Riverdale vs Forest Hills (Cortland, Lincoln: house, neighborhoods, movie theaters)

[noelcdl59]

Which area is better to live in and commute to Lincoln Center area? Is it safe for a 9th grader to travel by subway or bus to and from school each day from Riverdale to 66th and Broadway? Is it reasonable to keep a car in any of these areas or do I need to? Replys are appreciated. Thanks

[Marie1249]

PROS
Forest Hills
- One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in NYC. (I think Forest Hills Gardens is, hands down, the most beautiful neighborhood in NYC.)
- Five train lines go there, two of which are express
- Most of Forest Hills does not require an additional bus ride after the subway
- Lots of express bus lines and LIRR into Manhattan
- Easily accessible by several highways
- You could live there quite easily without a car, as there are lots of stores, restaurants, parks, movie theaters and mass transit
- The surrounding neighborhoods also have good amenities and are easy to reach.

Riverdale
- One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in NYC
- Has express bus and MetroNorth to Manhattan

CONS
Forest Hills
- Parking can be tight, unless you live in a building with subterranean parking or a house with a driveway/garage

Riverdale
- Isolated from other neighborhoods due to Van Cortlandt Park & the river
- Only one train line goes there, which is local and makes for a very looong ride
- Most areas require taking a bus after the subway ride
- Few highways go there (only one, I believe)
- You would most likely need a car, since many residential areas are not in easy walking distance of commercial areas

The commute from either place to Lincoln Center would be about 45 minutes. Either place would be a safe commute for a ninth grader. The ride would only be one train from Riverdale (the #1), and two trains with an easy change from Forest Hills (the E and the B).

If I had to choose, I'd go for Forest Hills.

[noelcdl59]

Thank you for the info it really helps.