If you’ve spent any time scouring Streeteasy for a decent spot on the Upper East Side, you’ve definitely scrolled past 245 East 80th Street. It’s one of those buildings that feels familiar even if you’ve never stepped foot inside. Known formally as the Evansview, this 21-story tower sits right on the corner of Second Avenue. It's a bit of a local landmark for people who want to live in Yorkville but don't want to deal with the "dorm room" vibe of the cheaper walk-ups nearby.
Honestly, finding a place in Manhattan is a nightmare. You know it, I know it. Usually, you’re choosing between a tiny shoebox with a slanted floor or a glass tower that costs more than a private island. The Evansview occupies this weird, comfortable middle ground. It was built back in 1985—a decade of big hair and even bigger real estate ambitions—and it has managed to stay relevant while a dozen other "luxury" buildings have popped up and faded around it.
Why the location is actually the best part
People talk a lot about the Second Avenue Subway. For years, the construction at 86th and 72nd was a total disaster. But now? It’s a game changer for 245 East 80th Street. You are literally a few blocks from the Q train. If you’ve ever had to hike from 2nd Ave all the way to the 4/5/6 on Lexington during a blizzard, you know that those extra five minutes feel like five miles.
The neighborhood has changed. Yorkville used to be the "affordable" UES, but it’s gotten surprisingly polished lately. You have Eli’s Essentials just down the block for when you feel like spending $18 on a loaf of bread, and H&H Bagels is close enough that you can get a hot sesame bagel before you’ve even fully woken up. It’s a neighborhood where people actually live. You see strollers, you see old-timers who have been in their rent-controlled units since the 70s, and you see young professionals rushing to the 80th Street entrance with a coffee in one hand and a leash in the other.
Let’s talk about the actual apartments
Here is the thing about 1980s construction: the walls are usually thicker than the new "paper-thin" glass towers, but the layouts can be a little funky. At 245 East 80th Street, you’re mostly looking at studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. There are only about 85 units in the whole building. That’s a small footprint for a high-rise. It means you aren't waiting twenty minutes for an elevator with fifty other people.
The views? If you’re on a higher floor facing West, you get these incredible sunsets over the city. If you’re facing East, you’re looking out over the sprawl of Yorkville toward the river. Most of the units have been renovated over the last few years. We’re talking stainless steel, stone countertops—the standard "NYC luxury" starter pack. But they kept the oversized windows. That’s the real selling point. Natural light in Manhattan is basically a luxury amenity in itself. Without it, you’re just living in a very expensive cave.
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The "Luxury" Label: What it really means here
Is it a 5-star hotel? No. Is it a solid, full-service doorman building? Absolutely. The Evansview isn't trying to be the Billionaire’s Row of the Upper East Side. It’s a "lifestyle" building. You get a 24-hour doorman who actually knows your name (and your dog’s name). There’s a fitness center which is... fine. It's not Equinox, but it beats paying $250 a month for a gym membership when you just want to run three miles on a treadmill and go home.
One thing people often miss is the outdoor space. There’s a common roof deck. In the summer, it’s a lifesaver. There is something deeply therapeutic about sitting 20 stories up with a cold drink while the chaos of Second Avenue hums away way down below. It makes the rent feel slightly more justifiable.
The Reality of Renting at 245 East 80th Street
Let’s be real for a second. The prices here aren't "cheap." You’re paying for the zip code (10075) and the convenience. Historically, 10075 has been ranked as one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country. Living at 245 East 80th Street puts you right in the heart of that, but without the stuffy, "old money" vibe of Park Avenue.
The management company, Solil Management, handles the building. They are one of the biggest landlords in the city. Dealing with big management companies can sometimes feel like shouting into a void, but because this building is relatively small, it tends to be better maintained than some of the massive complexes further south. Repairs usually happen. The lobby stays clean. The staff is generally the building's greatest asset—many of them have been there for years.
