Named for the illustrious shipping and trade magnate, Richard Murray, the neighborhood of Murray Hill in New York is a peaceful and quiet enclave of Midtown East. The neighborhood is mostly known for its extensive residential housing made of historical 19th Century townhouses and the high-rise apartment complexes. Once occupied by a notable older demographic, Murray Hill is becoming a prime location for young professionals for its picturesque city streets, relaxed atmosphere and restaurant selection.
About Murray Hill
Starting in the north at 42nd Street, Murray Hill stretches to 27th Street and encompasses everything in between Fifth and Second Avenues. For most of the 20th Century, Murray Hill has been dominated by wealthy residents who have created a tight-knit community. The strong sense of community is unmistakable and a rare find in New York City. Getting to know the neighbors is easy as there are only a few supermarkets, dry cleaners and grocery stores in the area. Favorite bars and restaurants among residents are typically found along Park Avenue and draw the after-work crowd with the best happy hour deals in the city.
If looking for after-hour hot spots and night life in Murray Hill, however, the place to be is Third Avenue. Reasonably priced restaurants, famed delis and quaint boutiques are also found along the edge of Murray Hill. The nickname of ‘Curry Hill’ has been given to the neighborhood thanks to the influx of Indian restaurants that have recently moved into the area.
Filled with a rich history, Murray Hill boasts of some the best architectural designs and buildings in the city such as the Morgan Library and Sniffen Court. The Beaux Arts mansion and Grand Central Station are other magnificent structural sites to see while in the city. At 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue, the New York Public Library’s myriad collection makes it one of the finest institutions of its kind in the world. For nearby entertainment, the New York Art Theatre, on Park Avenue, the Folksbiene Yiddish Theater, on 33rd Street, and the Jewish Repertorty Theater, on 40th Street, are all within walking distance.
Murray Hill is also a prime hub for city-wide transportation. Subway access to the 4, 5 and 6 trains can be found at Grand Central Station at 42nd Street as well as Park Avenue and 33rd and 28th Streets. If venturing to the neighboring boroughs, the cross-town 7 train traces 42nd and runs out to Queens. The popular M16 and M104 cross-town buses also run regularly in and out of the neighborhood.
Murray Hill Accommodations
There are plenty of options to choose from when visiting New York City. Depending on the length of stay, find the perfect Midtown East furnished apartment or a vacation rental thanks to New York Habitat’s vast collection of properties.
– This studio in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-12300), on 30th Street between Lexington and Third Avenue, features a beautiful exposed brick wall and big windows overlooking the quiet street below.
– This one-bedroom rental in Murray Hill, Midtown East (NY-14517), on 34th Street at Lexington Avenue, is located in a luxurious high-rise with a fitness center and laundry facilities within the building.
In the midst of the busy holiday season, New York Habitat has numerous accommodations to stay in Midtown East and especially in Murray Hill, with proximity to the city’s best stores. You might also consider Murray Hill when attending Fashion Week in New York or the 4th of July festivities.
Have you ever stayed in Murray Hill and want to share the experience with others? Leave a story in the comments section below.
Murray Hill is definitely its own community, but it is close to everything. I immediately think of Bryant Park, which is often said to resemble the Jardin de Luxembourg. In the summer, it has its own carousel, free yoga and movies on the lawn. Otherwise I like to sit there and watch the beautiful skylights go on, or go the Library and pretend I’m Truman Capote :-).
My friend and I rented an apartment with New York Habitat last summer. The area we were in was Murray Hill. Prior to going to the city, we didn’t really know much about any of the neighborhoods, but this one turned out to be great! It is close to Midtown and Times Square, and easy to get to the East Village, too. We made the best of our time in New York, and the accomodations made it easy for us to relax at the end of our long days.