Washington Heights, Manhattan, NY
About Washington Heights, Manhattan
Perched at the top of Manhattan and full of life, culture, and green space, Washington Heights is considered to be one of the last remaining affordable places to live near New York City. Sandwiched between the Hudson and Harlem Rivers, the neighborhood offers a mixture of historic brown houses and pre-war properties, many of which offer spacious living conditions for a fraction of the price you’d be paying just a little further south.
Other than being home to a predominantly Hispanic population, Washington Heights is slowly becoming the place to live for young professionals, families, and New York City newbies. Offering up affordable living, along with picturesque river trails, cycle paths, and many green spaces, Washington Heights has become attractive on both the buying and rental market.
The History of Washington Heights
For many centuries, Washington Heights has attracted a rich range of ethnic groups to the area. In the 19th century, Finns, Scotts, Irish, and Italians flocked to the area. In the 1930s German Jews arrived in Washington Heights and in the 1950’s it was Greeks, Cubans, and Puerto Ricans. It wasn't until the 1960s that many Dominicans set up home in Washington Heights, and it is their vibrant culture that you see celebrated throughout the neighborhood today.
Washington Heights Demographics
Due to varying rental prices and gentrification in the area, the population of Washington Heights has fluctuated considerably throughout the years. Now, it stands at around 200,000 people, 70% of whom are thought to be of Latino ethnicities. The average household income is between $45,000 to $50,000 a year, and 40% of workers are in white-collar employment.
Transportation in Washington Heights
One of the biggest pulls to Washington Heights is its great public transport connections to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. A, C, and 1 trains connect the suburbs of Upper Manhattan, with train 1 running a regular service along the main artery of Washington Heights, Broadway. There’s also a good number of bus routes that service town providing access to Midtown as well as to the Bronx and Queens.
Housing in Washington Heights
Historic brownstone houses and walk-ups sit along the neighborhood's wide tree-lined streets and are some of the most sought after properties in Washington Heights. It’s more common, however, to rent in one of the many renovated pre-war apartment buildings that make up the majority of housing in Washington Heights.
Neighborhood Life in Washington Heights
Washington Heights is a lively and energetic neighborhood with a strong Dominican heritage. Walking along Broadway, it’s not uncommon for music to be playing out of shops, neon signs to be flashing away in Spanish and tempting smells to be wafting from the many Hispanic restaurants. Away from the busy high street and into the more residential areas, there’s a great sense of community here, enjoyed by families, students, and young professionals.
Similar Neighborhoods to Washington Heights, Manhattan
Washington Heights Real Estate Trends
Washington Heights has long been home to some of the lowest-priced real estate in Manhattan. Since gentrification arrived, prices have slowly been edging their way up and will continue to do so as more and more New Yorkers move out of the cramped urban areas in search of more spacious living conditions and cheaper rent.
Washington Heights Median Sale Price (USD):
1bd 500,000
2bd 720,000
3bd 900,000
Washington Heights Median Rent Price (USD):
Studio 1,800
1bd 2,000
2bd 2,500
3bd 2,900
The Truth You Should Know About Washington Heights, Manhattan
How Safe is Washington Heights, Manhattan?
There was a time when Washington Heights was overrun by crime, but those days are far behind this family-friendly neighborhood. Of course, there will always be pockets of crime in the city, but the NYPD has officially named Washington Heights as the third safest neighborhood in Manhattan. As more money is invested in the area, it’s thought that it will become an even safer place for future generations to enjoy.
Are the Schools in Washington Heights good?
Washington Heights is served by District 12, and most of the schools are considered to be of low to average performance. There is an even mixture of public and charter schools in WH with Ps 173 and Success Academy Charter generally performing the best in primary and KIP NYC and PS 187 in middle school.
Popular Eateries in Washington Heights, Manhattan
Broadway is the busiest street in Washington Heights, full of mom and pop specialty shops, Dominican cafes, and a small selection of chain stores. These are a few of the most popular restaurants in Washington Heights: @grid
Coogan’s
American + Irish
4015 Broadway, New York, NY 10032La Casa Del Mofongo
Dominican
1447 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10033Saggio
Italian
827 W 181st St, New York, NY 10033El Paisa
Mexican
1548 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10040Malecon
Dominican
4141 Broadway New York, NY 10033Manolo Tapas
Spanish
4165 Broadway, New York, NY 10033Pandering Pig
French
209 Pinehurst Ave, New York, NY 10033
What to Do in Washington Heights, Manhattan
Check out the Cloisters Museum in Fort Tryon Park, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Wander through the Morris-Jumel Mansion which is considered to be the oldest house in Manhattan and is now a public museum.
Take a walk to the historic Little Red Lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.
Learn the history of the Hispanic communities of Washington Heights at the Hispanic Society Museum and Library.
Admire the views from the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum and take a history lesson on the notable figures buried here.
Is Washington Heights, Manhattan Dog Friendly?
With huge expanses of green space and a selection of pet-friendly eateries, Washington Heights can definitely be considered a dog-friendly neighborhood. The biggest of the outdoor spaces is the 160-acre Washington Park which stretches across the banks of the Hudson River and has plenty of room for your furry friend to stretch its legs. Other dog-friendly spaces include Fort Tryon Park, Hybridge Park, and Inwood Hill.
Is Washington Heights, Manhattan Good for Cycling?
Yes, there are lots of bike paths exclusively for cyclists located around the neighborhood and in its parks. Riverside Drive is one of the most popular routes for cyclists as it connects Battery Park in lower Manhattan with the neighborhoods like Washington Heights in upper Manhattan. There are also designated bike paths in Washington Park.
4 Things to Know Before Moving to Washington Heights, Manhattan
The Eastside of Broadway has a dominant Latino character with vibrant street life, loud music, and traditional eateries.
West of Broadway is more popular amongst families with easy access to the parks in Washington Heights and quieter streets.
Streets close to Broadway are normally affected by the business of the main street which sees lots of busy traffic, loud bars, and gatherings.
The George Washington Bridge and nearby roads will be under construction for the next 4-5 years - expect intermittent lane closures and backed up traffic until 2024.