Hudson Heights

Hudson Heights

Deriving its name from Fort Washington, a stronghold built during the Revolutionary War, Hudson Heights is an enclave of Washington Heights and is a subset of one of Manhattan's largest neighborhoods. It hosts a large Jewish population and a thriving Dominican community. The neighborhood is set somewhat apart from the rest of the city.  Hudson Heights stretches from West 173rd Street to the top of Fort Tryon Park (home to the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art), and from Broadway to the Hudson River.

In fact, Washington Heights is arguably the center of Dominican-American political, creative, and athletic achievement in the US. Recently, the neighborhood has become hot among first-time buyers and recent college graduates seeking affordable Manhattan housing. Thus, Washington Heights is in transition as its population becomes more diverse and real estate values creep upward.

The area doesn’t boast much in the way of a vibrant nightlife, but it is in close proximity to La Marina. La Marina is a venue that has two outdoor patios, glass-enclosed indoor space, multiple bars, and party dance floor, and allows diners a gorgeous view of the George Washington Bridge and Hudson River. Another popular spot in the area is Apt 78, a casual lounge with blood-pumping live music, DJs, and a brunch, lunch, and dinner menu with scrumptious options. There are small shops and local service establishments in and around Hudson Heights, and specialized emporiums like Moscow on the Hudson.

With the quickly changing landscape came Hudson Pilates, a fitness center that opened on West 181st Street and offers Pilates and Zumba classes to residents.  Newcomers to the neighborhood's food scene include 181 Cabrini, a popular coffee and wine bar, and Bangkok Heights. The latest addition to the stretch on West 181st St. is Saggio, a Sicilian restaurant with a beer garden in the backyard. The area around West 187th Street is less busy but also has shops and restaurants, among them Cafe Buunni, a hip coffeehouse that serves Ethiopian blends. 

Many of the landmarks in the area are greenspaces. Gifted to the city in 1935 by John D. Rockefeller, the 67-acre Fort Tryon Park gives this neighborhood a slice of greenery where residents are often seen picnicking. The historic Little Red Lighthouse, is the subject of a popular children’s book. Other green spots are J. Hood Wright Park, which includes a recreation center, and Bennett Park, which occupies the highest point of land in Manhattan, 265 feet above sea level.

Hudson Heights still has a reputation for being one of Manhattan’s most affordable neighborhoods, although prices continue to rise. Most of the residences are in apartment buildings, many of which are cooperatives, and most were constructed in the 1920s through 1940s. The Art Deco style is prominent, along with Tudor Revival. Castle Village, a string of five co-op towers, each with four wings, was completed in 1939 and is set on 7.5 acres of parklike grounds with play areas and benches overlooking the river. In 2016, Hudson View Gardens was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This 1924 enclave of 15 Tudor-Style buildings is on a winding private street with gardens, a playground and other amenities, meant to resemble a medieval English village.

The neighborhood is serviced by the A, C and 1 subway lines.