Welcome to my tranquil, sunlit, large 1-bedroom apartment on the west side of beautiful Washington Heights (173rd/Fort Washington), far above the fray of the more congested downtown neighborhoods (but with all the access you want). Featuring a mostly original floorplan (Heights apartments are known for their quality construction, evenly laid out rooms, high ceilings, and copious natural light), the building is located on a quiet, tree-lined, one-way street alongside a park, so it's incredibly quiet, day and night. I even have a little view across the park all the way over to 181st Street that I absolutely treasure (Central Park? Who is she?).

This is the fourth neighborhood I've lived in, and it is without a doubt my favorite.

THE APARTMENT
Noise
As above, very quiet. On occasion you will hear a faint piano or French horn wafting up during the day only, which is reflective of how many performers and artists live up here. I love hearing this as I enjoy my coffee.

There's a playground in the park below, so a low hum of kids' voices during the day. It's all very charming.

Living
- Large, and with a nice Room and Board sofa, two comfy armchairs, and a 4-seat round dining table. TV is a 2016 Roku TV, and I have quite a suite of streaming apps, including various channels on Prime Video (I'm into British TV and film, so Britbox is available.)

Bedroom
- Huge, with south-facing windows. Full-size bed and a chair.

AC/Heating
- 2 AC units, one in bedroom (a Midea) and one in the living room.

Kitchen
- E-kettle, non-stick cookware, percolator and French press (take your pick!)
- Lovely glassware, flatware, dishes.
- Full-size stove and oven (not the mini-ranges so typical in NYC)

Accessibility
- Classic pre-war, so no elevator.
- Staircase to enter the building. The unit is a 5th floor walk-up.

Transportation
- Subway stop: 175th Street
- The express A train (one of the most reliable lines in the city) is located just up the block from the building, making travel down or uptown a dream.

Laundry
- Credit card-operated laundry (good machines) is on the ground floor by the garbage/recycling.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD
- Views, views, views. The sunsets are just stunning up here. The park in front of my building has a fab view of the George Washington Bridge (New Jersey never looked so good - haha!). While pedestrians do have to share it with cyclists, walking across the GWB is quite fun, and will present you with the most breathtaking view up the Hudson Valley.

- SO many green spaces along the glorious Hudson! Just walk about and enjoy the various little parks and trees meeting overhead. The upper reaches of Riverside Park stretch up here, and below the bridge, you will find excellent tennis courts, and--in my opinion--one of the best views of the Manhattan skyline.

- The neighborhood is very relaxed throughout the week, livelier on the weekends, and has a lovely mix of single people and families. It's extremely diverse thanks to a number of factors, but especially the hospital (New York-Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center) a few blocks south that attracts all ages and many professions.

- Washington Heights attracts a few NYC-resident tourists, but is one of the most authentic NYC neighborhoods in that it's very locals-for-locals, just enjoying their uptown lifestyle.

- 181st and 187th Streets are where most of the restaurants and bars are, with a variety of cuisines and vibes. My favorites are Uptown Garrison (American), Saggio (Italian), and 181 Cabrini (SUCH a fun watering hole with a solid and eclectic menu, and warm community feel. Coffee spots abound--I'm sort of a Starbucks person (gasp), but have a list of finer options.

- Local sites of interest: The Met Cloisters, Fort Tryon Park, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, and for the true nature lovers, Inwood Hill Park has a breathtaking forest that will leave you wondering what land of enchantment you wandered off to. All of this is within moderate walking distance.

MISC NOTES
- I've lived here just over a year. I think the neighborhood would appeal most to people who have been to New York before and enjoy playing resident while staying here. But again, it's easy and welcoming for all, and I love that people just mind their own business! (The ladies of a certain age keep everyone in check, I'd say...)
- If you require a lot of amenities, this place and area are probably not for you.
- Venture over to Broadway to see life's great pageant, and to hear some amazing music.

About This Lister

I'm a 38-year-old fundraiser in theater. Originally from Michigan, I've been in NYC for 12.5 years. I love the city because it's one of the few places you can really reinvent yourself, have chapters to your life, and discover new people, places, and experiences with seemingly infinite variety. The access to culture is just wonderful, and I have always loved the West Side of Manhattan ("West Side, Best Side") for its warmth and beauty. People just have more fun over here.

I'm incredibly spontaneous, love my friends dearly, and am not much of a homebody (more reasons why New York reels me in year after year). But when I am sofa-bound, it's all about books, music, film. I could watch two or three good films in a row, easily.

I of course love to travel, but am quietly adventurous. I'm solidly half-introvert. My home is a sacred space, and people always comment on how peaceful it is. (I find a lot of people's homes to be the opposite...eep!)

I'm a very neat, thoroughly clean person, but not neurotically. I just like to keep things feeling fresh and tidy.

Oh, and my 3-lb teacup chihuahua Ernesto (Ernie) is the center of my life and I'd take a bullet for him.