Named after the man on the one dollar bill, Washington Heights features colorful neighborhoods and gorgeous views. Taking up a large swath of land from 155th Street all the way down to Dyckman Street, Washington Heights is the true king of the north.
History
PC: Wikipedia
During the Revolutionary War in 1776, the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, were under siege from the British. They decided to make camp in the high grounds of New York, calling the place Fort Washington. They were eventually flushed out by the British, and retreated south where they stayed until the British left New York.
When the British left New York, the citizens gathered at Blue Bell Tavern, located where present day 181st street and Broadway intersect, where they hung the statue head of King George III.
If you walk around the neighborhood, you’ll find a few remnants of its history smattered around, along with several plaques memorializing events that shaped America. Take a stroll to Fort Tryon Park for a history lesson and peaceful river views.
Accessibility
PC: Wikimedia
Washington Heights provides moderate accessibility to the city. As it’s at the top of the island, your commute may take longer if you work in midtown or FiDi. That being said, you’re not stranded if you live in the Heights. The A, C, and 1 trains cut through the neighborhood to bring you downtown, and buses abound, ready to take you all over the city.
Lifestyle
PC: Wikimedia
A quieter part of New York, you can slow your pace from a harried hustle to a serene stroll. Some bars to enjoy your drink of a choice include the relaxed Le Cheile, the cozy Kazza Wine Bar, and the fun Monkey Room.
True to its name, Washington Heights is home to the tallest natural point on Manhattan Island, Bennett Park, standing at 265 feet above sea level. If you enjoy nature, you can head over to Highbridge Park for stunning views of downtown or you can get river views by running alongside the Hudson River.
Restaurants
PC: Wikimedia
Representing the melting pot of diverse cultures that dwell there, Washington Heights has a ton of different, unique restaurants that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Manhattan. For the best shawarma you’ll get in the city, head over to Golan Heights.
Some other standouts include Tampopo Ramen, the first ramen shop in the Heights, and The Pandering Pig. If you decide to try for The Pandering Pig, be prepared to fight, it’s one of the most difficult restaurants to get into in Washington Heights.
Cost
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Dubbed one of the last affordable neighborhoods in the city by many real estate companies, Washington Heights boasts some of the best deals you can get while still retaining a coveted 212 number.
The 2-bedroom median rent of $2,275 is well below the city median rent of $3,508. If you’d prefer to buy, the median sell price is $632,500, which is still well below the city’s median sell price of $815,000.
Final Verdict
PC: Steven Soblick
If you’re looking to live in Manhattan, but you want your living space to be larger than your average closet, take a peak at Washington Heights. Its history, diverse culture, and abundant nature offers a unique mix of city and suburbia that’s virtually unmatched by any neighborhood on the island.
