If you’ve spent any time looking for an apartment in Manhattan lately, you know the drill. You scroll through listings until your eyes glaze over, looking at "cozy" studios that are basically walk-in closets. Then you hit East Harlem—or "Upper Carnegie Hill" if the broker is feeling particularly ambitious—and you see it. 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029.
It’s a massive building. It's called The Miles, though many locals still refer to it by its older identity. It sits right on the corner of 98th Street and 1st Avenue, looming over the neighborhood with a presence that’s hard to ignore.
Honestly? It’s a polarizing spot.
Some people love the views of the East River. Others are sketched out by the proximity to the hospitals or the Metropolitan Hospital Center right across the street. But if you’re trying to figure out if this specific corner of the 10029 ZIP code is worth your rent check, you need to look past the glossy floor plans.
The Reality of the Location
Location is everything. 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029 is in a bit of a "no man's land" between the true Upper East Side and the heart of East Harlem. You're at the edge.
Walk three blocks south? You’re passing fancy cafes and people carrying $12 lattes. Walk three blocks north? The vibe shifts. It gets louder. Grittier. More authentic, sure, but also more chaotic. You’ve got the 96th Street Q train station nearby, which is a literal godsend for anyone commuting to Midtown or the West Side. Seriously, that Second Avenue Subway extension changed the game for this building. Before that, you were hiking to the 6 train at Lexington Avenue, and let’s be real—that walk in February is miserable.
The building itself is a giant. We’re talking over 20 stories. Because it’s so tall compared to some of the surrounding tenements, the light is incredible. If you’re on a high floor facing east, you get the sunrise over the river. It’s one of those "New York moments" that almost makes you forget how much you're paying for a one-bedroom.
What Most People Get Wrong About 10029
People see the ZIP code 10029 and jump to conclusions. They think it’s all NYCHA housing or it's "too far uptown."
That’s a mistake.
The area around 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029 is actually a massive medical hub. You’ve got Mount Sinai just a few blocks away. You have Metropolitan Hospital right there. This means the streets are constantly filled with doctors, nurses, and medical students in scrubs. It creates a specific kind of energy. It’s busy. There are sirens—lots of them. If you’re a light sleeper, you better invest in some serious blackout curtains and a white noise machine because those ambulances don't care about your REM cycle.
But there’s a benefit to this. The foot traffic makes it feel relatively safe at odd hours. There’s almost always someone walking to or from a shift.
The Amenities Game
Let's talk about the building’s facelift. A few years back, this place went through a major rebranding. They poured money into the lobby and the gym. It went from "standard high-rise" to "luxury-adjacent."
- The rooftop is the selling point. It’s huge.
- There’s a fitness center that actually replaces a $100/month gym membership.
- The 24-hour doorman isn't just for show; they handle the mountain of Amazon packages that inevitably piles up in a building this size.
But here’s the thing: it’s a big building. You’re sharing those elevators with a lot of people. During morning rush hour, you might find yourself waiting a while. It’s the trade-off for living in a skyscraper.
The Neighborhood "Secret" Spots
If you end up living at 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029, you aren't just living in an apartment; you're adopting a lifestyle. You’re right near Central Park, but specifically the North Meadow and the Conservatory Garden.
The Conservatory Garden at 105th is arguably the best part of the park. No runners, no bikers, just quiet. It’s where you go when the city feels like it’s screaming in your face.
For food? You’ve got options that aren't the typical tourist traps. Earl’s Beer and Cheese on Park Ave is a legendary hole-in-the-wall. Or Patsy’s Pizzeria over on 118th—yeah, it’s a walk, but it’s the original. Don’t confuse it with the chain versions downtown.
Then there’s the grocery situation. There is a Key Food nearby, but a lot of residents end up trekking to the Whole Foods on 125th or the Trader Joe’s further down on 3rd Ave. Living at 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029 means you get used to carrying heavy bags for six blocks or becoming best friends with a delivery app.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Manhattan rents are astronomical. There’s no way around it. At 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029, you’re usually paying a bit of a "newness" premium because of the renovations.
Is it cheaper than a doorman building on 72nd Street? Usually. Is it more expensive than a walk-up in deep East Harlem? Absolutely.
You’re paying for the security of a doorman, the convenience of the Q train, and the fact that you won't have to deal with a crumbling 100-year-old radiator that clanks in the middle of the night. Mostly.
One thing to watch out for is the "concession" game. Many buildings in this area offer "one month free" on a 12-month lease. Sounds great, right? Just remember that your gross rent is what you’ll be paying when the lease renews. Don’t budget based on the net-effective price unless you plan on moving again in a year. That’s a trap many newcomers fall into.
Space vs. Sound
The apartments at 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029 are generally larger than what you’d find in the West Village for the same price. You can actually fit a queen-sized bed and a desk in most of the bedrooms.
However, the walls aren't made of lead.
It’s a high-density building. You will hear your neighbors. You’ll hear the hum of the city. You’ll hear the wind whistling off the river during a Nor’easter. It’s part of the deal. If you want total silence, you’re looking in the wrong borough.
Things You Should Check Before Signing
If you’re serious about a unit here, don't just look at the staged model apartment. The "staged" units are designed to look perfect.
- Check the actual unit. Look at the views. Is there a giant construction project starting next door? 1st Avenue is constantly being torn up for utility work.
- Test the water pressure. It sounds trivial until you're trying to rinse shampoo out of your hair with a drizzle.
- Visit at night. The neighborhood feels different at 10:00 PM on a Tuesday than it does at 2:00 PM on a Saturday.
- The "Commute Test." Walk from the building to the 96th Street station. Time it. Do it in the rain. See if you can handle that every single morning.
The Verdict on 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029
This address represents the "New" New York. It’s a mix of old-school grit and new-school luxury. It’s perfect for residents at Mount Sinai or young professionals who want the Manhattan experience without the $5,000 price tag for a shoebox.
It isn't perfect. The sirens are loud. The wind off the East River is biting. But for the 10029 area, it’s one of the most consistent options you’re going to find.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to move into 1901 1st Avenue New York NY 10029, don't just rely on StreetEasy.
First, contact the leasing office directly to see if there are any "off-market" units coming up. Often, tenants give notice and the units aren't posted for a few days.
Second, check the NYC Housing Connect portal. Sometimes buildings in this area have specific units tied to middle-income housing lotteries. It’s a long shot, but the savings are massive if you qualify.
Lastly, talk to the doorman. Seriously. Slip them a few bucks or just be incredibly polite and ask how the management handles repairs. They know the "real" version of the building better than any broker ever will.