Postwar co-op in Central Riverdale near Henry Hudson Parkway
Built in 1952, the 12-story, red-brick Blackstone, notable for its midcentury modern sign, is among the first crop of residences that were built in scenic Riverdale in the 1950s. It became a co-op in the 1980s, along with many other rentals, and offers more space for the money than much of Manhattan, including some larger units that offer balconies and scenic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, a series of cliffs across the water in New Jersey. “More people want outdoor space after Covid,” says Deena Spindler, an agent with Brown Harris Stevens who has served on the Board of the Association of Riverdale Co-ops and Condos for more than a decade.
Spindler came to Riverdale from Manhattan in 1979, drawn by more affordable rents, and never left. She shares how many new buyers are still coming from Manhattan seeking less expensive space, while previous waves of nest seekers remain, particularly at The Blackstone. “It’s a larger building with a smaller community feeling. I know a lot of people who have lived there for 20, 30 years.”
Roomy layouts with balconies and views for lower prices than Manhattan
There are 86 units here; some have been combined and most are owner-occupied. Desirable features include units with views of the skyline, Palisades or the Hudson River. The larger units have one or more balconies, which are sometimes enclosed. Buildings from this era lack certain modern features like central air, but they do possess thoughtful layouts, large windows, windowed galley kitchens with good counter space and ample closets.
It’s not uncommon to find overhauled kitchens with quartz counters, new cabinets or stainless-steel appliances, including a dishwasher. Some renovated bathrooms have added whirlpool tubs, separate showers and marble tiles.
The Blackstone offers a mix of studios to five-bedroom units, with the latter reaching up to 3,300 square feet. Studios offer around 500 square feet and separate galley kitchens, with the last available studio selling for $125,000 in 2022. One-bedrooms are large enough to fit a small dining room, while the bedrooms include a walk-in closet and can handle a full set of furniture plus a desk, with a 2024 listing asking $245,000. There are many two-bedrooms here ranging between 975 and 1,250 square feet. These might include en-suite baths, balconies and eat-in kitchens, plus some have a stacked washer/dryer — or the option to install them. A 2024 unit listed for $395,000. Larger apartments don’t become available as often, but are likely to possess balconies, views and a washer/dryer. A four-bedroom went on the market for $749,000 in 2024.
Garage parking and rooftop with a playground and pickleball courts
The first thing one notices is The Blackstone’s location next to the Henry Hudson Parkway, so east-facing apartments could be a little noisier. However, traffic noise is relative. “There is a swish of traffic,” says Spindler, “but you don’t hear sirens and beeping, and no trucks are allowed on Henry Hudson Parkway, so it’s not as noisy.”
At the very least, the tree-lined sidewalk and manicured lawn provide a slight buffer from the busy road. They’re also a reflection of this well-tended property. Plus, residents only have to head to the rooftop to find a small playground, full basketball court and pickleball courts, amenities not typically offered by older co-ops. While The Blackstone lacks a gym, many residents join the Whitehall Club, a bi-level health center offering a 60-foot indoor pool, fitness equipment and classes, a rooftop walking track and more. Even though it’s located in The Whitehall, a luxury co-op a few blocks away at 3333 Henry Hudson Parkway, gym memberships are open to the Riverdale community.
Despite Riverdale’s walkability, it can help to have a car, especially since the building contains an indoor garage; some apartments even come with deeded spots. Valet parking is an option for car owners since there is a waitlist for spots. However, Spindler mentions it’s easier to find nearby street parking compared to other parts of Riverdale to the south and east. The building also has a Shabbat, or Shabbos, elevator for members of the Orthodox Jewish community who observe the Sabbath. Rounding out amenities are a door attendant from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., a live-in super and a well-maintained laundry room.
Quieter lifestyle near scenic spots but within walking distance of shops, dining and transportation
Central Riverdale is a solely residential section near major green space, despite the co-op’s proximity to the parkway. Seton Park is a few blocks away, a neighborhood gathering spot with a dog run, tennis courts and a new skate park with ramps and a bowl. Next door are the Riverdale and Spuyten Duyvil playgrounds and the 111-acre Raoul Wallenberg Forest, a nature preserve with an easy trail that connects to Riverdale Park.
Residents can walk to businesses along Johnson Avenue, including a yoga studio, drugstores and restaurants ranging from Indian and Japanese to glatt kosher and coffee shops. Moss Cafe is among them, and Spindler notes it’s always crowded. “People who have no idea that it’s kosher say they go every day for lunch.”
More businesses reside on the opposite side of the highway along Riverdale Avenue, about a 10-minute walk via a pedestrian path at West 239th Street. Spindler mentions the Corner Cafe, a popular restaurant with a year-round outdoor terrace. “It’s frequented by everybody.”
Other popular places include Tin Marin Tapas for live music and tapas in cozy, brick-walled surroundings, Tobala for upscale Mexican with a trendy vibe and Artizen NYC. The latter is a hybrid coffee shop and workspace with areas that can be rented by the hour or day.
For groceries, there’s a Key Food at 235th Street, about a 10-minute walk from the building. Since there is a limited amount of shopping and dining in Riverdale, Spindler points to the numerous delivery services that are available for groceries and other goods. Those with a car can also head up to Yonkers for shopping.
Beyond, there’s also the Riverdale Y, a short drive or bus ride north for its pool, fitness classes, performing arts and more. While Jewish-affiliated, membership is open to all. The Y also holds a farmer’s market every Sunday at Riverdale Temple. There are quite a few Orthodox synagogues within walking distance of the co-op as well.
Convenient for public transportation and drivers
Buses are an easy form of public transportation, whether getting around locally or catching an express bus to Manhattan. Many stop a block away. Buses also stop at the local 1 train at 238th Street and Broadway, or commuters can buy a monthly shuttle bus pass to Metro-North’s Spuyten-Duyvil station at 232nd Street; it’s about a 20-minute ride to Grand Central. Otherwise, it’s at least a 20-minute walk to the 1 train and the Spuyten Duyvil stop. Alternatively, rideshares aren’t difficult to procure, while drivers have the entrance ramp to the parkway in front of the building. Spindler shares that a recent law eliminated the $8 Henry Hudson Bridge toll between Manhattan for car owners registered in the 10463 or 10471 area codes who are also enrolled in E-Z Pass.
Restrictive pet policy and higher common charges
Pets are allowed but limited to one dog or one cat. However, many other area co-ops do not allow dogs. As for financing, the board allows 90%, but common charges skew higher: a recent two-bedroom asking $395,000 comes with almost $1,500 a month in fees.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
45/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
80/ 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
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
6 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Spuyten Duyvil Playground
7 min walk
Trails
Playground
Seton Park
9 min walk
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Football
Brust Park
10 min walk
Trails
Playground
Walking Paths
Ewen Park
13 min walk
Basketball
Dog Park
Trails
Henry Hudson Park
1 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Marble Hill Playground
2 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Riverdale Park
3 min drive
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Marble Hill Playgound
3 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Schools
Source:
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