Little Senegal, also known as Le Petit Senegal, is a bustling pocket of New York City's Harlem neighborhood. In the 1980s, West African immigrants settled and formed a home-away-from-home community. Neighbors might speak in Wolof or French as they pass each other on the street. "Little Senegal is like its own little village full of rich culture," says Danielle Lewis-McLaurin, a real estate agent with Oxford Property Group who has over 20 years of experience. "It just has a great buzz. You get a Soho feel with Uptown funk, and you feel like you're in Senegal. You're in the best of three worlds. It's really cool." In true New York City fashion, thoroughfares like West 116th Street are lined with tall Georgian-style condos with restaurants and businesses on the first floors. The 116 Street subway and MTA bus stops sit within walking distance from the buildings, and full oak trees shade the wide sidewalks.
Little Senegal residents come in many races and creeds who interact daily with smiles and love.
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Condos for rent and sale
The majority of residents rent condos out of stately, brick Edwardian-era buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "You'll find big French/Senegal influence in the pre-war buildings, with the ornate details, high ceilings, exposed brick, and bright open spaces," McLaurin says. "The Graham Court apartment building on 116th and Powell Boulevard looks like something you'd see in Paris or the Senegal capital, Dakar." One-bedroom condos that do hit the market often land in the $700,000 to $900,000 range, while larger two- and three-bedroom options climb to the $900,000 to $2 million range.
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Charter and non-charter schools
Charter and non-charter schools serve Little Senegal. "I think the schools are great," McLaurin says. "The mix of cultures is what makes them special, and that's what my clients with kids are looking for. They want their children to be well-rounded because, you know, school isn't only about books." The B-rated P.S. 180 Hugo Newman organizes kindergarten through eighth-grade classes close to the condos, while the C-rated Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School has ninth through twelfth-grade classes near 100th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. The C-rated Frederick Douglass Academy II offers sixth through twelfth grade. Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts also isn’t far and has specialized classes for sixth through twelfth graders. Columbia University campus rests on the other side of Morningside Park.
Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School is a New York City public alternative high school.
PS 180 offers an affordable afterschool program for grades K-2.
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Parks within walking distance from home
Living close to Morningside Park and Central Park makes up for having no yard space. Morningside Park always has public programs, like the Harlem Youth Gardners and Morningside Explorers, and anyone can visit during light hours to walk the paved paths that span 13 blocks, visit the dog run or pick up fresh produce from the farmers market on Saturdays. Central Park is half a mile south of the neighborhood, past the Frederick Douglass sculpture in Frederick Douglass Circle. The famous park has been the background for countless movies and is the sixth-largest park in New York City. The activities are endless, with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Hallett Nature Sanctuary and Heckscher Playground under the New York City skyline. Closer to home, the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library hosts free English classes for adults.
Residents of Little Senegal enjoying a beautiful day in Central Park with friends.
Morningside Park is a wonderful place for everyone to meet and enjoy the day.
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Dining down Harlem's Restaurant Row
Frederick Douglass Boulevard, also known as Harlem's Restaurant Row, stretches from 110th Street to 125th Street. Harlem Tavern, Lido Harlem Restaurant and BLVD Bistro NY are less than a half-mile walk from Morningside Park. Dog walkers, joggers and eventgoers can fuel up after a day in nature. There are plenty of authentic West African restaurants nearby, including La savane d’Afrique. "Senegalese food is very good," McLaurin says. "It's African; it's French. It's a delicious fusion. And Little Senegal is a great fusion of African, French, African-American and New York cultures. It's the best of so many worlds." BO’s Bagels serves fresh bagels, sandwiches and drinks so locals don’t have to travel outside of Harlem to find a decent lox sandwich or gluten-free biscuits. Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market’s colorful array of items draws in customers. Adja Khady specializes in authentic African food and produce, like halal meats, scotch bonnet peppers and baobab syrup. There’s also CTown Supermarket, Lidl and corner delis for additional grocery staples.
Harlem Tavern is a local favorite hangout for the Little Senegal community.
The BLVD Bistro in Little Senegal is serving some of the best soul food in all of Harlem.
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Community spaces for growth
The Sopey Shaykhul Khadeem Mosque and the Emmanuel Church For All People serve the community. The First Corinthian Baptist Church moved into its current location in 1942 and is a historic landmark. The church also operates The Dream Center, a creative place for community members to join free programs like swing dancing for seniors, creative workshops and R&B yoga. Jazz groups play live music at Minton’s Playhouse to serenade guests while they dine on appetizers or order drinks. The CAP Index gives Little Senegal a 5 out of 10 crime score, with 10 being the highest. The national average is 4, and the neighborhood sees an above-average rate of robberies.
The First Corinthian Baptist Church in New York, one of the main Gospel Church in Manhattan.
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Subway trains and MTA buses
Commuters can catch the A, B or C train at the 116th Street Subway Station. MTA buses also run throughout the area and pick up waiting passengers at bus stops along Frederick Douglass Boulevard, Manhattan Avenue and 116th Street. Locals walk less than half a mile to Central Park, and others travel 4 miles in 20 minutes by train to Midtown.
Little Senegal residents have access to many different forms of public transportation.
The residents of Little Senegal love their community and it shows.
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Welcome to 352 West 117th Street #5G, a sun-filled two-bedroom condo in prime West Harlem, perfectly positioned across from Morningside Park.The open kitchen features premium stainless steel appliancesincluding a Fisher & Paykel refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, and Bosch washer/dryerpaired with sleek Caesarstone countertops and backsplash. It flows seamlessly into a bright, airy living
Sponsor Unit Just one flight up, Unit 4 at the Park Manhattan Condominium is a beautifully renovated, 2-3 bedroom, 2-bathroom home with oversized windows and triple exposures. The windowed kitchen boasts quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, and all-new stainless-steel appliances. The open plan is perfect for entertaining, with plenty of prep space and pantry storage for the at-home
Charming 1 Bedroom in the Heart of Harlem! This is an incredible opportunity to own a piece of Harlem's vibrant community. This apartment boasts a spacious layout, featuring an inviting entry foyer and a separate kitchen. The king-sized bedroom is filled with natural light, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy nearby parks, including Central Park and
Open House by appointment Welcome to Casa Loma at 229 West 116th Street-a boutique condominium offering authentic loft-style living in the heart of Harlem. This 16-unit elevator building was completely gut renovated in 2006, blending historic charm with modern convenience. Residence 2B is a bright, character-filled 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home with soaring 11-foot ceilings, exposed brick,
Welcome to Stonefield, a meticulously renovated South Harlem brownstone that blends timeless character with modern sophistication. This expansive 3,200-square-foot home features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and multiple levels of beautifully designed living space, including a top-floor entertaining lounge with wet bar and a private rooftop terrace. Highlights include wide-plank
$11,000 per month
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,047 Sq Ft
7D is a beautifully furnished residence this expansive 3-bedroom, 2-bath home boasts an open-concept layout that is both spacious and serene-ideal for stylish living and effortless entertaining. The generously sized bedrooms are a rare find in today's market, adding to the uniqueness of this exceptional home. Designed with a contemporary color palette, striking accents, and high-end
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,274
Median Age
40
Population Density
152 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,667
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,197
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87%
College Graduates
48.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
50''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
83/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
