Riverdale, Residential neighborhood in The Bronx, United States.
Riverdale is a neighborhood in The Bronx in northwest New York City, spanning hilly ground from the western edge of Van Cortlandt Park to the shore of the Hudson River. Residential streets wind up and down slopes, with houses made of brick, stone, and wood set among gardens and trees that line narrow and wide streets.
Wealthy families from Manhattan began building country estates along the hilltops overlooking the river in the mid-19th century, expanding through the early 20th century. After the opening of the Henry Hudson Bridge in 1936, denser development followed with apartment blocks and row houses that gradually changed the character of the neighborhood.
The name derives from the old River Road path that ran along the western edge beside the water, now known as Henry Hudson Parkway. Many homes retain entrances and facades from the early decades of the 20th century, while newer apartment buildings stand between older row houses.
Access is easiest through two Metro-North Hudson Line stations located west of the main traffic area, offering regular connections to Grand Central Station in Manhattan. Walking routes between residential zones and green spaces often slope steeply, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
Wave Hill, a public garden along the riverfront, preserves greenhouses and manicured paths within an old estate that now hosts outdoor art exhibitions. Visitors reach the grounds on foot from nearby bus stops, with free admission available on certain weekdays.
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