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Credit: The Vandewater Credit: The Vandewater
Situated north of the Upper West Side and south of Harlem, Morningside Heights is Manhattan's academic acropolis, home to prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, Teachers College, Barnard College, the Manhattan School of Music and Bank Street College.

Most students would likely prefer to live closer to campus for ease and convenience, but expanding your rental search just slightly beyond the borders of the academic enclave, you'll find these rental buildings which offer everything from prewar charm and in-unit laundry to state-of-the-art fitness centers and expansive roof decks. Take a look and explore your options.
Low Library at Columbia
St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights
The famous Tom's Restaurant

In this article:

The Windermere, 666 West End Avenue
The Windermere, 666 West End Avenue Riverside Dr./West End Ave.
Enclave At The Cathedral, 400 West 113th street
Enclave At The Cathedral, 400 West 113th street Morningside Heights
Northwood, 476 Central Park West
Northwood, 476 Central Park West Central Park West
The Lyric, 255 West 94th Street
The Lyric, 255 West 94th Street Riverside Dr./West End Ave.
The Westbourne, 611 West 137th Street
The Westbourne, 611 West 137th Street Hamilton Heights

FOR SALE

11 Hancock Place, Harlem | 12 floors | 71 Condos
Studio to 3-bedrooms | $598K - $2.2M

 
 
 
 
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Eleven Hancock in Harlem is a condominium designed by Isaac and Stern Architects which masterfully combines glass, steel, and brick into an iconic structure highlighted by horizontal zinc and rust-colored bands. The building has over 6,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor amenities that include a 24/7 attended lobby, a high-tech fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, a children's playroom, a rooftop lounge with BBQs, and an exquisitely appointed resident's lounge that connects to a 3,500 sq. ft. landscaped terrace.

The building is located in the center of Harlem's vibrant music, arts and culinary scene, just one block from Morningside Park and a few blocks from the legendary Apollo Theater, Columbia University and the burgeoning Factory District. The nearby 125th Street station where the A, C, B, and D subway lines will get you to Midtown in just ten minutes.

Vandewater, 543 West 122nd Street, Morningside Heights | 32 floors | 178 Condos
Studio to 4-bedrooms | $950K - $4.6M

 
 
 
 
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Located at 543 West 122nd Street, Vandewater's soaring height of 33 stories allows for unobstructed views of Central Park, the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River, and the Lower Manhattan skyline. Its design by Incorporated Architecture and Design is a modern interpretation of its nearest Gothic neighbors.

Indoor and outdoor amenities span three stories and 24,000 square feet. These include an attended double-height lobby with concierge service, a state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga room, a 70' lap pool, a practice room, study rooms, children's playroom, teen lounge, pet spa, club/media room with large TV, outdoor dining area with griling stations, and elegant gardens.

99 Morningside Avenue, Harlem | 11 floors | 22 Condos
One to four bedrooms | $770K - $2.75M

 
 
 
 
99 Morningside Drive
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99 Morningside Drive
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99 Morningside Drive
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99 Morningside Drive
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Nestled directly across from Morningside Park in the tree-lined heart of Harlem, 99 Morningside delivers twenty-three spacious condominium residences built for modern living. An elegant façade characterizes the building's design with a series of cascading private terraces offering uninterrupted views. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood every residence with natural light. Every home enjoys the coveted low-tax benefit of a 15-year 421-a tax abatement.

FOR RENT
Explore some of the most convenient buildings for students on the Upper West Side

9 Floors | 205 Apartments
Studios from $3,304/mo. | One-beds from $3,814/mo. | Two-beds from $5,200/mo. | Three-beds from $6,880/mo.

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30-Morningside-Drive-01 30 Morningside Drive via Delshah Capital
In 1896, Ernest Flagg, one of the nation’s premier turn-of-the-century architects, erected a Renaissance-style edifice for St. Luke’s Hospital atop the steep bluff of then-brand-new Morningside Heights Park. In 2019, architects Cetra/Ruddy meticulously restored the landmarked building, upgrading the structure for an exquisite rental experience. All units feature high ceilings, large windows, gracious proportions, Nest thermostats, high-end appliances including washer/dryers, and finishes by Restoration Hardware in the bath. Amenities include an elegant lobby, concierge service, a gym with yoga studio and sauna, a children's playroom, a roof deck, a billiards room, and a pet spa. Virtual tours are available.

