Washington Heights New York, NY

Washington Heights started as Fort Washington during the Revolutionary War; the ground had the highest point in Manhattan. By the turn of the 20th century, landowners cleared the forested areas to make way for housing developments. One of the most prominent landowners was Cornelius Kingsley Garrison Billings who built Tryon Hall, a huge mansion that burned down in 1925. Today, a mix of single-family and multifamily housing combines with shops, restaurants, and parks to form a solid urban area.

Two museums provide cultural enrichment to residents. The Cloisters houses medieval European art as a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Hispanic Society of America has a building that contains the largest collection of the works of El Greco and Goya outside of El Prado in Spain. Summer Haven offers a huge community gathering for one Tuesday every summer with cultural displays, music, and food for residents.

Much like the restaurant scene in all of New York City, Washington Heights has something for everyone, ranging from national chains to specialized ethnic eateries. If you love American, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or Japanese cuisine, establishments in this neighborhood have what you crave. A casual drive along Broadway and St. Nicholas Avenue reveals tons of great places to eat.

Marisco Centro represents a family favorite in Washington Heights. Once you step inside, you realize the theme revolves around seafood thanks to the fish market-inspired atmosphere. Enjoy traditional Dominican dishes, such as fried red snapper, mofongo de marisco, and chicken. The mofongo arrives at your table in a heaping bowl of broth, shrimp, and mashed plantain that fills you up fast. Make sure to stay for happy hour specials from the bar.

South Beach Restaurant and Lounge features the best Miami vibe in the heart of the neighborhood. Every plate seems like a work of art. Skirt steak and shrimp create an elegant take on surf and turf. Meanwhile, the churrasco appears as if Picasso himself painted a culinary delight of grilled beef served alongside fresh broccoli and shredded carrots. Don't miss the fantastic mixed drink selections.

Charlie's Pizza has the feel of a neighborhood pizza place with authentic New York-style eats. Despite the name, people come here for the Jamaican beef patties as an appetizer. Order two or three of these sides, and you have a whole meal of nothing but deep-fried beef goodness. The staff here speaks two languages and always takes your order with a smile.

In terms of nightlife, plenty of bars dot the landscape in Washington Heights. For the most upscale experience in the neighborhood, La Marina focuses on margaritas and cocktails, although you can order plenty of high-end cuisine here. Sip on your mixed drink while taking in the view of the George Washington Bridge on the bank of the Hudson. Buddha Beer Bar specializes in several craft beers and limited editions as well as whiskey and scotch. Every night has a different theme, including dumpling night, fish fry night, and slider night.

For live music, head south to Harlem for classic venues in one of New York's cultural hot spots -- though Lower Manhattan has the best live music in the city, if not the world.

Catch the bus just about everywhere in Washington Heights, espeically along St. Nicholas and Amsterdam Avenues. Buses along Route M3 take you to other parts of the city. Pick up a subway at the 191st Street, 181st Street, or 168th Street stations, all of which are under St. Nicholas Street. Like most of New York, Washington Heights is very pedestrian-friendly, with easy access to mass transit. The safest streets for bicycles include Amsterdam Avenue, 170th Street, Haven Avenue, Fort Washington Avenue, and 180th Street.

Hailing a cab remains easy as long as you call ahead for service, and Uber drivers can pick you up when a cab cannot get there in time. You might discover limited public parking along streets, and some places may have parking meters. Drive along Broadway and Harlem River Drive to go south towards the heart of the city. Just over the Harlem River, you can connect to Interstate 87, Interstate 95, and the on-ramp for the George Washington Bridge into New Jersey.

Plenty of parks await residents who enjoy an active lifestyle. Fort Washington Park, along the Hudson River Greenway, gives you a spectacular and unique view of the George Washington Bridge. Highbridge Park, along the Harlem River, has plenty of space for walking, running, biking, swimming, or just playing on a playground.

The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park forms the centerpiece of the neighborhood's outdoor festivals, welcoming around 70,000 visitors every year. For one Saturday every September, see what it was like to live in medieval Europe with entertainment, education, and more than 100 performers in period costumes, including jousters on horseback. Since 1983, this has been one of the largest scheduled events in the New York Parks system.

Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Washington Heights averages around $1,735. Living costs slightly less in Washington Heights compared to the city center, mainly due to lower housing expenses.

Expect to pay between $5 and $6 for a pint of beer during happy hour specials at your local watering hole. A one-way ride on a bus or subway runs you $2.75, whereas an unlimited-ride, seven-day pass costs $31 to take you anywhere the Metro goes. The average gallon of gasoline goes for about three percent above the national average.

Most of the shops in Washington Heights have local owners and a variety of wares for local residents. Similar to restaurants, St. Nicholas Avenue harbors most of the retail establishments in Washington Heights.

Spend your weekly shopping budget at Associated Food Market on Broadway for everyday food items. Two locations of Bravo Supermarkets service the area, one on either side of I-95. Fort Washington Greenmarket supplies fresh fruits and vegetables for residents every Tuesday from early June to late November at 168th Street and Fort Washington Avenue.

Daniela's Flower Shop has all of your floral needs. The outside of the store looks just like a movie where you run by, grab a bouquet, and pay the vendor as you run off to woo your love. Florists at Daniela's can make a custom arrangement for any occasion with a warm, friendly attitude.

Word Up Books has thousands of selections for casual readers, serious researchers, or anyone who has a passion for the printed word. Find the latest bestseller, a ton of great children's books, or that hard-to-find volume. Occasional events have live music, artists, and book signings.