Inwood
For most New Yorkers seeking a respite from the noisy din of apartment life in Manhattan, choices
are usually limited to moving up—or moving out. One neighborhood in Upper Manhattan, however,
offers the ideal solution with a perfect combination of serenity, convenience and value. Inwood, the
northernmost neighborhood on the island of Manhattan, is bounded by water on three sides and lays claim
to the last remaining natural forest and salt marsh in the borough. These distinctive geographical qualities
create a neighborhood unique to Manhattan, one which remains largely undiscovered. Served by the A-
train, 1-train, and four different bus routes, as well as having easy and direct access to both the Henry
Hudson Parkway and the FDR, Inwood offers its residents a variety of choices to quickly enter the city
for work, or to leave for out-of-town play.
From resplendent nature, to world-class art, to culinary delights, Inwood maintains a vibrant and thriving
culture with a little bit of everything for everyone.
With its breathtaking views of the pristine Palisades just across the Hudson River, Inwood Hill Park spans
200 acres of largely natural, untouched greenery. Several hiking trails in the park make this a popular
destination for bird watching, but playgrounds and sports fields also support recreational outings for
families and athletes alike. Free outdoor yoga in the summer also draws a dedicated gathering. Saying
that “the area remains very similar to the way the island was 500 years ago,” it’s with good reason that
Time Out NY named Inwood Hill Park one of the 10 Best Parks in NYC in 2012.
Taking full advantage of the magnificent vistas of Inwood, The Cloisters Museum and Gardens—the
Medieval-themed branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art—sits atop a hill in adjacent Fort Tryon
Park. Featuring the world-famous Unicorn Tapestries, as well as three thousand other works of art from
medieval Europe, a visit to The Cloisters is a trip back in time that’s worth taking over and over.
For foodies, Inwood is a hot spot of diverse, ethnic cuisine, as well as a destination for some of the best
burgers and pizza in the borough. Zagat-rated Mamajuana Café, located on Dyckman Street, is known for
its authentic Dominican food and unmatched sangria, while Indian Road Café specializes in craft beers
and its traditional lobster macaroni & cheese. Not to be outdone, the Piper’s Kilt on Broadway serves a
hamburger that tops many Best Burger of the City lists, which makes for a delicious consolation prize
to their brain-crunching trivia nights on Tuesdays. And if pizza is your natural craving, Grandpa’s Brick
Oven Pizza is a thin crust slice of heaven.
Many of the ingredients for Inwood’s fine restaurants come directly from another popular draw of the
community, the Inwood Greenmarket. Taking place every Saturday, year-round, 15-20 farmers gather
near Isham Park to sell some of the freshest and tastiest organic produce available.
The neighborhoods of Manhattan are as diverse as its people, but Inwood is one community that delights
in being both part of and separate from the rest. It’s the only place in Manhattan where a resident can feel
one with nature, but also one with the city. It’s a charming paradox that continuously rewards its happy
community.
