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RESIDENT LIFE
WASHINGTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY
Situated on 20 acres, in the Washington Heights region of northern Manhattan, the Columbia University Medical Center campus is a diverse and dynamic mix of scholarly individuals, with vast and varied interests. Local businesses, restaurants, and cafes are seamlessly integrated into the Medical Center campus, and the warm and lively citizens of this largely Caribbean and Latin American immigrant neighborhood further enrich this vibrant community.
The surrounding neighborhood, also known as Hudson Heights, is a unique and surprising section of upper Manhattan, with wooded slopes along the banks of the Hudson River, and scenic views of the George Washington Bridge and New Jersey Palisades to the west, and the Harlem River to the east. Lovely, historic buildings along quiet, tree-lined streets feature large, decorative, well-priced apartments and condominiums. Such housing opportunity has turned this once well-kept secret into New York's latest hotspot. Just a short subway ride from lower Manhattan, downtown artists, musicians and performers, continue to infuse the area with personality and cultural activity.
 Parks occupy nearly a third of this region, more so than any other section of Manhattan. Fort Tryon Park, at the north end of Hudson Heights, is the largest open area around, featuring heather gardens filled with wildflowers and butterflies, an open lawn, and a welcoming café. The Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art focusing on Medieval European works, is found here. On exhibit are more than 5000 wondrous works of art, including frescoes, the famous Unicorn tapestries, and illuminated manuscripts. There are also numerous events at Fort Tryon year-round, including hayrides in the fall and bulb planting in the spring. James Gordon Bennet Park, in the middle of the Hudson Heights, boasts the highest point in Manhattan, and is perfect for dog-walkers and young families. J. Wright Hood Park is a place of enjoyment for those in the southern part of the Heights. Other community treasures include the Dyckman Farmhouse, the oldest farmhouse still standing in New York City, and the Morris-Jumel Mansion.
Residents have access to all University buildings at the Columbia University Medical Center, as well as further downtown on Columbia's Morningside campus. A 10-minute, free shuttle bus ride connects the two campuses. Physical fitness centers at both campuses have ample gymnasiums, giving residents access to swimming pools, weight rooms, squash and handball courts, aerobics classes, an indoor running track, and tennis courts. On and off campus, student safety remains a top priority. Strict security measures and inventive safety programs, such as campus escorts, anti-theft initiatives, and local business safety centers, contribute to Columbia's reputation as one of the safest urban universities in America.
Lower Manhattan | Credit: Brian Ramnath
LIVING IN NEW YORK CITY
New York City is the preeminent metropolis of the United States, and one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is a city of unrivaled diversity, and endless social and cultural choices to meet every taste and budget. Resident life is enlivened by the City's incredible array of astounding opportunities, as a great adventure is never more than a short subway ride away! Visit nyc.gov for more information:
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