Harlems exact boundaries have proven to be elusive.
Manhattan has community boards for
West Harlem combined with other neighborhoods,
Central Harlem and East (formerly Spanish) Harlem.
According to the National Geographic, Harlem is
the USPS zipcode 10027.
We chose that as the Harlem most people envision.
Harlem and East (Spanish) Harlem are roughly the zipcodes of 10027 and 10035.
The US Census map above highlights the area of zipcode 10027.
African Americans began moving to Harlem in the early 20th century. It became the intellectual and cultural center
of Black America.
Harlem declined in the 1960's, that decline led to many abondoned buildings thus huge losses in population, drugs and crime were big problems.
The land in Upper Manhattan including Harlem is very valuable.
Speculators in real estate are abundant in Upper Manhattan.
Many land owners just waited until the price was right.
With real estate prices skyrocketing in Manhattan,
Harlem is not immune.
Many professionals of all races are moving to the Harlem area.
The future for Harlem as the intellectual and cultural
center of Black America is unclear.
The US Census of 2000 listed the total population of zipcode 10027 as 56,168 of that 54% were Black, 24% White, 22% Hispanic (of any race).
Please remember this is just one of many definitions of Harlem.
Hopefully our list of attractions in the Harlem general area are not as vague as our quick take.
When visiting Harlem, try to see some of the local attractions, they are worth it.
1. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard New York, NY 10037-1801
(212) 491-2200
It lives up to its name with an extensive collection.
Part of The New York Public Library.
2. Studio Museum in Harlem
144 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027
(212) 864 4500 - groups use extension 230
Studio Museum in Harlem
The Museum is devoted to historical and contemporary
works of art by black artists.
Nice gift shop too
3. The Apollo Theatre
253 West 125th Street New YORK, NY 10027
Phone: 212-531-5300 Events Hotline: 212-531-5301
The Apollo Theatre
Needs no introduction, tours are available
4. Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Lenox Avenue New York, NY 10027
212-996-0660
Great food, Our favorite breakfast was eggs, grits, salmon cakes and biscuits
5. The Riverside Church
490 Riverside Drive, New York, N.Y. 10027
212.870.6700
A beautiful church in architecture and people, magnificent altar, bell tower 20 floors up offers a great view of the area.
Grant's Tomb is in the immediate area, has been vandalized by grafitti
6. The Catederal Church of Saint John The Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue New York, NY 10025
212-316-7540
The world's largest gothic catederal, many events, an experience
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