Inwood, Manhattan, NY
About Inwood, Manhattan
Inwood is a quiet, residential neighborhood at the southern tip of Manhattan. It occupies the area north of Dyckman Street, but below the Bronx. The Spuyten Duyvil Creek and the Hudson River separate Inwood from the Bronx in the North and West respectively. Inwood is a beautiful uptown neighborhood that is known for its spacious apartments and slow pace of life. The neighborhood is very green – parks and foliage are abundant, and the scenery is spectacular.
It’s a suburban enclave for those looking to escape the grit and grime of lower Manhattan. It has a ton of great mom and pop restaurants and all the modern amenities New Yorker’s need. It’s a laidback and unpretentious neighborhood that caters to students, families, and anyone looking for affordable rents in New York City. The commute to Manhattan can be a bit long, but those who appreciate fresh air and large apartments will be willing to make the sacrifice. There is plenty to do in Inwood and it’s constantly rated one of the neighborhoods in New York with the highest quality of life for its residents.
History of Inwood
Inwood was a rural area for most of New York’s early development. During the Revolutionary War, there was an encampment of Hessian troops along what is now 201st Street to 204th Street along Payson Avenue. These troops were mercenaries hired by British soldiers to combat the Americans. Other than that, Inwood was largely undeveloped until well into the early 20th Century. The development of the New York Subway in 1906 - specifically the 1 train which made it all the way to Inwood - led land speculators began the construction of buildings in Inwood. When the A train was introduced in the 1930s, this construction continued. Many of these buildings stand in Inwood today and over the years it’s developed into a bustling community of students, artists and families.
Demographics of Inwood
There are roughly 52,000 people living in Inwood. The neighborhood is primarily Hispanic and 74% of residents identify as such. White residents make up 17% of the population and black residents make up 5%. It’s a great neighborhood for families. Twenty percent of residents are between the ages of 25 and 34. Twenty percent are also under the age of 18 and 27% are between the ages of 35 and 54. Age ranges are fairly evenly distributed across groups as Inwood is a diverse community. It’s a primarily a middle-class neighborhood - the median income is approximately $52,000 which is just below the national average
Transportation in Inwood
Transportation in Inwood is somewhat limited, however, residents do have a few options. The A and 1 trains both make stops at Dyckman Street and run express to Manhattan. There are several highways that are accessible to drivers in Inwood, like the Henry Hudson Parkway or Harlem River Drive. There are several city buses that make stops in Inwood, like the BX7, BX12, BX20, M100, and BxM1. Plus, there is a Metro-North Railroad stop across the river in the Bronx.
Housing in Inwood
Buildings in Inwood are typically large, pre-war buildings with spacious, yet bare-bones apartments. Many of these buildings are in the Art Deco style and exemplify classic New York City architecture. You won’t find many brownstones or luxury condo complexes in Inwood – it’s a neighborhood for those who desire a minimalist lifestyle and access to parks. It’s far more affordable than many other parts of Manhattan – the median home price is around $500,000, which is half the boroughwide average. The apartments in Inwood are perfect for families or anyone who values space over high-end gadgets and amenities.
Neighborhood Life in Inwood
Dyckman Street is the major commercial strip that separates Inwood from Washington Heights and it’s the cultural epicenter of the neighborhood. There are tons of great local restaurants and cool wine bars along the street and that’s where most of the commercial activity in the neighborhood occurs. Besides that, there are several parks residents can enjoy on the weekends or whenever it suits them. Inwood Hill Park and Fort Tryon Park are the two major green spaces where Inwood residents congregate. Inwood Park offers lush grass areas and hiking paths and Fort Tryon Park is the site of the Cloisters – a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Inwood is a quiet neighborhood where residents tend to prefer peace and quiet over wild nightlife.
Similar Neighborhoods to Inwood, Manhattan
Inwood Real Estate Trends
Residents flock to Inwood for its affordability and picturesque aesthetic. Property values are half what they are in Lower Manhattan and it’s even considerably cheaper than neighboring Washington Heights. Property values have increased by 30% over the past five years, which is a steady increase but nothing to suggest that Inwood will suddenly become overdeveloped. Inwood is not a neighborhood for those who need easy access to Manhattan. Therefore, it’s insulated from developers looking to rehab and update older buildings to attract a young professional crowd. Inwood will likely remain a quiet and affordable neighborhood for the foreseeable future unless serious demographic shifts occur.
Inwood Median Sale Price (USD):
1bd 400,000
Inwood Median Rent Price (USD):
1bd 1,800
2bd 2,300
The Truth About Inwood, Manhattan
How Safe is Inwood?
Inwood is very safe. Although during the ’80s and 90’s Inwood and Washington Heights were major drug areas, today that has completely changed. Major crimes have gone down significantly since 1990 and the neighborhood has a lower rate of violent crime than the city as a whole. It's well-insulated from the rest of Manhattan and therefore it faces less of the issues that plague downtown neighborhoods with heavy foot traffic. There is one intersection in particular, at 10th Ave and 207th Street that has a high rate of felony assaults. Residents are wise to steer clear of this area, especially after dark.
Are the Schools in Inwood Good?
Yes, there are several highly rated public schools available to Inwood residents. Muscota is a public elementary school that serves kindergarten through fifth grade and has exceptional ratings. The Washington Heights Academy and Paula Hedbavny School are also well-regarded public schools that serve grades K through 8. The Harold O Levy School and MS 322 offer middle school to Inwood residents. The High School for Excellence and Innovation is a transfer school in Inwood that serves grades 9 through 12 and students in Inwood have the ability to attend other New York City public high schools.
Popular Eateries in Inwood, Manhattan
Things to Do in Inwood, Manhattan
Take a hike along the Hudson River in Inwood Hill Park
Visit the Cloisters, the museum features stunning examples of medieval art and architecture
Have a glass of wine on the patio of Inwood’s Local Wine Bar and Beer Garden, a favorite hangout spot of Inwood residents
Take a walk along Swindler Cove, a small public park on a marsh along Harlem River
Visit Inwood GreenMarket, a weekly farmers market held along Seaman Ave
Is Inwood Dog Friendly?
Yes, Inwood is very dog friendly. The spacious prewar apartments are great for canine companions because they provide some room to exercise and most buildings allow pets. There is plenty of green space to bring your dog. Furry friends are often seen romping around Inwood Hill and Fort Tryon Parks and some restaurants like The Park View on Dyckman Street allow dogs in the restaurant.
Is Inwood Good for Cycling?
It’s not the best but it’s improving. It’s a very hilly neighborhood, which may prove to be challenging for some cyclists. There aren’t as many bike lanes as there are in other parts of the city, but that is beginning to change. It’s such a small neighborhood with limited access to surrounding areas, so biking is less common than walking or taking the train. But, avid cyclists will find the scenic views enticing and the traffic patterns of the neighborhood manageable.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Inwood, Manhattan
Most apartments are large but no frills. If you are looking for modern technology and amenities, look elsewhere
Going downtown on is a quick ride if you’re sticking to Western Manhattan, but getting to the East Side will take a few transfers
Having a car in Inwood is manageable but finding parking can be tricky