What most people get wrong about the UES
There’s this myth that the Upper East Side is boring. People say it’s where fun goes to die and everyone goes to bed at 9 PM. If you live at 245 East 80th Street, you know that’s just not true. You’re surrounded by some of the best "low-key" bars in the city. The Penrose is always packed. Bondurants has a whiskey list that would make a Kentuckian weep. And if you want the classic UES experience, you walk ten minutes to the Met or Central Park.
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The building is also incredibly pet-friendly. Yorkville is basically a giant dog park. You’ve got Carl Schurz Park nearby, which is arguably the best park in Manhattan because it’s not swamped with tourists like Central Park. It’s where the locals go. You can take your dog to the runs there and actually have space to breathe.
The "Evansview" Nuance
When the building was rebranded or marketed heavily as "The Evansview," it was an attempt to give it a distinct identity. In a city of numbered streets, a name matters. It suggests a certain level of prestige. But honestly? Most people just call it "245 East 80th." It’s a solid building. It’s dependable. In a city where your radiator might explode or your neighbor might be practicing the tuba at 3 AM, "dependable" is a massive win.
The building's height is also worth noting. At 21 stories, it’s tall enough to clear a lot of the surrounding brownstones. This is why the light is so good. If you’re on the 10th floor or higher, you’re usually getting direct sun for a good chunk of the day.
Comparisons: 245 E 80th vs. The Neighborhood
If you look at the other big towers nearby—like those on 79th or 81st—you’ll find that 245 E 80th often has slightly larger square footage for the price. Why? Because it’s an 80s build. Newer buildings (post-2015) tend to shave off every possible square inch to maximize the number of units. They give you "amenities" like a simulated golf range but you can't fit a queen-sized bed and a dresser in the same room. At the Evansview, you can actually fit your furniture. You might even have a dining alcove. A dining alcove! In New York! That’s basically a ballroom.
Things to watch out for
No building is perfect. Second Avenue can be noisy. If you’re on a lower floor, you’re going to hear the M15 bus. You’re going to hear the sirens. That’s just Manhattan. If you want silence, move to Westchester. Also, while the renovations are nice, some units still have those classic 80s layouts where the kitchen is a bit tucked away rather than the "open concept" everyone wants now.
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But if you can handle a little bit of city noise and a kitchen that isn't in your living room, it’s a great trade-off.
Actionable Next Steps for Potential Residents
If you’re seriously looking at 245 East 80th Street, don't just rely on the photos. Those wide-angle lenses make closets look like walk-in pantries.
- Visit at 5:00 PM. This is when the lobby is busiest and the street noise is at its peak. You want to see how the building handles the rush.
- Check the specific line. The "A" line and the "C" line will have very different light and noise profiles. Ask the doorman which side of the building is quieter; they usually have the best intel.
- Walk the commute. Don't trust Google Maps. Actually walk from the front door to the 86th Street Q entrance. See if that 6-minute walk feels okay when it’s raining.
- Look at the history. Use sites like StreetEasy to see how often a specific unit has turned over. If a unit is up for rent every 12 months, there might be a reason (like a noisy neighbor or a drafty window).
- Talk to a resident. If you see someone coming out with a dog or groceries, ask them how they like the management. Most New Yorkers are surprisingly honest about their living situations if you ask nicely.
Living here means leaning into the Upper East Side lifestyle. It's about being close to the park, having a 24-hour pharmacy on the corner, and knowing that your package won't get stolen from the vestibule because there's always someone at the desk. It’s not flashy, it’s just good. And in the New York rental market, "just good" is a rare find.
One final thought: if you find a unit here with a balcony, grab it. They don't come up often, and having even four square feet of private outdoor space changes your entire mental health during a New York summer. It's the difference between feeling trapped in a box and feeling like you actually own a piece of the skyline.
The Evansview is a survivor. It has outlasted market crashes, subway construction, and the ever-changing whims of NYC real estate trends. It remains a top choice for anyone who wants to be in the 10075 without the 10021 price tag. Check the listings, do your homework, and make sure you see the unit in person before signing that two-year lease.