8. Kips Bay
This East Side hood between 23rd and 34th is like a city in itself. Towering apartment buildings (doormen included) provide plenty of living options, and the streets are lined with countless bars and eateries. It's not quite Murray Hill (gag) but it has a similar vibe, with an older population. The only issue is the lack of a nearby subway station, but hey, it's about time you learned how to use a bus (or the ferry!).
[Photo via @ice_____tray]