Riverdale, Bronx, NY
About Riverdale, Bronx
The charming, village-like neighborhood of Riverdale seems a world apart from the bustle of New York City. Feeling more a Westchester suburb than Bronx neighborhood, Riverdale’s leafy, low-scale streets contain homes ranging from elaborate historic estates, to modest single- and two-family homes, to newer apartment complexes.
You won’t find many young people or trendy nightlife here, but sprawling parks, top-tier schools, low crime rates, several public libraries, uncrowded sidewalks, and unmatched tranquility make Riverdale one of the best neighborhoods in NYC for families.
The History of Riverdale
The neighborhood grew around the 19th century as an affluent enclave where preeminent Manhattanites and wealthy businessmen constructed opulent country estates. The area quickly became one of the wealthiest around, though modest single-family homes were also built along Riverdale’s windy streets. Later development in the 1900s brought upscale apartment and condominium towers to Riverdale, further boosting the neighborhood’s affluence. Riverdale’s story remains rather unchanged to this day, which means visiting the neighborhood will have you feeling as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Riverdale Demographics
Riverdale tends to appeal more towards families and others who desire a more suburban lifestyle. As a result Riverdale’s median age, 45 years, far surpasses the citywide median of 37 years, and the share of both married couples with children (20%) and without (42%) are greater than their citywide equivalents. The community has remained affluent since its initial development, with a current median household income of \$89K (nearly half of Riverdale’s residents hold a salary of \$100K or more). Locals are also very educated; the neighborhood’s share of residents with graduate degrees (35%) is more than twice that of NYC as a whole. The population here is more diverse than similar suburbs nearby but less so than NYC as a whole, with a majority White population (64%) followed by a sizable Hispanic/Latino population (21%). Blacks and Asians comprise roughly 7% of households here, well below the citywide share.
Transportation in Riverdale
Public transit is rather limited in Riverdale, so many households opt for cars. The reliable and frequent 1 train line ends in Riverdale, but commutes to Lower Manhattan take about an hour. A handful of buses serve Riverdale, with stops on major streets like Broadway and Riverdale Ave.
Housing in Riverdale
As an old residential neighborhood, Riverdale’s housing options are plentiful. Mansions dating from Riverdale’s initial development still stand today, scattered amongst smaller homes of the same era. The 1950s ushered in a new wave of housing, consisting of low- to mid-rise brick condominium buildings, outdone by even taller towers (10-20 stories) constructed the following decade. Since the 2000s, a building boom in Central Riverdale has brought several new mid- and high-rise condo towers to the neighborhood. Besides detached homes, co-ops are also prevalent in Riverdale and offer a more affordable housing option.
Neighborhood Life in Riverdale
Quiet, green, and always serene, Riverdale’s bucolic nature makes it a great fit for those who desire a leisurely paced lifestyle. Sprawling outdoor spaces - ranging from sports fields, to playgrounds, to dog parks, and everything in between - make Riverdale great for fun in the sun. Its strong sense of community is reflected in the many friendly faces crossing paths on the regular. Local businesses here are just as personable, and restaurant staff will likely learn your name (and order) after only a few visits. Early evenings are the norm here and by sundown, streets quiet as stores close for the day. But if you’re willing to leave behind the typical urban NYC lifestyle, you’ll afford yourself the opportunity to live in an exceedingly peaceful neighborhood, something almost unheard of in the Bronx.
Neighborhoods Similar to Riverdale
Riverdale Real Estate Trends
Riverdale consistently ranks among the most expensive neighborhoods in the Bronx, but is an affordable alternative to similar leafy neighborhoods in Manhattan. As of 2018, Riverdale’s median home value was about \$370K (\$200K less than the citywide median) and the median area rent was \$1.7K/month. Similar to the Bronx as a whole, Riverdale’s property values have continued to rise, though at a much slower rate than the borough overall. While some of the larger estates easily sell for over \$1M, Riverdale’s smaller single-family homes and multi-family buildings are ideal for those looking to buy in NYC on a budget.
The Truth You Should Know About Riverdale, Bronx
How Safe is Riverdale, Bronx?
Riverdale is by far one of the safest neighborhoods in the Bronx, with violent and property crime rates well below the citywide average and continuously shrinking year-over-year.
Are the Schools in Riverdale Good?
The neighborhood is served by District 10, which ranks lower than most other districts in NYC. Nonetheless, some of the area’s public schools are among NYC’s best including PS 24 Spuyten Duyvil (K-5) and PS 81 Robert J Christen (K-5). Riverdale is also known for its exceptional private schools, with many ranking among the best in the country. The area boasts three schools belonging to the prestigious Ivy Preparatory School League: Horace Mann (PK-12), Riverdale Country (PK-12), and Fieldston (PK-12). Riverdale is also home to highly ranked Jewish day schools like the SAR Academy (PK-8) and the SAR High School (9-12), and Catholic schools such as St. Margaret of Cortona School (PK-8).
Popular Eateries in Riverdale, Bronx?
Riverdale’s quaint, intimate character is reflected in its many mom-and-pop restaurants, where friendly staff greet customers by their first names. @grid
Irish
445 W. 238th Street, Bronx, NY 10463Japanese
3532 Johnson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463Italian
5704 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471Kosher Deli
552 W. 235th Street, Bronx, NY 10463Latin American
3708 Riverdale Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463
What to Do in Riverdale, Bronx?
Get lost in nature at Van Cortlandt Park (NYC’s third-largest park), where visitors can hike, bike, swim, play ball, picnic, and do so much more.
...or catch a game of hurling at the historic Gaelic Park next door.
Be inspired at Wave Hill - the one-time residence of Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt featuring botanical gardens, two mansions, rotating art exhibits, and year-round concerts.
Grab coffee, enjoy an intimate dinner, or run errands in Central Riverdale, the “downtown” area of Riverdale.
Is Riverdale Dog-Friendly?
A handful of local dog parks (including three runs at Van Cortlandt Park), pet services, and pet-friendly buildings make Riverdale one of the Bronx’s best neighborhoods for dog owners.
Is Riverdale Good for Cycling?
Not particularly - Riverdale’s hilly terrain and little-to-no bike lane coverage mean most locals use cars and transit to get around.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Riverdale, Bronx
Riverdale’s quiet, suburban nature means bars are few and far between, so don’t expect much nightlife here.
The area’s elevation is among the highest in NYC, providing many homes with sweeping views of the Hudson River, New Jersey Palisades, and even the Empire State Building.