Community Feel: MariaElena Scotto on Why the Upper East Side Feels Like Home

BY DAVID GRAVER

MariaElena Scotto Lic. R.E. Salesperson Douglas Elliman

Situated amidst the top 2% of all real estate agents nationwide, MariaElena Scotto moved to the Upper East Side in 2001. With the respected title of New York Residential Specialist, credential by the Real Estate Board of New York to less than 2% of licensed agents, this native New Yorker’s understanding of the entire city, as well as her home neighborhood, is unrivaled.

Everyone’s experience with the Upper East Side is different, can you share some of yours?

 I moved to the Upper East Side when my daughter was born. I grew up in Brooklyn. My dad, every Sunday would take us to Manhattan. We’d go to the theater or a museum, and then we’d go to Maxwell’s Plum. I got the New York City bug that way.

“I think it’s a big draw for your children, for your dogs, for your mental health.”

What do you think makes the Upper East Side quintessentially New York City?

I feel like it’s a neighborhood. There are mom and pop shops, especially in Carnegie Hill. It’s a community feel. And as a dog owner, I’ve got my dog-owner friends because the Upper East Side loves dogs.

Why do you think the Upper East Side continues to find new residents?

The price point is more than desirable. Then with all these clubs opening and new restaurants, people are coming from downtown to go uptown. I know my daughter’s friends are going to Casa Tua instead of Casa Cipriani now. It’s a rebirth, almost, with the Armani building and Armani/Ristorante, the new restaurant there.

Do you have personal recommendations for restaurants you love or a shop that you love or even galleries and activities?

I love Primola, which is old-school New York. I love E.A.T. for lunch. We have a few boutiques up here. We don’t have to go downtown to shop anymore.

Can you tell me about what the Upper East Side offers residents?

I love the proximity to Central Park. I think it’s a big draw for your children, for your dogs, for your mental health. When I’m walking in the morning, I get almost meditative. People love the quietness of it.

What about listings? What are the residential offerings that you’re looking at or that you’re bringing clients to?

I think right now, the co-ops are great deals and people are realizing that if you put a little money into it, you get more value than buying in the brand-new building.