14 Floors | 80 Apartments
Rooms from $2,367/mo. | Two-beds from $5,400/mo.

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415-West-120th-Street-01 Monarch Heights via TriArch Management
Monarch Heights is a new development well situated near Columbia University's main campus. All units come with custom furnishings to make the most of the space as well as in-unit washer/dryers, recessed lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows with custom shades, and custom hardware and fittings in the baths. Amenities include study rooms, a conference room, a business center with printers, a fitness center, coffee bar, outdoor terrace, shuffleboard court, lounge, roof deck, and "lightning-fast WiFi" throughout. While an attractive option for groups of friends looking to live together, a roommate matching service is available to help solo students.

16 Floors | 428 Apartments
Studios from $2,521 | One-beds from $3,401/mo. | Two-beds from $4,446/mo.

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251-West-117th-Street-01 251 West 117th Street via Artimus Construction
Between its smartphone app and virtual tours, 251 West 117th Street would appear designed with tech-savvy students in mind. The apartments' ingenious layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, sleek kitchens, and generous storage space will also appeal. Amenities include a virtual doorman, digital package room, laundry room, fitness center, lounge with attached terrace, and roof deck with lounging and grilling stations.

Collection of Prewar Buildings
One-beds from $2,931/mo. | Three-beds from $4,333/mo.

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Northwood UWS (Images via northwooduws.com)
Northwood is a collection five renovated pre-war rental buildings at 471-476 Central Park West on the Upper West Side. Situated between West 107th and West 108th streets, the building is a short 15-minute walk to Columbia University's main campus. Recently renovated by the local design firm NADA, Northwood's no fee apartments come in studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom layouts and have premium finishes and sustainability features. Many units have tree-filled views of Central Park and the location is near many restaurants, parks and local landmarks. The local C and B trains can be taken from the 110th Street subway station a short walk away.

16 Floors | 428 Apartments
Studios from $2,995 | One-beds from $3,390/mo. | Two-beds from $4,945/mo.

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Enclave at the Cathedral (Images via Brodsky)
Opened in 2016, Enclave at the Cathedral is two mid-rise apartment towers just to the north of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, which is one of the most famous church buildings in the world. Homes have floor-to-ceiling windows with custom blinds, wide plank oak floors, and in-unit washers/dryers. The 10,000 square feet of amenities includes a beautifully landscaped outdoor deck which overlooks Morningside Park and the Cathedral, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center with floor to ceiling windows, a game room, a screening room and a roof deck.

22 Floors | 360 Apartments
Studios from $2,584/mo | One-beds from $3,580/mo. | Two-beds from $6,125/mo. | Three-beds from $8,570/mo.

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The Windermere, 666 West End Avenue (Images via Stellar Management)
This Upper West Side prewar rental is ideally located between Riverside Park and Central Park and was extensively renovated for contemporary living. The studio through five-bedroom residences feature high ceilings, oak floors, double-paned energy efficient windows with electronic shades, and sleek kitchens with quartz countertops and dishwashers. It also boasts over 12,000 square feet of amenities which includes a 50’ lap pool, spa, gym, roof deck, and a breathtaking sky lounge. In true grandeur fashion, renowned concierge services by Abigail Michaels can assist busy residents with whatever they need. Several exciting restaurants and bars can be found just a block east on Broadway and the nearby 1 train at 96th Street can take students to Columbia University in about 10 minutes.

7 Floors | 34 Apartments
One beds from $2,940/mo | Two-beds from $3,400/mo.

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Manhattan’s first Passive House rental, Perch Harlem was constructed to provide continuously filtered air and to minimize noise pollution and energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills – a plus for students on a budget. All 34 homes come equipped with oversized triple-pane windows, Bosch in-unit washers/dryers, and kitchens that feature stone countertops, porcelain tile backsplashes, and stainless steel energy star appliances. The building also provides a comprehensive amenity package that includes a virtual doorman, exercise room, roof deck, common lounge, on-site parking, bike and personal storage, and complimentary concierge service by Hello Alfred, which can do everything from stocking your fridge with groceries to watering your plants. Nearby, you’ll find the 1/A/C trains (15-minute commute to Columbia University), restaurants along Broadway, like Harlem Public and Bono Trattoria, and cultural institutions like the Sugar Hill Museum of Art & Storytelling, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and more.
Perch Harlem at 542 West 153rd Street (Images via Citi Habitats)

Collection of Prewar Buildings
Three-beds from $3,483/mo.

