It’s one of life’s greatest enigmas. It has always been suspected that “Sesame Street” is in New York City, but through clues like zip codes and subway stations, you can theoretically figure out the real neighborhoods.
Astoria, Queens
The New York Public Library (NYPL) points out that Queens is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in New York City and it seems like a great fit for Elmo and the crew. But the strongest evidence that “Sesame Street” is in Astoria, Queens, is that it was actually filmed there.
Lincoln Center
Shortly after the show began, the area became home to the Sesame Workshop offices, the nonprofit organization behind “Sesame Street.” The neighborhood has gone through some changes since “Sesame Street” first started but original “Sesame Street” set designer Charles Rosen reportedly used Lincoln Center as inspiration for the look of the show.
Upper East Side/East Harlem
The 86th Street subway stop is one of the most cited ways to get to “Sesame Street” because of its appearance in the 1978 movie “Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.”
In this episode “Elmo Visits the Firehouse,” Engine Company 58/Ladder 26 puts out a fire in Mr. Hooper’s store. When considering the subway stop clue, this would again put the street on or near the Upper East Side.
Upper West Side
This location would again be consistent with an 86th Street subway stop. In addition, Victor DiNapoli, who spent more than 30 years as art director for the show allegedly said the show was always supposed to take place on the Upper West Side.
