Best known for “Strivers’ Row” — more than one block of Harlem townhouses that share rear courtyards — the Harlem sub-neighborhood of Hamilton Heights has some of the most-preferred townhouses in New York City. Some parts of Strivers’ Row are designed, with the gardens in the back of the townhouses, lovely staircases, fireplaces, pocket doors, and moldings.

This area is surrounded by great subway access (the train stops at 135th and 145th streets) and admirable row houses making Hamilton Heights a lovely place to rent or buy a home. The Hamilton Heights district runs north from City College along the river, drawing attention to Riverbank State Park, which offers skating, basketball courts, and swimming. Long-range plans for Hamilton Heights are to open up access to the Hudson River for walking and biking, using a master plan that includes environmental design and public art.