New York City Real Estate - Where the Old-Timer and the Newcomer Go in Their Upper West Side Neighborhood -- New York Magazine

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North of the Transverse

(Photo: Hannah Whitaker. Map by Jason Lee)

The Old-Timer: Dorri Jacobs
Age: “Probably ten years older than you think I am.”
Works: Writer and life-work coach.
Resides: A one-bedroom apartment near 97th Street and Columbus Avenue with her two cats.
Years in the Neighborhood: 39.
“I moved here in 1970 from Brooklyn. I had never wanted to live in Manhattan, but after my car was stolen I decided to move here. The buildings were bland and brick, but the rent was under $200—only a little bit more than what I was paying for an L-shaped studio in Brooklyn. And this was a one-bedroom! I still love the Upper West Side.”

1. Central Park Tennis Courts
Near the West Drive at 94th St.; 212-280-0205
“It’s a community of people, it’s exercise, it’s a beautiful setting. It feels like a country club.”

(Photo: Hannah Whitaker)

2. “The Pool” in Central Park
Near the 100th St. entrance at Central Park W.
“It’s a pond, not a pool. I didn’t know about it for years. I’ve been introducing it to my friends; now we have bench picnics here.”

3. Rite Aid
741 Columbus Ave., at 96th St. 212-316-0436
“I use the pharmacy here. They have automatic refill, which is nice because who wants to have to think about that?”

4. Whole Foods Market and Wine Store
“I boycotted them when they first opened. Now I’ll come here sometimes, for coffee.”

5. T. J. Maxx
808 Columbus Ave., nr. 100th St. 212-222-0543
“I don’t like living in a mega–shopping center, but so far I’m impressed.”

6. Bloomingdale Branch Library
150 W. 100th St., nr. Columbus Ave.; 212-222-8030
“I eat books—I just devour them. Mysteries by women, mostly. If I don’t have six or eight books when I leave the library, I feel like I’m missing something.”

7. Zhong Hua
23 W. 100th St., nr. Central Park W.; 212-932-3377
“I order takeout from here. I think the food is good. So far no one else does.”

8. Charm Thai
722 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 95th St. 212-866-9800
“A friend takes me out to lunch here once a month. Reasonable, good food, and not too crowded.”

9. Church of the Holy Name of Jesus Thrift Store
207 W. 96th St., nr. Amsterdam Ave.; 212-749-0276
“I can’t say they sell the most beautiful stuff, but after my silverware started disappearing, I bought replacements here. A quarter a spoon!”

10. Dollar Variety
762 Amsterdam Ave., nr. 97th St. 212-866-4345
“Just unbelievable, the prices here. Great for household odds and ends, dish soap, paper towels. Why pay full price when there are places like this?”

11. Associated Supermarket
“I’m not going to walk to 91st Street to go to D’Agostino’s. Plus, its being open 24/7 is really wonderful.”

12. Symphony Space
“They have these really wonderful ‘Wall to Wall’ concerts. They’re totally free and have lines around the corner.”

(Photo: Hannah Whitaker)

13. Petqua
2604 Broadway, nr. 98th St. 212-865-6060
“I buy cat food here and Greenies treats for my cat that had dental work.”

(Photo: Hannah Whitaker)

14. Metro Diner
2641 Broadway, at 100th St. 212-866-0800
“There’s nothing like a diner. I have my favorite waiter— I don’t think he knows my name or anything, but he tries.”