Harlem's diverse physical landscape, historic architecture, colorful street life, and legendary entertainment corridors all contribute to the neighborhood's iconic artistry and bustle.

Recently, Harlem's historic communities have welcomed a strikingly diverse influx of students and young professionals seeking close proximity to twelve higher education institutions, strong ethnic & cultural vibrancy, and excellent access to public transit.

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Just north of the seven colleges located in Morningside Heights, West Harlem houses students and faculty alike in amazing brownstones and Pre-War buildings, featuring fire escapes perfect for hanging out on hot, summer evenings. Elevated terrain allows for spectacular Hudson River views, particularly from the hilltop campus of the oldest CUNY, City College, and modern Riverbank State Park. In recent years, West Harlem has seen the City's lowest rate of new construction; however, that will soon change as Columbia University breaks ground on a 17-acre expansion project planned for the West Harlem area known as Manhattanville.

Central Harlem, featuring beautiful historic blocks of brownstones and row houses, has seen the bulk of Harlem's recent building boom. Co-ops and condos are quickly coming on the market, and a new generation of students, professionals, and new businesses are flocking to the area.

Finally, in Spanish (East) Harlem, residential development is gaining momentum, as an increasing number of young Manhattanites are heading north in search of more affordable rents. Accordingly, neighborhood amenities have increased substantially in recent years - grocery stores, cafes, restaurants - and a large-scale retail complex featuring a Target store is planned along the East River. The area is also home to Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Helene Fuld College of Nursing.

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Harlem is a busy, mini-metropolis, enjoying excellent access to public transit via ten subway lines, all of which stop along 125th Street. Harlem's 125th Street serves as the gateway for local residents and visitors to the greater Harlem area. The Triborough Bridge and a series of smaller bridges connect Harlem to the Bronx and Queens.

Specifically, Harlem is served by the following variety of transportation options:

• Ten convenient subway lines: A, C, B, D, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Metro North Railroad (Harlem Line) at 125th Street and Park Avenue
• Numerous bus lines including M1, M2, M3, M18, M101

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Half a million visitors come to Harlem each year to visit its famed entertainment and cultural venues and sample live jazz, theatre, dance, and delicious soul food first hand. The Harlem Jazz and Music Festival occurs each year in August and features lively concerts.

Harlem's main thoroughfare, 125th Street, is also a famous entertainment district, where you will find an exciting combination of street vendors, ground floor retail, and the world-famous Apollo Theatre. The nation's premier arena for black and Latino performers, the Apollo has launched the careers of legendary artists through its popular Amateur Night.

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In addition to ongoing residential development throughout Harlem, substantial public and private investment is slated for public improvements and redevelopment along Harlem's historic 125th Street and across Harlem. The comprehensive vision behind the restoration of 125th Street strives to protect the area's existing character and assets, while increasing its stock of retail and entertainment destinations, as well as developing new affordable housing.

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