Morningside Heights, NY Homes for Sale

Morningside Heights, Manhattan, NY

About Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Morningside Heights is a calm neighborhood on the West Side of Manhattan’s Uptown. The neighborhood is one of three smaller districts that make up West Harlem. It’s bounded by 110th Street to the South, 125th Street to the North, Henry Hudson Parkway to the West, and Morningside Drive to the East. Morningside Heights is known as being the location of the Columbia Campus and much of the activity in the neighborhood revolves around the university.

Morningside Heights is a quiet, college neighborhood full of gorgeous architecture and hip bars. It’s a great area for those who like the ambiance of the Upper West Side but want something a bit more affordable and modest. Many residents are Columbia students or professors. City College is also nearby, and many residents are associated with one of these educational facilities. Overall, Morningside Heights is a mellow, uptown neighborhood that caters to young professionals and academics. Even if you’re not associated with the universities, it’s still a great neighborhood if you’re looking to be in Manhattan, but want to be removed from the chaos.

History of Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights was initially settled by the Lenape Native Americans until the Dutch colonized the area and made it a part of a larger settlement called New Haarlem. Under British occupation, the area was the site of an important battle in the Revolutionary War, called the Battle of Harlem Heights. During the 19th Century, Morningside Heights was sparsely developed except for the Bloomington Insane Asylum and the Leake and Watts Orphan Asylum, which were on the present day Columbia campus. In 1886 there was a push from real estate developers to relocate these facilities, which was eventually granted. The campuses were purchased by Columbia, who was looking to expand from its initial location in Rockefeller Center. The presence of the university brought with it a wave of development and to this day Columbia is the epicenter of the neighborhood.

Demographics of Morningside Heights

The population of Morningside Heights is approximately 37,000 people. It tends to be a young neighborhood – thanks to Columbia. Thirty-four percent of the population is between the age of 18 and 24 and 22% are between the age of 25 and 34. However, 13% are also over 65. The neighborhood has a higher percentage of female residents – 58% of residents are female and 42% are male. This is likely due to the presence of Barnard College in the neighborhood, an all-female school associated with Columbia. It’s primarily a white neighborhood, however, there is also a high percentage of Hispanic and Asian and Black residents as well. To be exact, 48% of the population is white, 18% is Asian, 18% is Hispanic and 12% is black.

Transportation in Morningside Heights

Transportation options in Morningside Height are somewhat limited. The 1 train of the NYC subway makes a stop in Morningside Heights. As do the M11, M4, M5, and M60-SBS buses. On the other side of Morningside Park in Harlem, residents have access to the A, B, C, and D trains. Also, the traffic is relatively calm for New York and many residents choose to drive. Henry Hudson Parkway runs alongside Morningside Heights and gives drivers access to other highways.

Housing in Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights features much of the coveted pre war architecture found in other parts of Uptown Manhattan. Squat row houses with ornate detailing and large, quirky apartment buildings with exposed brick and random alcoves are abundant in Morningside Heights. Much of the housing in the neighborhood is owned by Columbia and allocated to students. The property values in Morningside Heights are considerably cheaper than the Upper West Side and so the neighborhood also attracts young professionals seeking large apartments and cheap rents. Morningside Gardens is a notable co-op on Lasalle Street that features 6, 21 story apartment buildings and includes amenities like a gym, a playground, storage units, and more.

Neighborhood Life in Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights is a college neighborhood with many popular bars and restaurants within walking distance of the Columbia campus. Along Broadway, there are several coffee shops and hip bars like the Craftsman. Riverside Park is nearby and offers plenty of opportunities for exercise and activities. Cafes and bookstores are prevalent, and you’ll often see students reading outdoors or working together in groups on a project. It’s not the kind of college scene that features rowdy sports bars or clubs. Rather Morningside Height has a laid back, bohemian vibe that appeals to artists, intellectuals, and anyone looking for a chill, collegiate atmosphere.

Similar Neighborhoods to Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Morningside Heights Real Estate Trends

Morningside Heights is known for spacious pre-war apartments. Those looking for modern, luxury high rises should look elsewhere because the vast majority of the buildings in the neighborhood were built prior to 1940. Morningside Heights is a neighborhood that favors ambiance over amenities and most of the new development taking place is on Columbia’s campus. The average price of a condo in Morningside Heights is $800,000. Prices have decreased by about 15% over the past five years. But it’s a neighborhood with a consistent demand. It’s a desirable neighborhood that is kept affordable by the limited transportation options and opportunities for new development.

The Truth about Morningside Heights, Manhattan

How Safe is Morningside Heights?

Morningside Heights is safe. The area is patrolled by the 26th Precinct of the NYPD. That precinct has reported a significant decrease in crime over the past few decades. Crime across all categories is lower than the national average and the city as a whole. There are a few specific areas that are known to have a higher rate of assault and robbery. There are areas including the corner of 125th and Broadway as well as 123rd and Morningside Ave. Residents are wise to avoid these areas at night, but overall it's a safe area.

Are the Schools Good in Morningside Heights?

Yes, the schools in Morningside Heights are excellent. The PS Margaret Douglas School, PS 180 Hugo Newman School, and PS 125 Ralph Bunche School are in Morningside Heights and cater to grades K-5. The Columbia Secondary School is a highly rated school that caters to grades 6 through 12. The Corpus Christi School and the Cathedral School of St. John the Divine are both private schools in Morningside Heights and cater to grades K-8. Of course, there is an abundance of higher education options in Morningside Heights including Columbia, Barnard College, and the Manhattan School of Music, among others.

Popular Eateries in Morningside Heights

Things to Do in Morningside Heights

• Take a tour of Columbia, the campus offers undergraduate and graduate school, as well as various other programs

• Spend the day in Riverside Park, the park features sports facilities and jogging paths

• Go on a tour of The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the famous church is a beautiful example of neo-classical architecture

• See a performance at the Manhattan School of Music, the school features performances from jazz and classical ensembles

• Check out Book Culture on W. 112th Street, a hip independent bookstore that features everything from bestsellers to academic texts.

Is Morningside Heights Good for Dogs?

Yes, Morningside Heights is a great neighborhood for dogs. The spacious pre-war apartment and easy access to parks in the area make it a great place for dogs. It’s common to see friendly pooches running alongside owners in Riverside Park or Morningside Park. Most buildings make accommodations for pets, except for the Columbia campus, of course.

Is Morningside Heights Good for Cyclists?

Yes, Morningside Heights is a great neighborhood for cycling. The lack of viable transportation options means residents must get creative when traveling around. Many buildings make accommodations for cyclists. Plus, the traffic is more manageable than downtown and bike lanes are prevalent. Those who are uncomfortable with city biking may be better off sticking to the park, but those with experience will feel right at home.

2 Things to Know Before Moving to Morningside Heights, Manhattan

1. Morningside Heights is a college enclave. It’s not as crazy as many student areas, but the university is the epicenter of the local culture

2. Getting downtown on the Westside is a quick commute, but getting to the east side can be trickier.