The Morningside Gardens neighborhood is extremely diverse and culturally rich. The atmosphere is vibrant and at the same time, laid-back.
The area is filled with educational, cultural and religious institutions including Columbia University, Barnard College, Manhattan School of Music, the Bank Street College of Education, the Interchurch Center, Jewish Theological Seminary, and Union Theological Seminary among others.
Beyond the student population, the Morningside Heights area is also home to long-time residents and young families. Many residents are academics who are employed at area schools, but occupations also span the gamut that is found throughout Manhattan including actors, musicians, artists, lawyers, doctors, nurses, social workers, office workers, executives, etc.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Riverside Church and the Jewish Theological Seminary offer a wide range of secular events along with religious services. Many other houses of worship are located near to Morningside Gardens.
Runners, walkers, bikers and picnickers enjoy Riverside Park running along the Hudson. Morningside Park, a magnificently landscaped area that runs from 110th Street to 123rd Street from Morningside Drive to Manhattan Avenue, has playgrounds, basketball courts and a “waterfall.”
There are many fine public and private elementary schools in the neighborhood as well as preschool options, including one located within Morningside Gardens, the Children’s Learning Center. Two branches of the public library are in easy reach of Morningside Gardens.
Morningside Gardens is in a neighborhood that is easy to call home because of the numerous grocery stores, dry cleaners, specialty markets, restaurants, and other shops it has to offer.