Neighborhoods

Manhattan (/mænˈhætən, mən-/), often referred to locally as the City,^[1] is the most densely populated of the five boroughs of New York City and its economic and administrative center, cultural identifier,^[5] and historical birthplace.^[6] The borough is coextensive with New York County, one of the original counties of the U.S. state of New York. The borough consists mostly of Manhattan Island, bounded by the Hudson, East, and Harlem rivers; several small adjacent islands; and Marble Hill, a small neighborhood now on the U.S. mainland, physically connected to the Bronx and separated from the rest of Manhattan by the Harlem River. Manhattan Island is divided into three informally bounded components, each aligned with the borough’s long axis: Lower, Midtown, and Upper Manhattan.

While it’s too soon to call it a full-fledged neo-Renaissance, Harlem is unquestionably happening. Buoyed by an influx of former downtowners and emboldened by a tradition of culture and creativity, the neighborhood is chockablock with new high-end shops, restaurants, music halls, lounges and even a luxury hotel. It’s all part of the quarter’s ongoing effort to establish itself as a must-visit Manhattan destination, even while it retains its distinctive character. Harlem may still be beloved for its hundreds of churches, elegant row houses, unexpected parks and tiny home-cooking joints, but there’s another side of the neighborhood in the making these days: sleek, chic and sophisticated. It’s Manhattan at its colorful best.

Riverdale is a charming, diverse neighborhood in the far west Bronx with a great mix of high rises sprinkled among single family homes, that is very popular with everyone, from young professionals and retirees to families and it has become a mecca for singles. The community has a small town feel with many parks, shops, boutiques, trendy restaurants, gyms, spas, tennis clubs and excellent schools, both private and public.

All ethnic, religious groups, as well as the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender community find a comfortable home here. Occupations run the gamut from teachers to opera singers, financial professionals to lawyers, UN diplomats to journalists, and everything in between. Educational choices are as varied as the residence choices with private schools such as Horace Mann, Ethical Culture, Fieldston, Riverdale Country and public schools from pre-K through High School. Manhattan College and Mount St Vincent are also located in Riverdale.

There are parks galore for children and the adult community, in addition to the 1,000+ acre Van Cortlandt Park and the Riverdale Equestrian Center where you can take lessons or ride miles of tranquil trails that leave you forgetting you are only fifteen minutes to midtown Manhattan.

Wave Hill, a giant estate from the 1880’s, is a popular attraction overlooking the Hudson River, with lovely grounds to walk, relax, have lunch in the restaurant, take free classes, enjoy concerts and demonstrations of all types. It also has a terrific art program for young children. Artists often set up their easels and paint the Hudson River views and landscape.

Fieldston, one of the oldest private residential communities has its own security force that consists of more than 200 luxurious single family homes often dating back to the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, is a hidden gem within Riverdale’s borders.

Riverdale has two main shopping streets, Johnson Avenue and Riverdale Avenue. There are many trendy and restaurants such as Greek, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Kosher, Spanish, Mexican, fast food, Subway, deli’s, bakeries, Starbucks etc. There are chain and privately owned pharmacies, dry cleaners, pet shops, boutiques, cobbler, chain super markets, health food stores and other retail establishments.

Transportation is easily accessible with bus stops for the Metro North Jitney, MTA Local and Express buses to the east side, west side and financial district.

All of which contributes to Riverdale being a terrific place to live.