Living in Herald Square NYC: Location, Transit & Everyday Life

For anyone moving to Midtown Manhattan, living in Herald Square raises a central question: what does everyday life look like at one of New York City’s most energetic intersections? While visitors know 34th Street and Broadway for flagship department stores and bustling sidewalks, residents at 50 West 34th Street experience a practical lifestyle defined by direct transit access, straightforward daily conveniences, and a genuine contrast between street-level activity and high-floor residential calm.

Transit Access Across Three Separate Hubs

The most substantial everyday advantage of living at Herald Square is the concentration of transit options immediately outside the front doors. Rather than relying on a single subway line, residents are situated between three distinct transportation hubs:

The nearby 34th Street bus stops offer another convenient way to travel across Midtown, especially for destinations along the East and West Sides. Check MTA Bus Time for current routes and arrival information.

Heading to MetLife Stadium for a Concert or Game?

For residents attending NFL games, summer concert tours, or global sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, living next to Penn Station offers a major logistical advantage. You can skip Midtown traffic and ride NJ TRANSIT directly from New York Penn Station to Secaucus Junction in just one stop (about 10 minutes), then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line which drops you right at the stadium entrance.

Meadowlands train service typically operates for major stadium events with anticipated attendance of 50,000 or more, with trains beginning approximately 3.5 hours before kickoff or showtime. For event schedules and Meadowlands service notices, check the NJ TRANSIT MetLife Stadium Guide.

Having eight subway lines on your block, alongside regional rail within a short walk, substantially simplifies commutes across Manhattan and beyond. Grand Central Terminal (Metro-North & LIRR) and the Port Authority Bus Terminal are also within a comfortable 15- to 20-minute walk. To review neighborhood connectivity, consult the official Herald Towers Neighborhood Guide.

Everyday Conveniences and Nearby Green Spaces

Daily errands are easy to manage from Herald Towers. Target on West 34th Street covers everyday household essentials, while Whole Foods Market near Bryant Park is the go-to for fresh produce and prepared foods. For more variety, Trader Joe’s on Sixth Avenue in Chelsea and Lidl at 460 Third Avenue in Kips Bay are both within walking distance, with a quick subway ride to Trader Joe’s or a short bus ride to Lidl. Lidl also carries a selection of European-style groceries. Jack’s Marketplace on West 32nd Street is another convenient option nearby, and H Mart in Koreatown specializes in Asian groceries.

For days when shopping in person is less convenient, online grocery delivery offers another practical option. Whole Foods Market and Amazon Fresh provide delivery services through Amazon, while H Mart also offers online grocery delivery to eligible Manhattan addresses. Availability, delivery fees, and promotions may vary by service and order.

For outdoor relaxation, Bryant Park and the New York Public Library are approximately six to eight blocks north along Avenue of the Americas. The park’s expansive lawn, bistro seating, and seasonal reading room provide an open-air green retreat for morning walks or weekend downtime within comfortable walking distance.

The Energy of Living in Herald Square

Herald Square is undeniably one of Manhattan’s busiest shopping and transportation districts. Sidewalks are lively throughout the day, particularly during morning commuting peaks and weekend shopping hours. For residents who thrive in an active, central urban setting, that kinetic energy is a core part of the neighborhood’s appeal.

Those who prefer a quieter, slower residential atmosphere may want to consider the pace of the surrounding streets when choosing where to live. For those who appreciate an active neighborhood, Herald Towers offers a different setting above street level, with private resident lounges and shared spaces designed for relaxation away from the activity below.

Resident Amenities: The 25th-Floor Lounge and Rooftop Sundeck

Because 34th Street is an active commercial environment, having dedicated, high-quality resident spaces within the building is essential to a balanced lifestyle. Herald Towers addresses this with extensive amenities on its upper levels:

• 25th-Floor Resident Lounge: the Main Room lounge with comfortable seating and an adjacent balcony area offering views of the Empire State Building, the Sugar-Ray Cafe coffee bar with late art deco influence and a marble bar, a comfortable lounge area where residents can read, work, or unwind, and a vintage-style game room.
• The Fitness Center: A newly renovated, fully equipped fitness center on the 24th floor with Peloton bicycles.
• Fitness Studio: A fitness studio on the 26th floor hosts resident classes, including boxing and Pilates.
• Concierge: The building has a 24-hour concierge front desk.
• 26th-Floor Rooftop Sundeck: An open-air rooftop terrace with Midtown skyline views. Explore what a summer afternoon looks like on the 26th-floor sundeck.
• Package Room: A ground-floor package room with a large refrigerator for grocery deliveries. Staff are on site from 8 AM to 9 PM to receive and securely manage deliveries.

These communal spaces allow residents to work remotely, exercise, or host guests without leaving the building. Full specifications on resident facilities and unit layouts can be explored via Herald Towers Amenities and Residence Floorplans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living at Herald Towers