"The defining characteristic of Manhattan's upper East side, two-square-mile grid scored with the great avenues of Madison, Park, and in Lexington, is wealth. While other neighborhoods are affected by it and Persians of immigrant groups, are to artistic trends, and the like, this remains primarily an enclave of the well off, with tony shops, clean and safe streets, and well preserved buildings and landmarks. It also has some of the city's finest museums, all in a compact strip running on or near Fifth Avenue, known as Museum mile."
Dunford, Martin (2006). The Mini Rough Guide to New York City. New York:The Penquin Group.
The Upper East Side has always been home for one of the most character full buildings in Manhattan. Apartment buildings in the area from prewar tenement houses to the luxury building with a swimming pool. Although the Upper East Side has grown and become a lot more modern you can still find the occasional "dump" where there is a bathroom in the kitchen, or even worse there is no bathroom at alll you would need to share a bathroom with everyone on the floor. Apartments in the UES are highly desirable and in some buildings expensive, however you look hard enough and you will find the right apartment.
