Apartments for Rent in Washington Heights, New York City, NY

Situated above Harlem in New York City, Washington Heights opens up a world of stunning green space, phenomenal food, and a neighborhood with a vibrant Latino Heritage. Theater fans may know the neighborhood from the In the Heights Broadway musical. Whether you're new to the area or just discovering this up and coming gem, put Washington Heights on your apartment hunting list.

Although Manhattan rents aren't cheap by any standards, Washington Heights will still yield affordable options in comparison to other neighborhoods located in the heart of Manhattan. Renters can still find the bars, restaurants, and coffee shops they're looking for along with block parties thrown by longtime locals.

Older apartment buildings, multi-floor walk-ups, rowhouses, and townhouses are the norm around this diverse and transitioning neighborhood. However, ambitious renovations of Pre-War buildings and newer complexes can also be found around Washington Heights at a higher price tag. Like anywhere in Manhattan, the better the water views and access to amenities and the subway, the higher the rents.

Driving in Washington Heights

Like anywhere in New York City, driving around in Washington Heights is challenging with dense traffic packing the streets. Your best bet is taking the 9A along the West Side for dazzling water views while traveling north or south of the city. The George Washington Bridge is also accessible from Washington Heights to simplify travel to New Jersey or the Bronx.

You can find street parking in the Washington Heights easier than other parts of Manhattan, but you'll still need to scour to secure a spot. Weekly street cleaning will also make it necessary to move your car or face fines. Some parking lots are also available. However, most locals prefer to walk or take the subway than deal with keeping a car. Parking at an apartment complex is also rare in Washington Heights.

Washington Heights Public Transit

Depending on where you live, a commute from Washington Heights to work can feel like a trek. The best way to get to Washington Heights is from the A express to 8th Avenue to 155th Street or the C local to reach to 168th Street. New York's MTA public buses also reach Washington Heights to give more flexibility to the area. Rideshares like Lyft and Uber, as well as taxis, are also readily available.

Washington Heights is a welcome reprieve from Manhattan's sky-high rents, although you will pay a premium to live anywhere in the city. Search for a Washington Heights apartment that fits your budget from renovated apartments to older walk-ups with basic amenities.

The competition for an apartment is less intense in Washington Heights than other parts of the city, but you still need to come ready to sign to score the best deals in this up and coming gem.

A mix of locals lives in Washington Heights' densely packed core, where local families include age from babies to senior citizens. However, the average age of residents are in their mid-30s, with an influx of young professionals flocking to Washington Heights to find more space and affordable rents.

Nearly half of Washington Heights' neighborhood is Latino, although the area is also experiencing ongoing transition and gentrification. Ethnic food shops and eateries fill the air with the scent of freshly baked goods while up and coming restaurants and LGBTQ+ bars set-up shop.

Get acquainted with Washington Heights with a walk along the Audubon Terrace Historic District featuring Beaux-Arts and American Renaissance buildings on the west side of Broadway.

You can also make your way to the Hispanic Society Museum & Library from the Audubon Terrace Historic District to see over 900 paintings, 6,000 watercolors, and thousands of pieces of prints and objects and drawings of Spanish artwork. The collection includes works from El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, and Sorolla.

Beyond the Audubon Terrace, Manhattan's oldest house can also be found in Washington Heights at the Morris Jumel Mansion. Built as a summer house in 1765, the home sat on 135-acres of land that stretched between the Harlem and Hudson Rivers. General George Washington and his officers transformed the home into their headquarters in 1776 and victoriously planned the Battle of Harlem Heights from the mansion.

The best attractions in Washington Heights encompass its gorgeous green space that softens the bustle of city living. Fort Washington Park features expansive views of the Jersey Palisades, where basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and baseball fields connect the neighborhood with their favorite sports.

Fort Washington Park is also home to the historic Little Red Lighthouse, the real-life protagonist in the beloved children's book. Although you can't go inside or climb the structure, it's a whimsical spot to take a picnic and let the kids roam.

After thoroughly exploring the westside views, locals can enjoy the east side of Washington Heights at the oldest standing bridge in New York City. The High Bridge connects Manhattan to the Bronx with a convenient path for pedestrians and cyclists looking to explore. The bridge is also home to the Bridge Water Tower Terrace, which the city occasionally opens for tours.