Harlem is located in Upper Manhattan and comprises three neighborhoods – West, Central, and East Harlem. The area was originally a Dutch village and named after Haarlem in the Netherlands. Often called the “Mecca of Black culture,” Harlem is rich with history, with every brownstone telling a story.
History
In the 19th century, Harlem was primarily home to Jewish and Italian Americans. During the Great Migration, between 1910 and 1970, a large number of African Americans moved from the South to northern cities like New York, seeking better job opportunities and a more tolerant environment.
Harlem became the epicenter of the Great Migration, drawing nearly 175,000 African Americans and establishing itself as the largest Black community in the world. This migration ignited the Harlem Renaissance, a period of Black cultural and artistic achievement that followed World War I.
During the 1920s, as part of this Renaissance, pianists in Harlem developed a new style of jazz piano called “stride.” Building on ragtime influences, stride jazz has made a lasting impact on the genre.
Food
- VeganHood (2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York): Living by the motto “Veganized, Not Compromised,” VeganHood is rumored to serve the city’s best vegan fried chicken. Give it a try and see if all the hype is legit.
- Lavitta’s Creole (218 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York): Chef Jimmy Thomas brings a 1940s barbershop back to life as a Creole restaurant. Schooled in Creole cooking by his mom and grandmother, Jimmy serves up crawfish cakes, wild shrimp po’ boys, and beignets. With just 32 seats, it’s all about that intimate dining experience.
- Ollin (339 E 108th St, New York): This pint-sized Mexican joint blew up on TikTok, and for good reason. The funky decor is Instagram-ready, and the menu, though small, hits the spot with tacos, chilaquiles, and tortas.
- Sylvia’s Restaurant (328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): Dishing up Southern comfort food, with all the classics covered. Think fried chicken and waffles, BBQ short ribs, catfish, and peach cobbler. And if you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the Gospel Brunch—good eats with a side of live soul performances.
Attractions
- Apollo Theater (253 W 125th St, New York): This legendary venue has been the launchpad for some of the greatest Black talent since 1914. From James Brown to Lauryn Hill, the Apollo is the heartbeat of Harlem’s rich musical legacy.
- Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): A branch of the New York Public Library, this research library and archive is dedicated to preserving and documenting the experiences of people of African descent worldwide.
- Bethel Gospel Assembly (2-26 E 120th St, New York): This gospel service is filled with worship, singing, dancing, and pure joy. Everyone’s welcome, and the energy is infectious.
Nightlife
- Bill’s Place (148 W 133rd St, New York): Jazz legends play in this intimate, no-frills spot where Billie Holiday was “discovered”. Bring your own booze and enjoy a close-up experience of Harlem’s jazz scene, founded by saxophonist Bill Saxton.
- Ginny’s Supper Club (310 Malcolm X Blvd, New York): Tucked beneath The Red Rooster, Ginny’s brings the spirit of 1920s speakeasies back to life. Stop by for a lively gospel brunch on Sundays or catch a live performance happening nearly every night.
- Sugar Monk (2292 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York): A candle-lit cocktail lounge serving up a high-end drink menu in an art-filled space.
Neighborhood Festivals
- Harlem Week: This annual festival celebrates Harlem’s vibrant heritage and diversity, in particular the African, Caribbean, and Hispanic histories of the area. Enjoy live music, dance performances, local cuisine, and panel discussions.
- Harlem Meer Performance Festival: Multicultural musical performances lakeside in Central Park (nearest Harlem side), this event draws thousands of attendees each summer.
- Shakespeare in Marcus Garvey Park: A quintessential New York summer tradition, the Classical Theatre of Harlem has been bringing Shakespeare to life in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park for over a decade. This year’s performance? A remix of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.
Living in Harlem
Central Harlem is home to approximately 138,000 residents, with 46% identifying as Black, 28% as Hispanic, 14% as White, and 5% as Asian.
The average monthly rent in Harlem is around $3,200, significantly higher than the national average of $1,713.
Harlem’s safety varies by area. While West Harlem is generally considered safe, other parts of Harlem (such as East Harlem) experience higher crime rates. Violent crime in Harlem is 259% higher than the national average, and property crime is 55% above the average.
The neighborhood is served by the New York City Subway and local bus routes. The Harlem area has several public schools and is near prestigious institutions like Columbia University, Manhattan School of Music, and City College of New York.
Moving to Harlem
Looking for a diverse, historic neighborhood packed with culture? Harlem awaits. Count on Metropolis Moving to handle the logistics, so you can focus on experiencing the best Harlem has to offer.
