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Morningside Heights
Urban Core Neighborhood in Manhattan, New York
New York County 10024, 10025, 10026, 10027
Neighborhood Reviews
Landmarked buildings lend a distinguished presence
More than 100 buildings are a part of the Morningside Heights Historic District, covering residential and institutional structures. “The landmark restrictions are pretty strict, so most of the buildings are lower,” explains Kagan. "What that means is the avenues feel wider and the streets feel lighter and brighter. And you have a lot of elegant older buildings.” Co-ops in prewar buildings and newly renovated units within condos provide the most available housing in Morningside Heights. Two-bedroom co-ops range from about $600,000 to $1.3 million, while two-bedroom condos in a new luxury building like Robert A.M. Stern’s Claremont Hall range from $1.7 million to $2.5 million. “Townhouses and single-family homes are rare. For one of these, you’re unlikely to find anything less than $4 million,” says Kagan. For those on a more modest budget, a studio in a co-op building can be bought for about $300,000 to $600,000.
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Flanked by Riverside and Morningside parks
Lush green spaces bookend Morningside Heights. Riverside Park stretches along the western boundary and offers sweeping views of the Hudson River. At the north end of the park is the monumental Grant’s Tomb, the largest mausoleum in the US. The park also has a bird sanctuary where visitors might see white-throated sparrows and great blue herons, among several other native and migrating species. On the neighborhood’s east side is Morningside Park, which includes everything from children’s playgrounds to a cascading waterfall. It’s a socially and culturally dynamic green space that serves the Morningside Heights community, and Central Harlem and Little Senegal to the east.
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Not only the universities score highly in academics
While Columbia University is the area's most famous institution, several highly regarded kindergarten through twelfth-grade schools are also throughout Morningside Heights. The neighborhood's youngest can get a solid educational foundation at P.S. 125 Ralph Bunche school. It receives B-plus ratings on Niche and a 10/10 for student progress, according to Great Schools. Students in grades 6-12 may attend Columbia Secondary School which is highly ranked for its academics and diverse student body. It receives an A-plus from Niche.
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Community events like Culture on the Corner
Several neighborhood universities welcome the surrounding community with free and open programming. One is Culture on the Corner, an event series that creatively explores the vibrant neighborhood culture at The Forum on Columbia’s campus. During the Morningside Lights festival each September, dozens of large and colorful lanterns brighten the neighborhood’s evening sky. Every April, locals flock to Sakura Park off Riverside Drive to view the vividly pink cherry tree blossoms in bloom. Next to the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, residents can enjoy the community garden at West 111th Street.
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A single train line, but easily accessible
For transportation, the local 1 train stops at the neighborhood’s three subway stations along Broadway, beginning at 110th Street. Riders can connect at the 96th Street station for the express 2 and 3 trains.
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Old-school eateries including the “Seinfeld” diner
Tom’s Restaurant, whose façade was made famous in “Seinfeld,” is perhaps the neighborhood’s most famous dining spot, but a close second is the Hungarian Pastry Shop, where locals come for Eastern European-style pastries and traditional Hungarian coffee in the quiet setting of this 1960s-era café. A contemporary favorite is Community Food & Juice for organic, seasonal fare. Pisticci is a smart trattoria serving Italian favorites like rigatoni à la vodka. West Side Market on Broadway is a go-to spot for groceries and there’s a year-round farmers market taking place every week at the entrance to Columbia.
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Written By
Samantha Emmerling
Photography Contributed By
Deawell Adair
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Melissa Leifer
Melissa Leifer
Keller Williams NYC
(888) 504-4756
99 Total Sales
1 in Morningside Heights
$595,000 Price
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Thomas Hollingsworth
Thomas Hollingsworth
Compass
(855) 501-4226
37 Total Sales
1 in Morningside Heights
$540,000 Price
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Wesley Stanton
Wesley Stanton
Douglas Elliman Real Estate
(929) 552-0989
72 Total Sales
1 in Morningside Heights
$1,285,000 Price
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Fern Hamberger
Fern Hamberger
Corcoran Group
(201) 685-3489
16 Total Sales
1 in Morningside Heights
$450,000 Price
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Ken Laino
Ken Laino
Manhattan Network Inc
(888) 618-6301
45 Total Sales
1 in Morningside Heights
$531,000 Price
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Dylan Hoffman
Dylan Hoffman
Compass
(646) 974-9914
185 Total Sales
2 in Morningside Heights
$460K - $965K Price Range
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 6th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Lafayette Square
Morningside Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Bike Trails
Julia Gabriel People's Garden
- Trails
Sheltering Arms Playground
- Picnic Area
- Pool
- Trails
Roosevelt Triangle
Sakura Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Events
Riverside Park
Transit
Airport
Laguardia
16 min drive
Subway
116 Street-Columbia University
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 116 St
Bus
Broadway & W 122 St
Bus
Cathedral Py & Morningside Dr
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 120 St
Bus
Amsterdam Av & W 112 St
Bus
Riverside Dr & W 114 St
Reviews
Niche Reviews
8/18/2019
Niche Review
Some of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in Manhattan are still here. There is a significant presence of public spaces like parks, academic institutions, and churches in the area, and it's both incredibly safe and reasonably priced for a neighborhood in New York (particularly based on how nice it is).
9/7/2019
Niche Review
I don't like it here lots of crime can get intimidating but is nice at time. I have faith in this place.
5/22/2017
Niche Review
Morningside Heights is an incredibly beautiful area. The campus is settled in to a beautiful area where it is not too loud but does not let you forget you are in New York City. It is unfortunate that the history of Morningside Heights is one of gentrification. There are nearby college bars that are get old pretty quickly, however one may enjoy visiting them once or twice. It is a very safe neighborhood, with frat boys as the largest threat.
4/8/2017
Niche Review
Morningside Heights is a beautiful area to live. It is full of wonderful people, music, food, and culture. An aspect of Morningside that is difficult is the amount of income required to live here. I am a student here in New York and rent in this area is very high and can be somewhat of a burden. But if one can afford to live here it is quite nice with lots to offer for all ages and walks of life.
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Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Morningside Heights | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 5 | 4 |
| Burglary | 2 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Morningside Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Morningside Heights, Manhattan sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Morningside Heights, Manhattan over the last 12 months is $1,222,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,250,000
Median Sale Price
$1,222,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$885,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,125,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
136
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,504
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
915
Number of Homes for Sale
79
Median Year Built
1924
Months of Supply
7.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
864
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
800
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,126
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
743
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
446
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 2212 - 2pm
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Sunday, Jun 222:30 - 4pm
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Sunday, Jun 222:15 - 3:30pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Condo Buildings
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Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
30,956
Median Age
31
Population Density
91 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,931
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,308
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
73%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
47%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.9%
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®
74
/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Central Harlem
Diverse, family-friendly NYC neighborhood steeped in Black history
Manhattanville
A compact urban community with a legacy of education, culture and industry
Little Senegal
Harlem neighborhood with West African roots, condos, dining and nearby parks
Manhattan Valley
Rehabbed lowrises and prewar buildings with Central Park next door
East Harlem
Alive with NYC history, classic townhouses and developments coming to 125th Street
Hamilton Heights
Good value in Manhattan with history, river views and an eclectic food scene
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