Neigborhoods

Hamilton Heights

West Harlem, which includes Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill, reaches from 123rd to 155th Streets, from St. Nicholas Avenue on the east side to the Hudson River on the west. It is one of New York’s most diverse neighborhoods and includes famous cultural sites such as Alexander Hamilton’s home and City College. Since 1974, a large portion of the area has been designated as a historic district due to its row houses designed by famous architects as well as elegant apartment houses that add to the neighborhood’s charm and history. Like its neighboring uptown districts, renovations are causing residential living in West Harlem to grow at an amazing pace. Subway: Take the 1 to 125th, 137th (City College) or 145th Streets. To the east, the B and C trains stop at 125th , 135th and 145th, while the A and D express trains stop at 125th an 145th. Morningside Heights is home to New York’s prestigious Columbia University. Its borders fall between 106th Street and 123rd Street, between Morningside Park and Riverside Park. Morningside Heights is currently home to a growing population of about 35,000 people. Many books and films have been written about this area, New York’s academic district. The area is also home to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world. Saint John’s doors open twice a year, once on Easter and once during a ceremony that takes place each spring called the Blessing of the Bicycles during which the reverend offers a blessing to kick off a safe cycling season, sprinkling holy water over each bike in the process. This is just one example of the unique character and sense of community that exists in this area. Subways: Take the 1 to 110th or 116th streets.