Harlem

Harlem is a residential neighborhood on the northern part of Manhattan, New York City. It was originally a village named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands, and was absorbed into New York City in 1873.

Harlem, New York City
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harlem_01.jpg
Author: Momos


Since the turn of the 20th century, Harlem has become a predominantly African-American neighborhood. This is especially true in the 1920s and 30s. The area experienced a high rate of crime and poverty following the Second World War, when New York City on the whole experienced deindustrialization, as manufacturing jobs moved to other less expensive location. The area has however experienced an upswing following New York City's revival towards the end of the 20th century, and this has translated in the gentrification of some parts of Harlem.

Harlem covers 3.871 sq mi (10 sq km) and has a population of 216,000 (2011 estimate). The area defined as Harlem is bordered by the Harlem River and East River to the east and the Hudson River to the west. It is south of 155th Street, with Washington Heights to the north. The southern part of Harlem is bordered by Washington Heights (at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), Central Park (at Central Park North), and the Upper East Side (at 96th Street).

Riverside Drive Viaduct, Harlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harlem_viaduct.jpg
Author: MR. 119TH STREET


Harlem itself comprises East Harlem, Central Harlem and West Harlem, and each of these are subdivided smaller neighborhoods and districts.

Places in East Harlem

East Harlem is located north of Upper East Side. It is also called Spanish Harlem, El Barrio and Italian Harlem. This area has the largest Latino community in New York City. The main group are people of Puerto Rican descent, with substantial populations of Latin Americans and African Americans. It is bordered by the Harlem River to the north, the East River to the east, East 96th Street to the south, and 5th Avenue to the west.

Strivers Row, Harlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harlem_strivers_row.jpg
Author: Kmf164

Places in Central Harlem

Central Harlem is bounded by 110th Street, St. Nicholas Avenue, 155th Street and 5th Avenue.
Harlem Courthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Harlem-courthouse-170e121.jpg
Author: Americasroof

Places in West Harlem

West Harlem is located north of Upper West Side. It is bordered by St Nicholas Avenue, 123rd Street, the Hudson River and 155th Street.
El Museo del Barrio, Harlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:WTM3_The_Fixers_0056.jpg
Author: The Fixers

Places of Interest to visit in Harlem

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