Susan Seidner Chasky - NoMA Riverdale on verge of being most diversified epicurian haven, adding super residential value

North of Manhattan (NoMA) Riverdale is on the verge of emerging as one of NYC's most diversified exciting epicurean havens, adding to its super residential value opportunities. To begin, the broad definition of greater NoMA encompasses the three mile stretch along the Hudson River from Spuyten Duyvil to the city line at Yonkers and eastward journeying through the Kingsbridge valley to Broadway up to Van Cortlandt Park. In total there are minimally 15 unique "inner neighborhoods" that offer an amazing selection of residential and commercial opportunities. You'll wonder at the time travel experience offered-ranging from 19th Century country homes and trails to ultra modern high-rises and everything in between... just like in Manhattan but oh, so green! For the travelers on the Westside Hwy./Henry Hudson Pwy./Saw Mill Pwy. thoroughfare who don't know of Riverdale as being anything more than a narrow strip of older Bronx apartment buildings and one shining glass high-rise tower, the Solaria, because of its lack of visible gas stations and roadside shopping, please-make a stop-and exit off at West 239th St. to explore this quiet bedroom community where the living is good! There's a revival going on in the downtown area of the once boarded up store fronts that make up central Riverdale's "Shopping 'n Dining Village." Both Riverdale Ave. and Johnson Ave. from West 235th St. to West 238th St. are getting set to emerge as the "new" place to be seen, reside and enjoy. Seasoned and newbie residents including a great many New Yorkers and international visitors are being newly enticed by "the all" that NoMa has to offer. Easy convenient access (automobile not necessary) in particular to nearby entertainments-curtain calls-recreational activity centers. Notable activity centers include: The Riverdale YM &YWHA's theatre and film series and its new Sunday Market featuring natural organic, local fresh kosher and non-kosher products and entertainment at MS/HS 141; the Wave Hill cultural garden center with magnificent Hudson River panoramas; the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts with first rate Broadway productions, also the Lehman Stages and the Lovinger Theatre International Film Festival; the Seven Wonders of Van Cortlandt Park which includes two municipal golf courses, horseback riding and more; the New York Botanical Gardens; the Bronx Zoo and much more... Riverdale was already known as a restaurant destination in the Bronx, but in the last few years the commercial areas have seen many vacancies, due to the economy. However, this summer new and first generation immigrants are taking the advantage-to live the American dream and are in/reinvesting in their neighborhood that grew up by recognizing a familiar call-Yo gotta eat! With an attitude like that, some of these entrepreneurs have already diversified their culinary offerings with a sense of hip-ness and fun! For example the owners of the Pizza Chef opened a family friendly Mexican restaurant, Metate; Riverdale Delight, the Glatt kosher fine dining and adjoining take-out store's owner has expanded to open Shoshi's Market Ha-Makolet featuring Israeli foods, appetizing and the best Falafel in town! Riverdale's Village core includes two Restaurant Rows which cover Riverdale Ave. at 238th St. to West 235th St. to Johnson Ave. There's a festive sidewalk dining experience under party lights, viva alfresco, from three Italian eateries anchoring the heart of Riverdale Ave. At 236th St. there's the new Generico's Pizzeria & Cafe which has kept the tradition of Jasper's Famous Special pizza, it's the best! Across Riverdale Ave. is the famed Palombo Bakery with terraced café for "go to" authentic Italian pastries, gelateria, espresso and more. Further up the street and crowning Riverdale Ave. at 238th St. is Salvatores of Soho café featuring relaxed sidewalk dining, plus many others... Coming Soon to the Village: Oregano Bistro & Bar, an upscale French Latin fusion eatery with a waterfall skylight lounge; The Corner Café, Glatt Kosher restaurant and bakery; Yo-Burger, an old fashioned rock 'n roll styled takeout fun fast food happening; the Greek Express is expanding to a full restaurant and a new Cuban eatery! Riverdale is not one of those so claimed "new little ethnic neighborhoods" that Brooklyn, Queens and even Manhattan are noted for touting, but rather Riverdale's attraction is in, "it's a small world after all..." attitude-it's a cosmopolitan epicurean mosaic melting pot... Let's Eat! Riverdale, the new NoMA can no longer be thought of as a boring bedroom community-those days are forever gone. The residential housing availabilities are at an all time best buy opportunity with something for everyone be it rentals, co-ops, condos, new construction or a single family residence. Experience NoMA-You'll Love It! Susan Seidner Chasky, GRI, ABR, SRES, is an associate broker at Exclusive Properties Sotheby's International Realty, Riverdale, N.Y.