Morningside Heights

The general boundaries for Morningside Heights include 106th street to the South, Riverside Drive to the West, Morningside Drive to the East, and somewhere around 125th street on the northside.

Morningside Heights has always been dominated by Columbia University. The University is the largest landowner, the biggest landlord, and often the center of local protests and anguish. It's also given the neighborhood its intellectual and cultural bent. The area has always been known for its multicultural, lefty feel and its plethora of bookstores. This is the upper West Side that people refer to.

Morningside is home to the best children's bookstore in the city: Bank Street Bookstore. Its staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful and it is the best place to browse children's books as well as educator's books. In addition, there are now 2 offshoots of Book Culture (formerly Labrynth Books) in the area.  What other neighborhood offers 3 independent bookstores?

Broadway is the main shopping avenue, although Amsterdam offers some quirky, often wonderful shops and restaurants. In particular, V and T (some of the best pizza around, next to Sal and Carmines on 101st street), the Hungarian Pastry Shop, Kitchenette Restaurant.

Amsterdam Avenue is becoming the new restuarant row, with Thai market, the ramen shop, and La Toulousaine bakery.

Also on Amsterdam is the Cathedral of St John the Divine, a wonder to behold of architecture and faith. Next to it is St. Lukes Hospital.

In terms of schools in the neighborhood, most people send their kids to public school outside the catchment, but many choose the public option. As for private schools, there are many excellent schools to choose from including the Columbia school, the Bank Street School, St. Hilda's, the Cathedral School, the school at Riverside Church (another architectural wonder).

As for restaurants, those who say that the neighborhood doesn't have any, doesn't know the neighborhood. In addition to Kitchenette (best comfort food around...makes good enough to eat seem like wendy's), there's Community,  Ollie's, Mel's Burgers, Terrace in the Sky. West Side Market is a beloved local market, there's a farmer's market in season at 114th and Broadway, the hummus at Samad's market is the best I've ever had, and Absolute Bagels puts H and H to shame. While technically a little south of Morningside Heights, the Silver Moon bakery has the best bread in Manhattan. Not to mention those ridiculous Bavarian pretzels.

As for the real estate, there is no question in my mind that in general, you will get more for your money in Morningside Heights. West of Broadway is safe and beautiful all the way up. Many apartments on Broadway are glorious and spacious. Some buildings on Amsterdam are equally charming with gracious layouts. 

There's a local subway at 116th, 110th, and 103rd. The neighborhood may to some feel overrun with students, but I find it a refreshing change from the mallification overcrowding of the 70's and 80's.

Morningside Heights feels like a real neighborhood. It's diverse, vibrant and improving all the time. Pilates Shop/Yoga Garage has one of the most experienced team of instructors anywhere in the city. (Peter Roel, the owner, trained with the original disciples). Riverside Park is filled with runners, children,dogs, soccer players (check out the playing fields from 101st and Riverside all the way to 108th and Riverside). At 103rd and Riverside is the Dog Park as well as a lovely seasonal restaurant overlooking the sandy volleyball area as well as the river. It makes me feel sorry for people who don't live here.

For those people who won't look above 96th street, I'd urge you to reconsider. Morningside Heights (and it's southern neighbor Manhattan Valley) have a lot to offer.