Gushing with history and iconic landmarks, Washington Heights may seem far for many, but it boasts picturesque views and an affordable rental market.
Bordered North to South with Dyckman Street to 155th Street and East to West with Harlem to the Hudson River, Washington Heights boasts the best of all scenic worlds: iconic parks and beautiful riverside views.
Accessibility
There are many amazing qualities about Washington Heights. It has gorgeous views and amazing eateries, but the same can’t be said about its transportation options. Serviced only by the (A, C, & 1) subway lines, the wait times as you wait for the C train to arrive at Times Square can feel like an eternity plus 1. However, if you do find yourself lucky enough to just reach the subway lines, enjoy an easy 20-30 minute nap (assuming the MTA doesn’t shut down while you’re in between stations).
For bus transportation, the (M3, M4, M5 & M100) lines can provide easy accessibility up and down the neighborhood. However, for horizontal travel, you are stuck with your two feet. I guess you could use an uber, but Washington Heights is scenic enough to not need one!
Lifestyle
Boasting a plethora of dogs (seriously, we think everybody there has an adorable puppy) and a very diverse community, you’ll never find yourself bored while in Washington Heights (unless if you’re on the subway). Residents will be found at the iconic Fort Tryon Park, which houses historical value and Instagram-worthy pictures. Our favorite activity within the neighborhood involves just exploring without a map (google maps, of course). You’ll find so many nooks and hidden pathways that will always lead to an adventure (CAUTION: Don’t go into private property).
Restaurants & Bars
If I could describe Washington Heights’ restaurant scene in one word, I would say ethnic. It sounds like a super general word but it’s true. From Korean to Italian or Spanish to Salvadoran, there is always a restaurant to entice the buds of taste in your mouth. Our personal choice is GoGo-Gi. If your perception of Korean food has been skewed by Ktown’s outrageous prices, then GoGo-Gi is the place for you. Featuring authentic Korean cuisine for an affordable cost, do not come here on the full stomach because you might explode. A close second is Saggio. Boasting amazing Italian cuisine, we’ve heard amazing things about the rigatoni. Get it, eat it, and please tell us all about it.
Here comes the best part of this guide: the alcohol. Who doesn’t love drinking a classic brew while next to one of the best parks in Manhattan? Well, Tryon Public House asks one simple question: are you thirsty? Because if you are, this neighborhood pub is full of sports fans and a fantastic community to drink with! A religious bar name (but I’m pretty sure it’s not religious), the Buddha Beer Bar features craft beers plus a rotating list of alcoholic pleasures that changes seemingly every day! Have you ever had a Tripel Karmeliet? Well start. It will entice your tastebuds and makes sure you will want more!
Cost
Maybe due to its distance, but Washington Heights can be very affordable. However, the numbers presented here do not reflect that in any way. The median rent per month comes at $7,750 and the median sales price comes out to be $883,000. This is a stark contrast when overall, Manhattan boasts $4,975 and $1,227,500 in rental and sales prices, respectively. What does this mean? Washington Heights may not be the best place to rent, but purchasing may be a very lucrative opportunity.
Final Verdict
Washington Heights already has the stigma of being historic (because of the name Washington…), but it is so much more than that. With gorgeous riverside views, some amazing Korean cuisines, and adorable pugs, Washington Heights is more than just a faraway neighborhood. It combines the authenticity of living in NYC with a diverse culture. Come to Washington Heights by accident because you fell asleep on the 1 train and stay here forever as you realize one of the best hidden gems of NYC.