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Conveniently situated off the 1 train's 137th Street-City College station, the Westbourne is a block-long collection of no fee rentals with one- to four-bedroom apartments. Located on 137th Street, just southeast of Riverbank State Park in Hamilton Heights, the buildings feature a common courtyard, a fitness center and key-fob entry. Apartments have been gut-renovated to condo-like finishes and feature Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring, 10- to 12-foot-high ceilings, and modern kitchens with granite countertops. The building is a short walk to Columbia's new Manhattanville campus and two train stations from the Columbia's main campus.
The Westbourne in Hamilton Heights (Images via Douglas Elliman)

16 Floors | Muti-Building Complex
Studios from $1,874/mo | One-beds from $2,053/month

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When the Lenox Terrace complex was completed in 1958, it was considered “Harlem’s best address.” An expansion is currently underway to bring five new towers, not to mention new park space and amenities like a gym and roof deck, to the site to make it live up to that title in the face of increased competition. Until then, apartments at student-friendly prices have been renovated with hardwood floors, bright living areas, and generous storage space. Its location near the 135th Street subway station makes for an easy commute to Columbia.
Lenox Terrace in Harlem (Images via lenoxapts.com)

20 Floors | 96 Apartments
Studios from $3,295/mo. | One-beds from $3,895/mo.

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The 96-apartment building at 1080 Amsterdam, on the corner of 113th Street, was originally built in 1931 and has been thoroughly renovated and updated by its current owner, Stonehenge. The 20-story Art Deco tower offers a raft amenities to residents, including a fitness center, resident lounge, and bike storage facility. Apartment interiors mix old and new, with features such as sunken living rooms and stainless steel appliances. The pet-friendly building also offers regular programming exclusively for residents, such as yoga classes and dinner parties.

Collection of Prewar Buildings
Three-beds from $3,225/mo.

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Summit Residence 3149 Broadway via Bold New York
Summit Residences is a collection of extensively renovated prewar and postwar buildings near the Columbia campus: 115 West 104th Street, 3143 Broadway, 3149 Broadway, 242 West 109th Street, 3147 Broadway, and 500 West 110th Street. All of the buildings are within 10 blocks of the Morningside Heights campus. Some unit renovations include washer-dryer units in the apartments and stainless steel appliances.

23 Floors | 285 Apartments
Studios from $4,330/mo. | One-beds from $4,440/mo. | Two-beds from $7,150/mo. | Three-beds from $9,220/month

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The Lyric at 255 West 94th Street (Images via Related Rentals)
The Lyric attracts tenants with its luxury apartments, five-star amenities, and excellent Upper West Side location near the 96th Street subway. All 285 studios through three-bedrooms have gracious entry foyers, floor-to-ceiling windows, gourmet kitchens, and marble baths. The building’s sun deck and business center are ideal for hosting study groups. Moreover, The Lyric’s partnership with Hello Alfred, a life-enhancing service, will allow student tenants to save time and enjoy their college experience.

20 Floors | 295 Apartments
Studios from $3,070/month | One-beds from $4,005/mo. | Two-beds from $5,715/mo. | 3-beds from $6,497/mo.

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Avalon Morningside Park via Kliment Halsband Architects
The 20-story apartment building at 1 Morningside Drive is known as Avalon Morningside and was developed by AvalonBay in 2008. Overlooking the lush Morningside Park, it sits on the southeast corner of The Cathedral Church of St. John The Divine and is just blocks from Columbia University. The smoke-free building offers flexible lease terms, in-unit laundry, walk-in closets, EnergyStar appliances, and a variety of floor plans. Student-friendly amenities include a resident lounge, wifi in common areas, a bike room, and a game room.