TOP TEN HARLEM NEIGHBORHOODS 2016

Our popular HB series that ranks the top uptown neighborhoods is back for the end of the year count in 2016.  Harlem is a large part of Manhattan that changes block by block so we have put together a list of the best micro-nabes based on location, architecture, transportation, local amenities along with record closing prices when applicable. This is our own opinion based on reporting on the neighborhood for a few years and a new post will be made each day until the number one spot has been revealed.

Number 10: The Upper Broadway Corridor, starting in the 130s and up to 155 on Broadway which includes the surrounding brownstone sides streets in Hamilton Heights.  Hamilton Heights' commercial corridor neighborhood is the young, hip spot to be uptown with trendy new establishments popping up each year.  ROKC ramen, Uptown Bourbon,  Harlem Public, The Handpulled Noodle, At the Wallace, Anchor Wine Bar, The Draft House, The Chipped Cup,  Loft 142, Chopped Parsley and Bono makes for a really vibrant mix of commercial spaces.  Because of the proximity to Columbia University along with affordability, this area has an influx of millennials mixing in with longtime Dominican locals and a more visible gay community.

The Heights also has great bones with a handsome housing stock that has not been affected by the Urban Renewal development projects of the past decades.  Crime is also at and all time low and the west side blocks apparently are some of the safest in Manhattan. This also tends to be the area further north with brownstones in the lower $2 million range and thus is attractive to many entry level home buyers.  Home sales have been pretty stable this year but a lack of record breaking contracts puts the hood back to the Number 10 spot.  As far as subways go, the 1 train at 145th Street is strictly local but connects to the express line at 96th after a few stops.