"Early 80s" would refer to the year. "Lower 80s" in Manhattan means they live somewhere in the area bounded to the south by 80th Street and to the north by 85th

"Early 80s" would refer to the year. "Lower 80s" in Manhattan means they live somewhere in the area bounded to the south by 80th Street and to the north by 85th Street--which includes part of the Upper East Side.