Just turned 24, single Male enjoying the single life (just broke up with gf, not that I'm actively looking to date, but want to make sure I'm around singles as well)

More people in LES, also closer to NYU and lots of good/cheap bars in that area.

I have a hearing loss, so being around a lot of people on a consistent basis gets somewhat exhausting for me and makes me a little anxious, but I do love it when in the mood, so I need a bit of both quiet time but nightlife within walking distance.

Depending on where you are in each location, this could vary greatly, so I would say they're equal.

I enjoy being outside a lot and going on runs

There's lots of green space throughout Manhattan, but the proximity to the bridges and Brooklyn makes me say LES.

I like art and culture, so a neighborhood with a cultural feel or art museums nearby is nice

UES is better for museums and that kind of stuff, but LES is better for culture.

I love sports, and am trying to get back into playing ice hockey (I snowboard and surf particularly a lot, though those aren't really possible in the city without heavy use of public transit)

From my standpoint, neither would have an advantage.

Love meeting all kinds of people, so I enjoy diversity

Better diversity in LES. UES is pretty homogenous, IMO.

I enjoy all types of music, but coffee shops with live acoustic sets are what I love most because of my hearing loss

Not a huge amount in LES (depending on where you are), but you're close to NYU which would have a lot, and a close run to Brooklyn, where there is more.

I'm a particularly laid back person who also likes to get a little crazy once in a while, who enjoys both alone time as well as time with friends equally

UES would have the leg up due to accessibility to transit.

LES: 3 UES: 1