The secret is out, and mum's the word... The quest to live under-budget fuels Riverdale's reputation on becoming the new "hot value plus" bedroom community on New York's new Upper Westside. No, I'm not kidding-and yes, Riverdale is in Da Bronx, the cities northwest main land borough-nonetheless-this beautiful neighborhood sitting high on the hill top encompassing an area that is a three mile stretch across the Harlem River at Spuyten Duyvil via the Henry Hudson Bridge and along the mighty Hudson River to the Yonkers, Westchester county line, and is about one mile wide, being perfectly located just minutes to Manhattan's center at 42nd St., via the Metro North railroad to Grand Central in only 22 minutes! Riverdale is one of New York's most classic and beautiful residential neighborhoods featuring much more than just "affordable" residences that said, being compared to Manhattan's and Brooklyn's best in rentals, coops, condos, houses, and estates properties. The main business districts are gaining in popularity, ambience and tourism as a diverse population discovers the quaint charms of Riverdale too. The central commercial area on Riverdale Ave. between West 236th St. and West 238th St. is humming with revitalization and there's new construction with the promise of exciting new restaurants scheduled to open this spring and summer which will add to strengthen Riverdale's-claim to fame-as one of New York City's many multi cultural restaurant destinations. There are other noticeable improvements happening starting in Kingsbridge on West 231st St. and turning up along Riverdale Ave.to the city line. New projects include two new rental mid-rise apartment complexes, two new condominiums, one in the traditional downtown style and one being redefined as a loft-like boutique tower both located on the commercial strip and within walking distance to the subway station. This spring there'll be a new festive yet casual attitude and look on Riverdale Ave. with the expansion of some of the neighborhood's eateries which include an array of Italian, Greek, Latin, classic American burger and kosher favorites. There'll be two new and two expanding Mediterranean style cafés-restaurants with sidewalk seating...Hurray, al fresco dining is back! Old world influences from the Jewish Lower Eastside are already being relished here with Kosher appetizers and pickles from Gus's. Plus the continental style of Little Italy is well represented by Palombo's Bakery Café with balcony seating featuring views overlooking downtown Riverdale! In north Riverdale and on Johnson Ave./West 235th St. (known as the four corners or the town center), well established restaurants are known for having waiting lines for their delicious and reasonably priced menu offerings...choose from an old fashioned Jewish deli, traditional Japanese, three different styles of Chinese, elegant Thai, classic Indian, home style fine dining of Kosher Russian Polish and Sushi delights or just good old fashioned, plain and dependable coffee shop diner food at the Blue Bay-hum hum good!. If you're still hungry, venture up to north Riverdale for great times at the many Irish American restaurants which feature lively entertainment and great eats n' pub treats. Riverdale is a growing community of solid middle and upper middle class people who whether being a newbie's (singles, couples and families who are new to the city), returnees (empty nesters from the suburbs and retirement communities) or a seasoned New Yorker these renters and buyers all come to Riverdale seeking security being fully armed with a strong desire to get the best value for their dollar. While the dream of most transferees and savvy New York veterans looking is still to stay in Manhattan, they are now going the extra step and crossing over the bridge(s) while there's still an aggressively priced real estate market to be taken advantage of...Hurry ...Riverdale is hot! Susan Seidner Chasky is a senior vice president and licensed associate real estate broker at Halstead Property Riverdale, LLC, Riverdale, N.Y.