Manhattan Valley is a sub-neighborhood located in the northwest part of Manhattan, New York City. It is a part of the larger neighborhood of Upper West Side. Manhattan Valley starts off on 96th Street, and ends on 110th Street by the neighborhood of Morningside Heights to the north. The neighborhood is nestled between Broadway Avenue and the top northwest section of Central Park. There are lots of available Manhattan Valley apartments as it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many locals love the neighborhood due to its affordability and proximity to Columbia University and Central Park.
Affordability of Manhattan Valley Apartments
Compared to other areas of Manhattan, Manhattan Valley tends to offer relatively more affordable rents and housing prices, though this is gradually changing as the neighborhood becomes more desirable. Manhattan Valley average rents for studios and one bedroom apartments have remained somewhat stable year over year although, rents for two bedroom and three bedroom apartments have lowered year over year.
The average rent for a studio unit in the neighborhood is currently $2,850. In comparison, it currently costs on average, $3,471 to rent a studio apartment in New York and $3,595 in Manhattan specifically. The price discrepancy remains consistent across the board. For example, the average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Manhattan Valley New York is currently $3,650. By contrast, it costs on average, $4,285 to rent a one bedroom apartment in New York and $4,495 in Manhattan specifically. Renters who choose to stay in Manhattan Valley can save close to $500/month on rent. That is a huge incentive for many. However, besides affordable rent, there are plenty of other reasons to want to live in Manhattan Valley.
History of Manhattan Valley
The history of Manhattan Valley is fascinating. Previously known as Bloomingdale, Manhattan Valley started off as a collection of farms, villages, and houses back in the 1800s. The neighborhood eventually became a working-class neighborhood filled with a mix of tenements and row houses. In the 1950s and 1960s, Manhattan faced a drastic decline that led to increase in crime rates, poverty, and drug use. However, with the efforts of many locals and the non-profit Manhattan Valley Development Corporation (MVDC), the neighborhood recovered and many Manhattan Valley apartments for rent and Manhattan Valley apartments for sale have remained affordable.
Today, it is a neighborhood home to a diverse population of residents who cherish their local community, easy access to the rest of Manhattan, and affordable rents. Manhattan Valley is well-connected to the rest of the city. The 1 train runs through the neighborhood, stopping at stations like 96th, 103rd, 110th Streets on Broadway, making it easy for residents to get around Manhattan and beyond. Alternative methods of transportation include the C and B trains that stops at stations at 96th, 103rd, and 110th Street on Central Park West. There are also a large number of bus lines like the M7 and M11 that run through the neighborhood.
What is Manhattan Valley Like?
The southern half of Manhattan Valley is a bit more commercialized with major stores like Whole Foods, Target, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods located on Columbus Avenue. As you venture northwards, the neighborhood becomes more residential. Manhattan Valley apartments are similar to those in surrounding neighborhoods. The architecture is a mix of old and new, with pre-war buildings, classic brownstones, and a few newer developments that have popped up in the last decade. It’s not as densely populated as the southern parts of the Upper West Side, which gives it a more laid-back vibe.
Manhattan Valley’s close proximity to Columbia University and Barnard College means that it has a diverse community filled with long-time residents, students, and young professionals. The neighborhood is quieter than most neighborhoods in Manhattan but there are pockets of neighborhood filled with local cafes, shops and small restaurants and bars that are fun to check out.
There are many green spaces in and around the neighborhood. Walk eastward till you run into the northern part of Central Park, or northward for Morningside Park or westward for Riverside Park. Regardless of which green space you choose to go to, each has its own spots for sports, picnics, and relaxation. Not to mention, views.
The best way to learn more about Manhattan Valley is to go in person and check out the neighborhood. Some local favorites include Ollie’s (a Sichuan noodle joint that first opened in 1989 across from Columbia), Saiguette (a Vietnamese shop known for its delectable banh mi), and Nobody Told Me (which also has a branch in Dumbo). After you’ve eaten, you can get some shopping done on Columbus Avenue or walk further east and explore what Central Park has to offer.
Available Manhattan Valley apartments for rent
Most residents of Manhattan Valley are renters. According to the most recent census, around 76% of housing here are renter-occupied while the remaining are owner-occupied. For those interested in living in the area and renting, here are some currently available Manhattan Valley apartments for rent if you’ve made up your mind about moving to this neighborhood.
Here are available options if you’re looking specifically for 1 bedroom apartment in Manhattan Valley New York.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in buying, you can check out Manhattan Valley apartments for sale on our sister site, RealtyHop.
Overall, Manhattan Valley offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to the hustle and bustle of downtown Manhattan while still providing access to a lot of the things that make New York City great. It’s a hidden gem, especially for those looking for a more laid-back pace without being too far from all the action!
