Upper Manhattan

sell
Active Rental Listings
754
key
Active Sales Listings
1,175

Upper Manhattan is a vibrant and culturally rich area situated at the northern part of the island. Comprising neighborhoods such as Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood, this region boasts a diverse and dynamic community. Harlem, historically renowned for its role in the Harlem Renaissance, is a hub of artistic expression, with numerous theaters, jazz clubs, and cultural institutions. The neighborhood's iconic brownstone architecture and tree-lined streets contribute to its unique charm.

Moving north, Washington Heights is characterized by its hilly terrain and offers stunning views of the Hudson River. Known for its large Dominican population, the area is rich in Latin American culture and culinary delights. Inwood, at the northern tip, provides a more residential atmosphere with parks, including Inwood Hill Park, which offers a retreat into nature within the bustling city.

The neighborhood is well-connected with public transportation, including the A, B, C, and D subway lines, facilitating easy access to other parts of Manhattan. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of dining options, from soul food in Harlem to Dominican cuisine in Washington Heights. The cultural diversity is reflected in the numerous festivals, parades, and events that take place throughout the year. Overall, Upper Manhattan is a lively and evolving part of the city, where history, culture, and community converge to create a distinctive and vibrant urban experience.


Image Credits Jet Lowe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Adjoajo, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Neighborhood Snapshot


train

Transit Score:

100/100

directions_run

Walk Score:

97/100

directions_bike

Bike Score:

75/100


Commute Times


to Penn Station

directions_bus

16.5 min

local_taxi

22 min

to Grand Central Terminal

directions_bus

21.6 min

local_taxi

20.7 min

to Columbus Cir

directions_bus

12.1 min

local_taxi

11.2 min

to Financial District

directions_bus

34.5 min

local_taxi

29.4 min

to Union Square

directions_bus

25.1 min

local_taxi

28.1 min

to Downtown Brooklyn

directions_bus

45.4 min

local_taxi

30.2 min

to Long Island City

directions_bus

31.7 min

local_taxi

25.6 min


Buildings Fun Facts


Oldest Building in Upper Manhattan

Built in 1864

17 EAST 128 STREET

Cheapest Building in Upper Manhattan (sold, p/sqft)

$3

255 WEST 148 STREET

Most Expensive Building in Upper Manhattan (sold, p/sqft)

$30,345

310 WEST 133 STREET

Biggest Building in Upper Manhattan (total FAR)

806,236 ft

120 CABRINI BOULEVARD


Subway Lines

Map of the neighborhood location

New Developments

Photo for  Hudson View Gardens  - 116 PINEHURST AVENUE Cooperative in Washington Heights, Manhattan
Hudson View Gardens 116 Pinehurst Avenue, New York, NY 10033 Cooperative in Washington Heights
Photo for  The Renaissance  - 130 LENOX AVENUE Condominium in Harlem, Manhattan
The Renaissance 130 Lenox Avenue, New York, NY 10026 Condominium in Harlem
Photo for  The Cereza  - 1790 3 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
The Cereza 1790 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem
Photo for  2132 2nd Avenue  - 2132 2 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
2132 2nd Avenue 2132 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem
Photo for  The Gateway Tower  - 2098 FREDRICK DOUGLASS BL Condominium in Harlem, Manhattan
The Gateway Tower 2098 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, NY 10026 Condominium in Harlem
Photo for  2019 1st Avenue  - 2019 1 AVENUE Condominium in East Harlem, Manhattan
2019 1st Avenue 2019 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10029 Condominium in East Harlem

Popular Buildings

History of Neighborhood

photo of Upper Manhattan Upper Manhattan has a rich history that spans centuries, shaping it into the dynamic and culturally diverse area it is today. Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, the Dutch established the settlement of Nieuw Haarlem in the early 17th century, laying the groundwork for the neighborhood's development. However, it was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that Upper Manhattan experienced significant growth and transformation.

Harlem, in particular, gained prominence during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, a cultural and artistic movement that brought African American literature, music, and visual arts to the forefront. This period marked Harlem as a cultural epicenter, attracting renowned figures like Langston Hughes and Duke Ellington.

Washington Heights, with its elevation and scenic views, became a desirable residential area in the late 19th century. The neighborhood saw waves of immigration, including a substantial Dominican population, shaping its distinctive cultural character.

Inwood, once farmland, transformed into a residential community in the early 20th century. Today, remnants of its rural past can still be seen in areas like Inwood Hill Park.

Over the years, Upper Manhattan has experienced demographic shifts, economic changes, and urban development, contributing to its diverse and vibrant tapestry of history. This layered past continues to influence the neighborhood's identity and makes it a fascinating part of New York City's historical narrative.

