Murray Hill
Murray Hill is one of the more desired neighborhoods for young professionals in Manhattan, although large portions of the area are much more subdued than its reputation may suggest. Third Avenue and 34th Street is the epicenter for numerous bars, pubs, and restaurants whose clientele is noticeably young. Park and Lexington Avenues have a decidedly more distinguished feel. Quiet tree-lined blocks, elegant pre-war elevator buildings, and proximity to midtown attract both Manhattan's newest residents and people with knowledge of the residential landscape. Residential buildings in Murray Hill fit all molds from the small tenement buildings to brand new luxury high-rises. Transportation, both within and outside Manhattan, is simple, as Grand Central Station is a hub for both the subway and Metro North.
Historical Architecture
Murray Hill gets its name from the family of Robert Murray, who in the 18th century moved his family to New York from North Carolina. The Murrays rented a plot of land from the city, which they used for farming. The family's house was built on a hill, which has since been leveled, at Park Avenue and 36th Street. As the city expanded in the 19th century, what was once farmland became ?uptown?, a desirable enough address that J.P. Morgan established a home at Madison Avenue and 36th Street (today this home is part of the Morgan Library). The 20th century saw Murray Hill become a desired location for many of Manhattan's well-off older residents, as can be seen by the number of large pre war residential buildings, and the private townhouses that can be found west of Third Avenue. Development is still ongoing today, as more modern residential buildings are being constructed to meet the city's housing needs.
Murray Hill Buildings