MANHATTAN

Hamilton Heights Neighborhood Guide

Nestled in Upper Manhattan, Hamilton Heights is a cultural fountain characterized by its rich aesthetic and pleasant views. The neighborhood is saturated with history and Alexander Hamilton’s former neighborhood has seen a sharp uptick in tourism due to the surging popularity of the play Hamilton. Though it has come a long way from the farmland days of founding father Alexander Hamilton, the area is still home to some of Manhattan’s most open spaces and hilly topography. Residents enjoy the intricate, historic 19th/20th-century architecture along Convent Avenue and St. Nicholas Avenue in the East, as well as the beautiful row houses lining Riverside Drive in the West. For a window into classic New York, explore the Hamilton Heights Historic District, where landmark buildings, including Alexander Hamilton’s former estate, are too plentiful to count. While you may not be able to witness Lin-Manuel Miranda’s theatrics here, there are plenty of lively options in Hamilton Heights that embody the area’s vibrancy. Hamilton Heights boasts magnificent riverside views, a wealth of historic charm, and a healthy dose of hot spots for dining and drinking. It’s no secret why New Yorkers are increasingly seeking residency in this unique Harlem enclave.
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Hamilton Heights Real Estate Stats

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

$725,000

MEDIAN RENTAL PRICE

$2,457

An Abbreviated History of Hamilton Heights

Although Hamilton Heights may be recognized from the Broadway musical hit, Hamilton, it has a rich history beginning with the Dutch governor Stuyvesant creating the village of New Harlem in 1658. Before founding father and namesake Alexander Hamilton moved into the neighborhood, it was the location of the triumphant Revolutionary War skirmishes that convinced a budding America to fight the British. After winning the Revolutionary war, Hamilton retired to The Grange estate.

Due to the newly constructed elevated railroad in the late 1800s, many sought out this “country” neighborhood. In the early 20th-century, city dwellers moved out of expensive Manhattan and into beautiful row houses that continue to define the current atmosphere of the neighborhood. During the Harlem Renaissance, Hamilton Heights boomed with artists, writers, and musicians and although many moved into the suburbs during the 1950s, numerous single-family homes were converted into apartments where a second Renaissance brought dance troupes and art carnivals to the neighborhood. In the 1970s, the NYC Landmark Preservation Committee arranged for the pre-war estates and row houses to be converted into historical districts to preserve their unique architecture. It is this blend of pre-war estates, row houses, and single-family homes that attracts restaurants, cafes, bars, and tourists today. Come to Hamilton Heights singing Hamilton show tunes, and stay forever relishing in the neighborhood’s rich history.

NEIGHBORHOOD BOUNDARIES

  • Henry Hudson Parkway to the West
  • 155th Street to the North
  • St Nicholas Avenue to the East
  • 135th Street to the South
Broadway – Seventh Avenue 1
Eighth Avenue A C B D

Residents Love This Neighborhood Because

  • Stunning architecture
  • Diverse community
  • Excellent train service
  • Walkability
  • Kindness of neighbors, many of whom have spent their whole lives here

What to expect

Cafés

+25
Colleges / Universities

1
Community Gardens

2
Hospitals

1
Libraries

2
Parks

3

Playgrounds

3

Restaurants

+30

Yoga Studios

2
hamilton heights street

Hamilton Heights Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

Get to know the neighborhood by visiting its most notable landmarks and sites. From museums and sculptures, to parks, markets, and hidden neighborhood gems, you’ll find everything you need to know about the neighborhood’s most unique and historical attractions.

Riverbank State Park

Riverbank is composed of 28 acres that sit perched along the Hudson River, providing facilities and activities for individuals of all ages. The park includes multiple pools, a year-round skating rink, a large riverside theater, pristine athletic facilities, and much more. Whether you are planning a family outing or simply want to relax while enjoying the spectacular sights of the river and beyond, Riverbank is a state of the art park to experience.

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

The Hamilton Grange National Memorial preserves the home of the United States Founding Father and George Washington’s right-hand man, Alexander Hamilton. The property is now open as an interactive exhibit for visitors to view the restoration of the interior rooms.

Convent Garden

The triangular parcel bounded by Convent Avenue in Hamilton Heights was designated as a public park in December of 1909. The garden is filled with flowers in the spring giving a community feel to the small area.

Trinity Cemetery And Mausoleum

The Trinity Cemetery and Mausoleum is the only active community mausoleum in all of Manhattan.

Architecture in Hamilton Heights

Beaux-Arts

Romanesque

Queen Anne

Notable New Yorkers

Who Have Lived in Hamilton Heights

ALEXANDER HAMILTON

Secretary of the Treasury

OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN

Composer

COUNT BASIE

Jazz Musician

DIAHANN CAROLL

Singer/ Actress

DUKE ELLINGTON

Musician

VALERIA LUISELLI

Author

GEORGE GERSHWIN

Composer

AARON DOUGLAS

Muralist

Popular Food & Drink

RIVER

1766 Amsterdam Ave

BOMBAY MASALA

1768 Amsterdam Ave

P&M PIZZA

1747 Amsterdam Ave

ROKC

3452 Broadway

THE CHIPPED CUP

3610 Broadway

SUGAR HILL CAFE

410 W 145th St

THE GRANGE

1635 Amsterdam Ave

OSO

1616 Amsterdam Ave

All Notable New Yorker photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull; Photo of Oscar Hammerstein by Z Arthur printed on photo; Photo of Count Basie by James J. Kriegsmann; Photo of Diahann Carrol by CBS Television; Photo of Duke Ellington by Unknown author; Photo of Valeria Luiselli by Andrew Lih (User: Fuzheado); Photo of George Gershwin by Carl Van Vechten; Photo of Aaron Douglas by National Archives at College Park

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