Service offers free tours, making it a great spot for those interested in U.S. history, environmental governance, or policy.
Nightlife
- Dear Irving Gramercy (55 Irving Pl, New York): For an evening of escapism and hedonism, head to Dear Irving. The bar is divided into four themed rooms—Marie Antoinette, Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and F. Scott Fitzgerald—and all tables are kitted out with buzzers to summon your server. You’ll quickly see why this spot was voted one of America’s best bars.
- Hidden Lane Bar (129 E 15th St, New York): With a bi-level setup including a lounge area with a fireplace and an outdoor garden lit up with fairy lights, Hidden Lane is perfect for entertaining anytime, any season.
- Coyote Ugly (233 E 14th St, New York, NY): Planning a bachelorette party? This dive bar, inspired by the movie, is just as wild and fun as you’d expect.
Neighborhood Festivals
- Taste of Gramercy Food Festival: This festival for foodies celebrates the best bites from Gramercy’s top restaurants and local businesses. Come hungry and leave happy.
- The Gramercy Art Show: New York’s longest-running independent art show (sponsored by Gramercy Neighborhood Associates) gathers artists, collectors, and appreciators from around the world at the Salmagundi Club, one of the oldest art organizations in the United States.
Living in Gramercy, NY
Gramercy is a serene respite in the city that never sleeps. It’s a safe neighborhood with regular police patrols and attracts fewer tourists than the bustling East Village or Soho.
In Gramercy, the racial makeup is White (70%), with Asian (16%), Hispanic (7%), African American (4%), and two or more races (3%).
As of July 2024, the median home price in Gramercy Park stood at $1.4 million. The neighborhood is home to approximately 15,800 residents, with a median household income of around $183,500 – more than double the national average of $75,000.
For those looking to rent, expect to pay around $3,400 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. If that’s beyond your budget, Gemma, a luxury building at 200 East 23rd Street, was the site of an affordable housing lottery.
Moving to Gramercy
If you’re about to move into one of the Big Apple’s most appealing addresses, you’ll need more than just a moving truck—you
