Manhattan

East Harlem

Latin cultures, predominately Dominican and Puerto Rican have dominated the Eastern portion of Harlem since the mid 20th Century, though it still retains some connections to the days when it was called Italian Harlem. This rich cultural mix is well illustrated by two of the areas most famous sons: the actor Al Pacino and jazz superstar Tito Puente. In the 1960s and 70s, the area was one of the hardest hit by crime and poverty, however in the 1990s the crime rate dropped by a remarkable 70%. Additionally, cultural attractions like the Museum of the City of New York, the Conservatory garden, and the Museum for African Art attract visitors from all over the nation. Older tenements and large housing blocks dominate this area, however with access to Metro North trains and multiple subway lines, the area has attracted a growing population of professionals in recent years, attracted by the construction of luxury condos and new apartment buildings.