Situated in upper Manhattan is a tranquil slice of the city with parks galore, charming architecture, and soaring river views. Welcome to Hudson Heights, a quadrant of the bustling and diverse Washington Heights neighborhood; it might be one of New York City’s best-kept secrets.

The area is cordoned off by Fort Tryon Park to the north, J. Hood Wright Park to the south, and lively Broadway to the east. Residents know that this low-key locality is a great place to live, thanks to its accessibility, affordability, green spaces, and food scene. (Pssst, it’s also home to a beloved NYC playwright. More on that shortly.)

With median asking sales prices in Washington Heights at $516,500 and median asking rental prices of $2,200 (both as of July 2021), the area is exponentially more affordable than many other Manhattan neighborhoods.

This post was updated and republished.

Hudson Heights Rentals Under $2,500 on StreetEasy Article continues below

Hudson Heights

269 Bennett Avenue

$2,500 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4441 Broadway

$2,200 No Fee

3 |

1

Hudson Heights

712 West 175th Street

$2,400 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

225 Bennett Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

730 West 183rd Street

$2,350 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

8 Magaw Place

$2,450 No Fee

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

263 Bennett Avenue

$1,850 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

567 Ft Washington Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

728 West 181st Street

$2,025 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

720 West 181st Street

$2,300 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

712 West 175th Street

$2,250 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

867 West 181st Street

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

269 Bennett Avenue

$2,500 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4441 Broadway

$2,200 No Fee

3 |

1

Hudson Heights

712 West 175th Street

$2,400 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

225 Bennett Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

730 West 183rd Street

$2,350 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

8 Magaw Place

$2,450 No Fee

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

263 Bennett Avenue

$1,850 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

567 Ft Washington Avenue

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

728 West 181st Street

$2,025 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

720 West 181st Street

$2,300 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

712 West 175th Street

$2,250 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

867 West 181st Street

$2,300 No Fee

Studio |

1

Hudson Heights

269 Bennett Avenue

$2,500 No Fee

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4441 Broadway

$2,200 No Fee

3 |

1

Why Is Hudson Heights a Great Place to Live? 

Beyond its reasonable price points, Hudson Heights also boasts many other attractive features, including its residents. “There’s a sense of community,” explains Kemdi Anosike of Warburg Realty, who lives in the neighborhood. If you leave your apartment, he says, you’ll likely see familiar faces. And of course, there are the old-timers. “There are people who have been here for decades, and they can go on for ages about what the neighborhood has to offer. And they always look out for you.”

He sees the area as especially attractive for people who still want access to the culture the city has to offer but, are looking for space and a neighborhood that feels more like a community than just a group of high-rises. The area itself is filled with prewar charm, buildings covered in delightful Art Deco detailing, and European Tudor Revival architecture. 

One of the most picturesque corners of the neighborhood is Hudson View Gardens, a gorgeous 1924 Tudor-style co-op complex that feels like a European street. Kemdi describes the area: “It takes you away from the craziness of New York City. That’s one of my favorite parts of the neighborhood.” Another impressive complex is Castle Village, a manicured, five-building mini-community where Lin-Manuel Miranda lives. In general, apartment seekers will find plenty of great rental options in addition to co-ops for sale. 

South Harlem Rentals Under $3,000 on StreetEasy Article continues below

South Harlem

200 West 113rd Street

$2,450 No Fee

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1

South Harlem

318 West 117th Street

$3,000 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

53 Saint Nicholas’s Avenue

$2,295 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

9 East 124th Street

$2,325 No Fee

2 |

1

South Harlem

2166 F Douglas Boulevard

$2,240 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

274 West 115th Street

$2,400 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

217 West 123rd Street

$2,700 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

1975 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard

$2,166 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

217 West 123rd Street

$2,700 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

272 Manhattan Avenue

$2,683 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

257 West 116th Street

$2,812 No Fee

2 |

1

South Harlem

146 West 120th Street

$2,350 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

200 West 113rd Street

$2,450 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

318 West 117th Street

$3,000 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

53 Saint Nicholas’s Avenue

$2,295 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

9 East 124th Street

$2,325 No Fee

2 |

1

South Harlem

2166 F Douglas Boulevard

$2,240 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

274 West 115th Street

$2,400 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

217 West 123rd Street

$2,700 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

1975 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard

$2,166 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

217 West 123rd Street

$2,700 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

272 Manhattan Avenue

$2,683 No Fee

Studio |

1

South Harlem

257 West 116th Street

$2,812 No Fee

2 |

1

South Harlem

146 West 120th Street

$2,350 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

200 West 113rd Street

$2,450 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

318 West 117th Street

$3,000 No Fee

1 |

1

The neighborhood is also known for its abundance of green space, most notably Fort Tryon Park to the north, a lovely 67-acre plot with dramatic rock outcroppings and incredible Hudson River views. The park is also home to the scenic Heather Garden, the Cabrini Woods Nature Sanctuary — a haven for bird-watchers — and of course, The Met Cloisters, a serene, medieval art museum. 

Outdoor staircases are another distinctive neighborhood feature. These connect streets of vastly different heights — perfect for a workout and a nice view. You can find one of the most impressive staircases at 187th street (between Overlook Terrace and Fort Washington Ave), a mammoth vertical walkway with 130 steps. 

