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Washington Heights



  

History


Like many parts of Manhattan, Washington Heights served as farmland during the 1600s. Prior to this use, the Rechgawawanc Indians resided in the area making up Washington Heights.

During the 1700s, Washington Heights played an important role in the American Revolutionary War. Fort Washington was located in the area making up Washington Heights. Today, Washington Heights is named after Fort Washington. Fort Washington was created to defend Continental Army troops from the British army. Ultimately, on November 16, 1776, the British army captured Fort Washington and over 2,700 American soldiers were captured, injured, or killed. The Continental Army suffered one of its greatest defeats at Fort Washington.

During the early 1900s, Washington Heights experienced a high influx of Irish immigrants. A high number of Jewish families migrated to Washington Heights during the 1930s and 1940s to escape the Nazis. Later, Greeks began to immigrate into Washington Heights during the 1950s and 1960s. From the 1990s until today, the area remains largely dominated by Puerto Ricans and Dominicans. Dominicans make up about 75% of Washington Heights today.

Description


Washington Heights is located on a high ridge in upper Manhattan. The neighborhood of Washington Heights runs from 155th Street to Inwood Street. Typically, maps of Manhattan only feature 96th or 125th as the northernmost area of New York City. However, Washington Heights is a part of Manhattan. Inwood is another neighborhood often considered part of Washington Heights.

Residents


Washington Heights is home to about 208,814 people. Many business professionals choose to live in Washington Heights for its affordable rental rates. Throughout the years, Washington Heights has experienced a steady growth of its population. It continues to attract highly diverse groups of people to its neighborhoods. The median income in Washington Heights is about $30,000.

Rental Housing


There are some great deals to be found in Washington Heights for rental apartments. For only $1,200 people can find great studio apartments available. Unlike many other areas of Manhattan, there are plenty of two-bedroom apartments that can be found in Washington Heights starting at $1,700. Even a four-bedroom rental can be incredibly affordable (considering Manhattan's rates), for about $2,800. Given the decreasing crime rates every year, Washington Heights is poised to have a thriving real estate market in years to come.

Fun Stuff


Given its wide Dominican community, Washington Heights has many wonderful Dominican restaurants. For a taste of authentic Dominican food, be sure to try out La Barca Restaurant, El Malecon Restaurant, and Tipico Dominicano Restaurant. There is plenty of Dominican artwork and music to enjoy in Washington Heights. Kenny Bakery is definitely another place to check out. Located in Inwood, Kenny Bakery offers some of the most delicious cafe con leche for only $1. Washington Heights is home to a fabulous nightlife too. Umbrella, Ambaroom, and Arka Lounge are some of the top choices for nightlife in Washington Heights, all chosen by the New York Times. There is even a great bookstore in the area that is worth checking out, Librería Caliope.