A midcentury, community-minded co-op with nice grounds
Morningside Gardens, a six-building co-op complex in Upper Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, defies one of New York City’s classic tropes: that nobody knows their neighbors. “People love living here,” says Athena Witt, an associate broker at Douglas Elliman who has been selling at the complex for 20-some years. “If you don’t want that type of community or don’t want to know your neighbors, then this is not the place. They do things to build a real sense of community here like [hosting] flea markets in the summer and having building parties.” With roughly 990 units and thousands of residents, creating that “feeling of belonging” is even more vital — and getting there is even more impressive. Co-op-wide events certainly play a part, but so do the vast array of hobby spaces and holistic amenities that cover residents from their early to late stages of life.
Well-maintained gardens and cultural programming unite the co-op’s residents
One of Morningside Gardens’ best features is in the name, and it’s equally apparent to those walking along the south side of the complex at 123rd Street. The private garden — featuring mature trees, seasonal flower beds, winding paths, benches, picnic areas and a playground — covers most of the property’s eight acres. “Everyone thinks the complex is beautiful. It’s an oasis,” Witt says. “Each building has a special feature, whether it's a gym, tween center, theater, woodworking shop, photography or ceramics studio. Someone who’s proficient in the area volunteers to give classes.” The complex is also the homebase for the Morningside Players Theater Co., a non-profit arts collective that puts on free or donation-based shows throughout the year. “They even do their own woodworking to build the sets [for the shows]. It’s all about community.”
Elderly shareholders have access to extensive, wellness-focused programming
While the playground and rec rooms cater to the community’s younger set, older residents can rely on the co-ops “aging in place” care. The programs, provided by Morningside Retirement and Health Services (MRHS) since the 1960s, include short-term nurses, exercise classes and occupational therapy led by Columbia University students. “If you get sick, they’ll send a nurse to help you out, arrange for you to have a wheelchair or help with ride-shares,” Witt says. MRHS also looks after residents’ quality of life, hosting everything from ice cream socials, film screenings and book clubs to group museum tours and speaker series covering topics like financial scams and banking best practices. In a 2024 newsletter, MRHS executive director Ronald Bruno pledged to uphold the legacy of the organization’s founders: “All of us who work or volunteer for MRHS have the opportunity to carry on this vision [of aging in place] even as we adjust to very different times of the twenty-first century.”
Studio to three-bedroom residences have a variety of floor plans and finishes
Having debuted in 1956 as a middle-income co-op, Morningside Gardens has a nearly 70-year history of allowing shareholders to update and customize their residences. Today, layouts and finishes vary greatly from unit to unit, but Witt points out one commonality: “All of the apartments have very good closet space. Most have seven or eight closets minimum.” Three-bedroom residences come with additional perks including a second bathroom and in some cases, an outdoor terrace. While units do not have their own washer/dryers, there is a shared laundry center within the complex. Four of the co-op’s six towers are set along La Salle Street to the north, while two sit at either corner of 123rd Street: one at Amsterdam Avenue and the other at Broadway. “The one on Broadway is considered a little more desirable because it’s higher on the hill and you get [Hudson] River views if you’re on a high floor,” Witt shares. “You’ll see The Riverside Church, Grant’s [Memorial] and the George Washington Bridge.” Units facing the garden are also more sought after because of the greenery and quiet atmosphere.
Studios typically sell between $260,000 and $365,000, while one-bedrooms are priced between $399,000 and $550,000. Prices for two-bedroom units range from $605,000 to $800,000, while three-bedroom apartments have sold for upwards of $1.25 million. There are no longer any income restrictions, but pied-à-terres, gifting and unit combinations are not allowed. Co-ops must be used as the purchaser’s primary residence — a standard that protects the co-op’s sense of community from transient residents, perhaps including students and educators who are looking for a second home near Columbia University.
Residents can reach several parks or 125th Street commerce within minutes
Morningside Gardens is conveniently located to nature, shopping, dining and cultural attractions. Both Riverside Park and Sakura Park (named for its cherry trees), are located several minutes west of the complex, while Morningside Park is a half-block east. Just north of Riverside Park, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is a local favorite for its Southern cooking, brews and live music. The commercial portion of 125th Street, located less than a half-mile from Morningside Gardens, includes chains like White Castle, KFC, Old Navy and Marshalls, plus a Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market. Locals can also attend musical performances at the Apollo Theater or catch a movie at the AMC around the corner. The A, B, C, D, 2 and 3 trains are located along this busy corridor, but the 1 train is slightly closer for Morningside Gardens residents. Plenty of local and express buses also operate along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues. For drivers, the nearby Henry Hudson Parkway facilitates travel to the George Washington Bridge in roughly four miles.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
65/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
98/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Sakura Park
5 min walk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Roosevelt Triangle
7 min walk
Sheltering Arms Playground
8 min walk
Picnic Area
Pool
Trails
Hancock Park
8 min walk
Picnic Area
West Harlem Piers Park
11 min walk
Morningside Park
11 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Riverside Park
12 min walk
Annunciation Playground
14 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Julia Gabriel People's Garden
14 min walk
Trails
Schools
Source:
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