Riverdale, picturesque and historic: Suburban Rivertown oasis welcomes entertainment dining, more

Autumn fests revival in this energized, retro-fitted northwest section of the Bronx is welcoming new restaurant venues, owing to the brisk reawakened real estate comeback housing market. Yes, Riverdale is changing, it's getting younger and the demographics have expanded to include a wider array of harried New Yorkers coddling a slo-down secure community. No, I'm not kidding, this quiet "older" community known for years as a "NORC," a naturally occurring retirement community, was and is still home to a hearty aging in place population who moved into handsome single-family homes, income producing multifamily row houses or rental apartments turned coop back in the day; or stayed on in treasured rent controlled/stabilized apartments resettling their life-styles primarily back in the 1950s-70s when families were fleeing the "burning Bronx" due to an altering wave of poorer immigrants; additionally caused by the loss of their neighborhoods by the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway and Major Deegan Highway; Riverdale was their escape to oasis and it is still NY's best kept cocooned secret abode. This summer I was a guest of the Kiwanis Clubs' annual Circle Line Hudson River cruise leaving from the Yonkers pier, it was truly an eye opening experience. Viewing Riverdale from the Hudson is just like picturing a sparkling emerald circlet adorned by the glistening of mansions and luxury high-rises; a stunning au natural suburban uptown escape, a true New York City gem! I say this because cruising up the narrow Harlem River the view of the southwest Bronx is well, interesting. With its brick and mortar structures, such as Yankee Stadium, new shopping centers, classic housing projects, all collared by Metro North, need I say more? That is up until turning the bend passing 225th St. at Marble Hill entering an OMG magical divide, where Riverdale's greenery begins, passing the Spuyten Duyvil rail station with the gleaming coast of Riverdale...the gateway to the Hudson Valley, NoMA's own Rivertown just 22 minutes to Grand Central. Not all new comers are 20-40ish , the spirited wiser set sees Riverdale as their "graying-in-place" retirement community too choosing to set down their new aged roots in-town yes, opting in to be near all that matters, let alone not to deal with the horror of night driving to get a quart of milk! Activities abound for these hearties who have many options in which to relish their free-time activities, notability partaking in the Riverdale YM & YWHA's Simon Senior Center in north Riverdale which, by the way, serves a delicious kosher lunch, and features one of NY's only heated indoor saltwater pools, full health club optional. Or, in south Riverdale is the Riverdale Senior Center, and to the east is the JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center. At the Y, the only complaint is that there's never enough time to take full advantage of the daily offerings such as guest speakers, a variety of hobby classes, live entertainment, big screen movies, day trips, and health related presentations including social services and volunteer activities galore! Recently there has been a great new influx of younger generations to NoMa. To accommodate those of you looking for the once unattainable in Riverdale, here are two of the newest upscale, indulgent yes, flashier interior restaurants that caters to you, not only the early bird set, but also invite the after work "happy hour" dinner crowd. Those seeking community outside of their business world, so understandably and naturally prefer to know a proprietor or chef by name... A Votre Santé! Salud! Near the cusp of Riverdale on Broadway is the upscale Winners Lounge & Restaurant Sports Bar, serving up down-home Southern favorites by celebrity chef Keith Bryan; featuring "sip & stay" nightly entertainment, and an unlimited Sunday brunch! Not looking for fancy, just old-fashioned comfort food circa 1950's "Let the Great Times Roll," family diner with maybe an egg cream? You'll love Tiny's Diner on Riverdale Ave., there's no excuse to be hungry, doors open at 6 a.m. to very, very late and they deliver too...just call Tiny, he's real. Come visit, you'll love Riverdale, NoMA, its oh-so-easy! And don't forget to ask me about the latest housing opportunities. O.K.! Susan Lynne Seidner Chasky, GRI, ABR, SRES, is an associate broker at Exclusive Properties Sotheby's International Realty, Riverdale, N.Y.