Washington Heights sits at the top of Manhattan, where the island narrows and the terrain gets hilly. Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters offer some of the most beautiful green space in the city, with views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. The neighborhood has been the heart of Dominican-American culture in New York for decades.
What It's Like Living Here
Living in Washington Heights means trading convenience for value and space. Apartments are larger and more affordable than anywhere else in Manhattan, and the parks are genuinely spectacular. The A and 1 trains connect you to Midtown, though the commute is longer than from other Manhattan neighborhoods. The food scene centers on Dominican cuisine, with some of the best mofongo and sancocho in the city.
The neighborhood has a strong community feel, with longtime residents and local businesses. Fort Tryon Park and The Cloisters (a branch of the Met featuring medieval art) are world-class attractions that most tourists never see. The George Washington Bridge provides easy access to New Jersey.
Best For
- •Those seeking more space at lower Manhattan prices
- •Outdoor enthusiasts who want park access
- •People who appreciate diverse, tight-knit communities
- •Healthcare workers at Columbia Presbyterian
Things to Know
- •Longer commute to Midtown and Downtown
- •Fewer trendy restaurants and bars than downtown
- •Hills make walking more challenging
- •Less familiar to visitors and some employers
Commute Times from Washington Heights
Local Tips
The Cloisters is free with your Met membership
Fort Tryon Park has the best fall foliage in Manhattan
The 181st Street A station has elevators to street level
Malecon and El Malecon are different restaurants (both good)
The Essentials
Grocery
- Associated Supermarket
- local bodegas
Coffee
- Café Buunni
- local cafes
Dining
- Malecon
- Tampopo Ramen
- Le Chéile
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