Located on the far north-end of Manhattan, Inwood may seem out of the way for most in the city. After all, for those who live in Outer boroughs that aren’t the Bronx, anything above midtown is rarely ever explored. Yet given the relative small size of Manhattan, Inwood isn’t as far as some would imagine, and for those looking for new homes or apartments, thinking Manhattan is out reach, it is time to think again. Here’s why:
- History
For starters, Inwood possesses some of the city’s most incredible history. As the former home to the Lenape tribe of Native Americans, the area still holds some of its historic culture and artifacts. Even as New York City was bursting with innovation, industry and immigrants from a number of countries around the world, Inwood remained considerably rural well into the 20th century. For those interested in something much less commercial and a truer representation of New York, of America, consider Inwood. - Housing Cost
Because it isn’t as popularized (or developed, for that matter) as the West Village or even its neighbor, Harlem, home prices and rentals are significantly cheaper than one would find in the rest of the city. The median price for home sales in 2015, Inwood’s median sales price was $336,500, for the rest of Manhattan, the price was almost tripled at a whopping $976,000. At just 30 mins from Times Square–less distance than many neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens–Inwood is a steal. - Apartment
On top of that, as is common in much upper Manhattan and the Bronx, the area has a host of pre-war apartments, which are typically larger and more spacious. They are also known to be quieter (a plus in Manhattan) and sturdier, so you don’t have to worry about things falling apart so easily. - Culture
There is no shortage of culture in NYC. However, Inwood’s community feels especially close-knit and unique. The majority of Inwood’s population is Dominican, and Hispanic heritage groups account for three quarters of its total population. The area has great food, customs and and a number of people who’ve lived in the neighborhood for decades and call it home. - Parks
For those who don’t get enough experiences with nature in the city of tall buildings and over 8 million people, Inwood has multiple, beautiful parks, like the Inwood Hill Park, which Columbia University uses for its athletic fields, and at least a half dozen other parks which have everything from hiking and tennis to bird watching.