Hudson Heights Homes Under $650K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Hudson Heights

736 West 186th Street

$525,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

225 Bennett Avenue

$425,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

153 Bennett Avenue

$400,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

250 Cabrini Boulevard

$475,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4489 Broadway

$539,000

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

115 Cabrini Boulevard

$519,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

371 Ft Washington Avenue

$579,000

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

100 Overlook Terrace

$449,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

720 Ft Washington Avenue

$595,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

900 West 190th Street

$530,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

689 Fort Washington Avenue

$425,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

140 Cabrini Boulevard

$615,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

736 West 186th Street

$525,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

225 Bennett Avenue

$425,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

153 Bennett Avenue

$400,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

250 Cabrini Boulevard

$475,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4489 Broadway

$539,000

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

115 Cabrini Boulevard

$519,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

371 Ft Washington Avenue

$579,000

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

100 Overlook Terrace

$449,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

720 Ft Washington Avenue

$595,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

900 West 190th Street

$530,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

689 Fort Washington Avenue

$425,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

140 Cabrini Boulevard

$615,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

736 West 186th Street

$525,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

225 Bennett Avenue

$425,000

1 |

1

Where Did Hudson Heights Get Its Name? 

This enclave of the greater Washington Heights area certainly lives up to its name, with Bennett Park standing at 265 feet above sea level, Manhattan’s highest natural point. And any stroll near the water, which features gorgeous river views, showcases the neighborhood’s elevated vantage point. 

But the area actually earned its name as a rebranding effort in 1993, when the Hudson Heights Owners Coalition renamed the neighborhood.

Washington Heights Homes Under 600K on StreetEasy Article continues below

Fort George

86 Thayer Street

$340,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

720 West 173rd Street

$575,750

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

8 Magaw Place

$325,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

870 West 181st Street

$395,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

153 Bennett Avenue

$400,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

100 Overlook Terrace

$365,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

250 Cabrini Boulevard

$475,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

790 Riverside Drive

$565,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4489 Broadway

$539,000

2 |

1

Washington Heights

501 West 156th Street

$449,995

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

115 Cabrini Boulevard

$519,000

1 |

1

Fort George

86 Thayer Street

$360,000

1 |

1

Fort George

86 Thayer Street

$340,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

720 West 173rd Street

$575,750

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

8 Magaw Place

$325,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

870 West 181st Street

$395,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

153 Bennett Avenue

$400,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

100 Overlook Terrace

$365,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

250 Cabrini Boulevard

$475,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

790 Riverside Drive

$565,000

1 |

1

Hudson Heights

4489 Broadway

$539,000

2 |

1

Washington Heights

501 West 156th Street

$449,995

2 |

1

Hudson Heights

115 Cabrini Boulevard

$519,000

1 |

1

Fort George

86 Thayer Street

$360,000

1 |

1

Fort George

86 Thayer Street

$340,000

1 |

1

Washington Heights

720 West 173rd Street

$575,750

2 |

1

How Long Does It Take to Get to Hudson Heights?

The A train, which runs express, makes getting downtown extremely quick and accessible from Hudson Heights, with commutes hovering around 30 minutes to the heart of midtown, and 45 minutes to downtown, locals explain. However, if you are in need of another option, the 1 train is just a few blocks over and also provides easy access throughout the city. 

Before you hop onto the subway, make sure to soak in the gorgeous aboveground entryways: the 181st street A train station has a stone entrance that resembles a castle. The 190th street A train station appears to be embedded in bedrock (but it’s not).

Upper West Side Rentals on StreetEasy Under $3,000 Article continues below

Upper West Side

127 West 96th Street

$2,875 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

170 West 74th Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

52 West 82nd Street

$2,600 No Fee

Studio |

1

Manhattan Valley

850 Amsterdam Avenue

$2,725 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

300 West 107th Street

$2,975 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

22 West 85th Street

$2,975 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

316 West 101st Street

$2,950 No Fee

Studio |

1

Lincoln Square

276 West 71st Street

$2,375 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

48 West 82nd Street

$2,875 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

156 West 95th Street

$2,950 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

202 West 88th Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

41 West 86th Street

$2,787 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

127 West 96th Street

$2,875 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

170 West 74th Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

52 West 82nd Street

$2,600 No Fee

Studio |

1

Manhattan Valley

850 Amsterdam Avenue

$2,725 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

300 West 107th Street

$2,975 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

22 West 85th Street

$2,975 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

316 West 101st Street

$2,950 No Fee

Studio |

1

Lincoln Square

276 West 71st Street

$2,375 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

48 West 82nd Street

$2,875 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

156 West 95th Street

$2,950 No Fee

1 |

1

Upper West Side

202 West 88th Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

41 West 86th Street

$2,787 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

127 West 96th Street

$2,875 No Fee

Studio |

1

Upper West Side

170 West 74th Street

$2,500 No Fee

Studio |

1

The Best Restaurants in the Area

In addition to the affordability, great parks, and easy train access, Hudson Heights is also a burgeoning dining destination. “The restaurant scene is still up-and-coming, but it’s great,” Kemdi Anosike stresses, explaining that he also loves the proximity to incredible Spanish restaurants just south in the larger Washington Heights area. 

“Tampopo Ramen is one of the best ramens I’ve had in the city,” says Maris Schwarz, 27, who shares some of her neighborhood favorites. “The Uptown Garrison is a great coffee shop [which] turns into a restaurant and bar at night.” She also points to Cafe Bark — a dog-friendly coffee spot and pet boutique — and Le Cheile, “an amazing neighborhood bar,” as some of her go-to spots. 

“181st street is just a really nice strip in general,” Schwarz says, describing the area as a “Brooklyn meets small-town feel,” with plenty of great food and drink options. 

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