Morningside Heights is the cusp of culture in
New York City. Two distinct areas define the neighborhood. On one end, there's Columbia University, the city's only Ivy League School and one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions. Academic excellence reigns supreme here, having produced scholars and society figures who have since changed the world in big and small ways. On the other end, there's Harlem nearby, a famously Black district beloved for its never-ending influence on pop culture. Its vibrancy continues to impact American society at large, often magnifying African-American influences nationwide and, to some extent, worldwide. Who wouldn't want to learn more about such an interesting neighborhood?
Where is Morningside Heights in New York City?
Tucked away in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Morningside Heights is among the most underrated
neighborhoods in New York City. The district specifically lies between 110th and 125th Streets, as well as between Riverside Drive and Morningside Drive. It's not a big area to begin with, and with the massive Harlem district right beside, it's no wonder it tends to be forgotten. But what it may lack in recognition and size, it more than makes up for with its fairly quiet atmosphere. This is the type of place where you can escape the rest of the city.
Is it Safe in Morningside Heights, New York City?
Yes, it is. Despite what you think about Upper Manhattan, Morningside Heights still stands out as one of the safest parts of the borough. It helps that Columbia University dominates the district, leading to a student-dominated population. So most of the locals here are either students of the university or locals who usually mind their own business. Even when
New York City's crime rates are high, you'll barely feel it here. It does get rowdy at times, especially at night, but Morningside Heights remains relatively peaceful for the most part.
What's The Vibe in Morningside Heights, New York City?
You can feel intellectualism and educational value in the air in Morningside Heights. Home to Columbia University, New York City's only Ivy League School, scholarly activity defines this Upper Manhattan district. Most of the locals are university students, and you'll usually find them studying, chatting away in coffee shops, and gallivanting about in the area. And that's just one side of the neighborhood. The other is right beside Harlem, the iconic district that gave birth to jazz, ballroom culture, and more. Many of these exciting influences have seeped into the smaller and quieter area, making for a more colorful side to Morningside Heights.
Is it Expensive in Morningside Heights, New York City?
Morningside Heights is generally mid-range in the grand scheme of things. It's still pretty pricey here, but that's mostly because
New York City's living costs are generally high. But when you compare how much it costs to live in Morningside Heights to places such as the Upper East Side, SoHo, Chelsea, and the like, the differences are pretty stark. Rent here, for example, only ranges from about $3,400.00 to $5,000.00 per month. Eating out in the area will mostly cut you back about $20.00 to $40.00 per meal, slightly lower than the usual $30.00 to $60.00 price range in other Manhattan neighborhoods.
What to See in Morningside Heights, New York City
Columbia University is truly the only notable sight to see in Morningside Heights. Most of the campus dominates the area, so much so that the school is practically the only thing people know about the area. This isn't to say, however, that a university campus is not worth checking out. The famous Ivy League School boasts many beautiful buildings, including the grand Havemeyer Hall, the very symmetric Hogan Hall, and the more modern Campbell Sports Center. But none are as breathtaking as the iconic Low Memorial Library. It's a stunning piece of Neoclassical architecture in a metropolis known for its skyscrapers and avant-garde museums.
What to Do in Morningside Heights, New York City
Morningside Heights is one of those rare neighborhoods that allows you to take it slow while still in New York City. The Big Apple is notoriously busy no matter the time of day or the time of year. That's why
moving to New York City requires a lot of strength, both physically and mentally. But when it gets too exhausting at times, you can always escape to this underrated area in Upper Manhattan and forget the rest of the city. Who knows? You might also end up wanting to settle down here instead!
The Best Restaurants in Morningside Heights, New York City
This neighborhood might not have the most famous landmarks, but it undoubtedly boasts some fantastic culinary hotspots. Amsterdam Avenue alone, which runs through the district, features amazing eateries like Massawa, Max Soha, Tartina, the Marlow Bistro, and Sisteria Morningside, among many others. The beloved Morningside Cafe on W 112th Street is a definite must-try, too, since it features a lovely terrace area that looks over the nearby Morningside Park. All while serving classic New York food staples, such as hot dogs, burgers, and crab legs. These may not be
New York City's best Michelin-starred restaurants, but they do the job just the same!
Morningside Heights has a flurry of amazing restaurants, including:
- Morningside Cafe on W 112th Street
- Marlow Bistro on Amsterdam Avenue
- Massawa on Amsterdam Avenue
- Max Soha on Amsterdam Avenue
- Sisteria Morningside on Amsterdam Avenue
- Tartina on Amsterdam Avenue
- Junzi Kitchen at 2896 Broadway
- Cafe Massawa at 3153 Broadway
- Toast 125 at 3157 Broadway
- Pisticci on La Salle Street
What to Know About Renting in Morningside Heights, New York City
The rent in Morningside Heights is still expensive compared to the rest of the US, but it's far more affordable than other parts of Manhattan. For context, the average rent in the likes of SoHo, Greenwich Village, etc. is usually around $5,000.00 to $6,000.00 per month. In Morningside Heights, you'll usually encounter rentals that mostly cost about $3,412.00 to $4,991.00 per month. The fact that these are already some of the city's lowest rental prices further proves just how expensive it is to
rent a luxury apartment in New York City.
Tucked away in northern Manhattan, Morningside Heights is always at the cusp of cultural and intellectual revolutions. Both Columbia University and Harlem are near here, placing it right in the middle of the various influences these two popular spots continue to put out.
