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Family of four, moving to NYC this summer for a 2year fellowship at Columbia U. Seems like a 2br at Morningside Heights might be a bit over our budget. Considered Riverdale (where I spent a few years as a child when my family lived there, and loved it), but Im told Riverdale without a car might be difficult (not the commute to CU but the daily arrands, kids to preschool, etc...). Other affordable places seems to be Inwood and Washington Heights (hoping to avoid Brooklyn, not keen on a long commute to CU).
Grateful for any thoughts on how difficult living in any of these without a car can be.
Look in Riverdale around 235th or 236th St and Johnson Ave.It is a very pleasant,self contained neighborhood.It has all the stores,restaurants and amenities you would need within a few blocks.It's probably the most "urban" part of Riverdale and it would be easy to live there without a car.The walk to the subway isn't too hideous either.It's a healthy walk.
Though, I do find it curious if WH is out of budget, how is Riverdale in?
The prices in the better areas of Washington Heights and Inwood are quite a bit more than Riverdale.That's what I found when I was looking to buy anyway.I think there is a premium, in certain circles, on Washington Heights and Inwood simply because they are in Manhattan even though it can be further North than a lot of The Bronx..Riverdale also has the reputation of being too suburban even though there are pockets that are more urban.
Living in Washington Heights w/o wheels is actually preferable to having them IMHO. Parking is always tight and difficult what with switching sides of the street for alternate side of the street parking. You'd also have to worry about car break-ins too, as well as athe million little dings and dents you get leaving a car out on the street. So you'd probably have to get a garage to avoid the hassle and that's just an extra expense. You live in the Heights and need a car every so often I'd just rent one. Take a bus over the GW to Ft. Lee and its much. much cheaper than renting in Manhattan. Anyway, the neighborhood is pretty well served by mass transit with buses on the major avenues and the A/C and No. 1 lines.
For working at the hospital or the university on 116th St I'd choose Washington Heights, somehwere west of Broadway and north of the hospital, over Riverdale anytime--UNLESS your kids are school-aged. If schools are a consideration, frankly, I'd give Riverdale a harder look. Don't know the schools there, but aside from one strong PK-8 school that I know in the Heights, the Hudson Cliffs school, the educational pickings there are pretty slim.
And just a word to the wise. PLEASE don't ever call it WaHi. To New Yorkers that just sounds really prentious (plus no one will know what you're talking about). Its just "The Heights". Like the Broadway show a few years back.
The prices in the better areas of Washington Heights and Inwood are quite a bit more than Riverdale.That's what I found when I was looking to buy anyway.I think there is a premium, in certain circles, on Washington Heights and Inwood simply because they are in Manhattan even though it can be further North than a lot of The Bronx..Riverdale also has the reputation of being too suburban even though there are pockets that are more urban.
I here you. Part is, the rest isn't especially for rentals. I was thinking the OP is looking in the wrong spots. Its a matter of what one wishes to deal with, but there are buildings near the hospital, which are pretty fair, and otherd that are less fair, both with rents cheaper than the average mid to low markeg rents in Riverdale.
Of course Riverside drive literally from the hospital downward, is all upscale.
****
I just reread the OP, now I'm more confused. Are we talking WaHi or Morningside Heights????
It really depends upon the building/area in Riverdale, but Riverdale can be easier with a family, especially since it is much more quiet than parts of Washington Heights. Stair streets and stairs through the park can make it easier to get to Kingsbridge, the subway, etc. The bus is also an easy way to get to Broadway and back. Just stay in the area bluedog mentioned upthread, and you would have an easier time, or below the monument, below Riverdale Avenue up to 238th as 238th is a stair street to Broadway, or you can walk down Riverdale to W231st.
Stop & Shop is on Broadway, and there's also a store called Garden Gourmet that has wonderful produce and items not always found in conventional markets. Dan's Key Food is on W236th, and there's an A&P on Riverdale Avenue in the Skyview complex. Target is on W225th as well.
__________________
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~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
Family of four, moving to NYC this summer for a 2year fellowship at Columbia U. Seems like a 2br at Morningside Heights might be a bit over our budget. Considered Riverdale (where I spent a few years as a child when my family lived there, and loved it), but Im told Riverdale without a car might be difficult (not the commute to CU but the daily arrands, kids to preschool, etc...). Other affordable places seems to be Inwood and Washington Heights (hoping to avoid Brooklyn, not keen on a long commute to CU).
Grateful for any thoughts on how difficult living in any of these without a car can be.
Thanks,
Roy
Quote:
Originally Posted by jcoltrane
I here you. Part is, the rest isn't especially for rentals. I was thinking the OP is looking in the wrong spots. Its a matter of what one wishes to deal with, but there are buildings near the hospital, which are pretty fair, and otherd that are less fair, both with rents cheaper than the average mid to low markeg rents in Riverdale.
Of course Riverside drive literally from the hospital downward, is all upscale.
****
I just reread the OP, now I'm more confused. Are we talking WaHi or Morningside Heights????
It's really not confusing. He is asking about living in Riverdale or Washington Heights, both of which fit his budget, because Morningside Heights near Columbia (where he has a fellowship) is out of his budget.
All of this is in the original post and it is not confusing at all.
If you would spend a little more time on your reading comprehension and less time making obnoxious posts to people who are simply on here looking for information, this board would be slightly better off.
are we really comparing washington heights to riverdale? lol. Riverdale hands down. Especially since the guy has kids
Last edited by K.O.N.Y; 05-09-2011 at 06:03 PM..
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