Carnegie Hill

From the New York Times:

Carnegie Hill, which encompasses the area from 86th to 96th Street between Central Park and Lexington Avenue, enjoys a precious Manhattan commodity: sunlight. The wealth of old town houses and mansions impart a sense of openness rarely found in Manhattan. And the residents, knowing they enjoy something special, fight the interlopers without pause.

Andrew Carnegie built a mansion on the rural corner of Fifth Avenue and 91st Street, then sold off nearby parcels of land to friends and acquaintances of suitable standing. Through the ups and downs of New York City since then, the neigborhood has held onto its cachet.