Discover the Beauty and Balance of Riverdale in the Bronx

By Julie Gaynor, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

How would you like to have the vibrancy of Manhattan at your fingertips and the serenity of the Hudson out your window? Riverdale, beautifully nestled between Manhattan and Westchester, offers the best of both worlds.

I moved from Manhattan to Riverdale years ago. My son was going to school outside of the city and we didn’t want him to have to commute. At the time, my husband and I made a pact that as soon as he graduated from high school and went off to college, we would move back into the city. However, that never ended up happening.

We quickly ended up falling in love with the area. Riverdale offers a premier lifestyle that provides the perfect balance between vibrant city living and small-town charm. It’s no wonder the town has housed the likes of Mark Twain, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ella Fitzgerald, to name a few.

Riverdale has many different areas that are fun to explore. Among my favorites are John F. Kennedy’s former vacation home and Wave Hill House, which was also rented by Mark Twain. Wave Hill features a public garden that is picturesque in any season, and it offers spectacular views of the Hudson River in addition to walking paths and a café. It’s the perfect place to admire foliage, read, meditate, or just take a pleasant stroll.

Another popular park in the area is Van Cortlandt Park, which offers sprawling green spaces in addition to over 20 miles of hiking trails.

Also fascinating about the neighborhood is its mix of 19th- and 20th- century architecture. Here, you can find stunning brick neo-Tudor and new-Georgian homes and condominiums, in addition to several war monuments, like the Riverdale Memorial Bell Tower, which was erected to honor those who fought during World War I. The tree-lined streets of the area are as tranquil as they are picturesque, providing a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.

In terms of dining, Riverdale Avenue has it all, ranging from laid-back hangouts to refined, gourmet restaurants. For example, Addeo’s is a casual go-to for pizza and traditional Italian fare. Connaughton’s serves some of the best steaks in the city, while Yukka offers mouthwatering Latin American dishes that are prepared and presented beautifully.

Riverdale’s homes and condominiums offer many modern conveniences blended with the charm of yesteryear, as many have either been renovated or newly constructed. At The Whitehall, for instance, my husband and I enjoy a view of the Hudson from our balcony in addition to convenient amenities, including a 24-hour doorman, pool, athletic club, and a dry cleaner. In terms of storage and square footage, we enjoy almost twice the space we had in Manhattan at a much more affordable price.

Click here to learn more about Riverdale and browse available listings in the area.