Architectural Style

Architectural style of Art Deco
Art Deco Art Deco architecture, prominent during the 1920s and 1930s, is known for its bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and lavish ornamentation. Characterized by sleek lines and the use of materials like chrome, glass, and terracotta, Art Deco buildings exude a sense of modern sophistication and glamour.
Architectural style of Beaux-Arts
Beaux-Arts Beaux-Arts architecture, rooted in the academic tradition of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, emphasizes grandeur, symmetry, and classical ornamentation. Buildings in this style often boast elaborate sculptures, decorative friezes, and monumental entrances, conveying a sense of opulence and sophistication.
Architectural style of Brownstone
Brownstone Brownstone architecture, prevalent in New York City, features elegant brown sandstone facades. Often seen in rowhouses, these structures exhibit a harmonious blend of ornate details and historic charm, showcasing intricate carvings and stylish entryways.
Architectural style of Gothic Revival
Gothic Revival Gothic Revival architecture, popular in the 19th century, mimics medieval Gothic designs with pointed arches, intricate tracery, and decorative gargoyles. Buildings in this style evoke a sense of medieval grandeur, often featuring dramatic vaulted ceilings and ornate stained glass windows.
Architectural style of Modern & Contemporary
Modern & Contemporary Modern and Contemporary architecture focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and open spaces. Contemporary designs often incorporate cutting-edge materials and technologies, emphasizing functionality and environmental sustainability. These buildings represent the evolution of architectural styles, reflecting the spirit of the present era.
Architectural style of Pre-War
Pre-War Pre-War buildings, constructed before World War II, are characterized by their architectural grandeur. These structures boast spacious layouts, high ceilings, intricate moldings, and often, beautiful parquet floors. They represent an era of detailed craftsmanship and classic design.
Architectural style of Renaissance Revival
Renaissance Revival Renaissance Revival architecture draws inspiration from the Renaissance period, featuring arched windows, pilasters, and decorative motifs reminiscent of Italian and French Renaissance designs. This style showcases a harmonious blend of classical elements, creating buildings that exude timeless elegance.
Architectural style of Victorian
Victorian Victorian architecture encompasses a wide range of styles from the Victorian era. These buildings are known for their ornate details, vibrant colors, and eclectic designs. Victorian structures often feature decorative trim, bay windows, and intricate patterns, reflecting the opulence and diversity of the 19th century.

Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

photo of Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
photo of The Cloisters
The Cloisters
photo of The Hispanic Society of America
The Hispanic Society of America
photo of Hamilton Grange National Memorial
Hamilton Grange National Memorial
photo of Columbia University
Columbia University
photo of Riverside Church
Riverside Church
photo of Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park
photo of Morris-Jumel Mansion
Morris-Jumel Mansion

Landmarks and Cultural Institutions Image Credits Witchblue at Italian Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Paweł Drozd on Wiki Drozdpl cropped by Beyond My Ken (talk) 17:05, 27 December 2013 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Asaavedra32, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Kalfatovic, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Witchblue at it.wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , PortableNYCTours, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Beyond My Ken, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Entertainment

photo of Live Performances
Live Performances Theater: Enjoy Broadway and off-Broadway productions in venues like the Apollo Theater.
photo of Museums and Cultural Institutions
Museums and Cultural Institutions Explore art, history, and culture at institutions like The Cloisters, The Hispanic Society of America, and The Studio Museum in Harlem.
photo of Parks and Outdoor Activities
Parks and Outdoor Activities Enjoy outdoor recreation in parks like Central Park, Morningside Park, and Fort Tryon Park. Participate in community events, picnics, or sports activities.

Entertainment Image Credits Ian Muttoo, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Edgar Alfonseca, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Popular Restaurants

photo of Red Rooster Harlem
Red Rooster Harlem Chef Marcus Samuelsson's iconic restaurant in Harlem offering modern comfort food with a Southern flair.
photo of Sylvia's Restaurant
Sylvia's Restaurant A legendary soul food restaurant in Harlem known for its classic dishes, including fried chicken and collard greens.
photo of Lido
Lido An Italian restaurant in Harlem with a cozy atmosphere, serving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a selection of Italian wines.

Restaurants Image Credits Studio Sarah Lou, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons , Sarah Boyle sboyle, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Famous people connected to Upper Manhattan

photo of Al Pacino Al Pacino
photo of Duke Ellington Duke Ellington
photo of Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald
photo of Malcolm X Malcolm X

People Image Credits Kindly granted by Thomas Schulz from Vienna, Austria, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons , eBay, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Lewin/Kaufman/Schwartz, Public Relations, Beverly Hills, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Ed Ford, World Telegram staff photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Movies

photo of movie The Royal Tenenbaums

The Royal Tenenbaums

photo of movie Seinfeld

Seinfeld

photo of movie How I Met Your Mother

How I Met Your Mother


Movies Image Credits Film poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , Film poster, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , seeklogo.com, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons , self, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Statistics for Upper Manhattan

Recent Sales Activity
Date Unit Action
11/19/2025 11 West 131st Street C1 Listed for sale at $1,249,000
11/19/2025 205 East 124th Street 1B Listed for sale at $200,000
11/19/2025 108 West 114th Street 4B Listed for sale at $315,000
11/18/2025 463 West 142nd Street 2A Listed for sale at $969,000
11/18/2025 91 Payson Avenue 5F Listed for sale at $498,000
11/17/2025 116 Pinehurst Avenue F25 Listed for sale at $525,000
11/17/2025 1809 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard 2E Listed for sale at $900,000
11/17/2025 300 West 145th Street 1K Listed for sale at $650,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 1 Listed for sale at $999,000
11/16/2025 145 West 129th Street 2 Listed for sale at $649,000