Savvy New Yorkers fleeing the high cost of (212) boost Riverdale's urban offerings

Greater Riverdale is now being seen as the perfect solution for well heeled New Yorkers and new comers alike being weary of spinning their wheels in hopes of finding a Manhattan or Brooklyn property or rental as prices are still climbing even higher than previous peak markets. If you're loving the city life, not willing to give "it" up, but feel it's time to move out of that once affordable (You do have better things to do with your money, don't you?) cookie-cutter, tightly squeezed in, girdle tugging high priced shoebox habitat that was in the oh-so hot place to be in...blah-blah-blah...Well now is the time to think NoMa! Come join the new flocks of island hoppers migrating from Manhattan, and island boroughs to the east, who are now nesting across the Harlem River into greater Riverdale; the Bronx whose acronym is NoMa just to the North of Manhattan. The Bronx, once an unheard of option for "outsiders" has quietly regained its esteem attracting the hearts, minds and wallets of the financially matured economically savvy New Yorker, who has discovered the logical joy of Riverdale's oasis inside the Bronx. "Why Riverdale, what bargains?" If you compare a three bedroom apartment in anyplace Manhattan, the cost is well over $1 million, right? Ah ha... now consider a spacious three bedroom with Hudson views and garage priced at $429,000 or perhaps a convertible three bedroom with terrace and garage only $329,000? Need a four bedroom rental in Kingsbridge Heights/Jerome Park? Check out this amazing townhouse duplex rental for only $2,200 per month which features sunny open views, hardwood floors, two full baths, two-car garage, back yard, roof deck, c/a/c and an easy walk to the subway...OMG! No kidding you've got to love the Bronx! Recognized as New York's first commuter "railroad suburb," Riverdale was developed by five businessmen in the mid 1800's who desired a convenient "view location" with an easily accessible commute using the New York Central railroad, hence the Riverdale station, which still operates near West 254th St. Today's travel time to Grand Central Station is only 25 minutes; less time than most subway riders journey to and from home/work in Manhattan! The surrounding area known as Riverdale's "Estate Area" consists of landmarked estates, gated private roads, tucked away enclaves, old-world cul-de-sacs, and much more...a true wonderland escape just steps away from the hustle and bustle of the harried city. Are you house hunting? Ask me about availabilities. If you're not a house buyer but still want to see and experience Riverdale's elegant past please visit Wave Hill, the 28-acre New York Public Garden & Cultural Center; again, you won't believe you're in the Bronx. Fun fact: According to the NYC Green Book, there are 304.8 square miles of land area that make up New York City. Of that total, 14.7% or 44.7 square miles of that area is park space. The Bronx has a total land area of 42.4 square miles with 10.8 square miles of park space totaling the greatest percentage of park space to total land area 25.6% of the five boroughs of NYC. Hooya, you've got to Get BX'd! There's more to enjoy in Riverdale too: This year the College of Mount Saint Vincent located in north Riverdale on Riverdale Ave. at 263rd St. is hosting Riverdale's own RiverFest 2012 which celebrates the Hudson River and supports the Hudson River Greenway. Update: The Riverdale Crossings Mall yet to be built is estimated to cost $80 million will be anchored by BJ's Wholesale Club and rumored to announce a large sized theme-dining experience restaurant. Now, as the saying goes, "Everything's Under the Bridge" in Kingsbridge and truth be told it's a bargain shoppers delight for amazing values, goodies 'n funky finds with a couple of well below wholesale priced designer shops on West 231st St. Are you still on a budget and hungry to indulge yourself with quality and quantity "cheap-eats?" Then treat yourself to the two best mainstays on 231st St.: the legendary Piper's Kilt, and/or the famed Tibbett's Diner. Walkable and convenient-You'll love the life in NoMa! "It's On." Susan Lynne Seidner Chasky, GRI, ABR, SRES, is an associate broker at Exclusive Properties Sotheby's International Realty, Riverdale, N.Y.