Our Neighbors

Located at the northern tip of Manhattan, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) calls the historic neighborhoods of Washington Heights and Inwood home. 

Together, these communities, with a combined population of over 170,000, embody the diversity, resilience, and vibrant spirit of New York City's rich immigrant heritage. Washington Heights and Inwood stand as living testaments to the city's constant reinvention, where cultural strengths are woven into the fabric of everyday life. 

A Community of Resilience, Culture, and Natural Beauty 

Nestled at Manhattan’s northernmost tip, Washington Heights and Inwood are neighborhoods defined by history, resilience, and vibrant cultural expression. Originally home to the Lenape people, this land holds deep indigenous roots. During the Revolutionary War, Washington Heights was named after Fort Washington, a key strategic stronghold overlooking the Hudson River. By the 19th century, both Washington Heights and Inwood transitioned from farmlands into scenic retreats for New York’s elite, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley. 

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought waves of immigration that shaped the Heights and Inwood into a dynamic urban enclave. Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine, Jewish refugees escaping Nazi persecution, and German families seeking new opportunities all left their mark on the neighborhood. Post-World War II, internal migrations of African Americans and Puerto Ricans, followed by an influx of Dominicans, Cubans, and other Latin American communities, transformed Washington Heights into a diverse, multilingual, and culturally rich hub. While early communities often settled in separate enclaves, it was through shared struggles and collective activism that they found strength in unity. 

The 1980s and 1990s were defining decades, as the crack epidemic cast a long shadow over the neighborhood, bringing violence, displacement, and hardship. Yet, residents—activists, business leaders, educators, faith-based groups, and elected officials—mobilized to reclaim their streets. They advocated for the construction of new schools, the expansion of after-school programs, the rehabilitation of housing, access to healthcare and organized across various sectors to address pressing challenges, while demanding the essential resources needed to uplift their community. Their efforts led to a powerful resurgence, one that set the stage for a new era of cultural pride and political representation. 

For the last three decades, Washington Heights has been shaped by Dominicans and other Latin American communities. However, in recent years, the neighborhood has experienced gentrification, with rising rents pushing many longtime residents out. Despite these challenges, Washington Heights remains home to one of the largest Dominican populations outside the Dominican Republic, earning its well-deserved nickname, "Little Dominican Republic." The neighborhood’s vibrant influence is evident in its music, cuisine, street art, and cultural expressions that continue to define its identity today.  

Landmarks That Define the Heights & Inwood 

Washington Heights and Inwood are not just defined by their people but also by their iconic landmarks. With its scenic green spaces, thriving cultural institutions, and a deep sense of community, the neighborhoods blend history, art, and urban energy: 

The United Palace – A historic 1930s movie theater turned cultural hub, this architectural gem serves as both a spiritual center and a venue for concerts, film screenings, and community events. 

The Morris-Jumel Mansion – Manhattan’s oldest surviving house, once a headquarters for George Washington during the Revolutionary War, later became the home of Eliza Jumel, whose story inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda while writing Hamilton. 

The Dyckman Farmhouse – The last remaining Dutch colonial farmhouse in Manhattan, this historic site preserves the city’s rural past amid the urban landscape. 

The Met Cloisters & Fort Tryon Park – A stunning museum dedicated to medieval European art, nestled within the lush grounds of Fort Tryon Park, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River. 

Inwood Hill Park – A hidden gem that contains the last natural forest in Manhattan, caves once inhabited by the Lenape, and serene hiking trails. 

Notable Residents 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball great 

Lucille Ball, beloved comic actor 

Junot Diaz, renowned author 

Duke Ellington, legendary jazz musician 

Alan Greenspan, former chair of the Federal Reserve 

Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State 

Stan Lee, comic book mastermind 

Lin-Manuel Miranda, author of the award-winning musical In the Heights  

Edgar Allan Poe, writer and poet 

Gina Torres, film and television actress 

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s sex therapist