Riverdale, NY: A Suburban Enclave with Tree Winding Streets

As the name suggests, Riverdale is defined by its position on the banks of the Hudson River. Like a little slice of New England in the northwestern Bronx (north of the Harlem River, south of Yonkers and west of VanCortlandt Park), Riverdale is one of the few places in New York City where you’ll find stately single-family homes, rock walls, winding roads, and mature trees. This upscale neighborhood’s historical sites rival those of Manhattan, which locals refer to as “the city” or just “downtown.” Fieldston, Riverdale’s wealthiest neighborhood, located between 250th Street and Manhattan College Parkway, has a decidedly Connecticut-like feel. Besides having first-rate schools, Riverdale is home to Van Cortlandt Park and historic sites such as the Van Cortlandt House and Wave Hill. Van Cortlandt Park is twice the size of Central Park and attracts runners, bikers, and hikers. It’s also home to the Bronx’s largest freshwater lake. The mansion and public gardens at Wave Hill date to 1836.