As someone who grew up in Riverdale and moved back to Spuyten Duyvil for a year in 2014-15, I'd like to correct the article's statement that there are no nearby subway lines. The local BXM100 bus that runs south along Henry Hudson Parkway makes 2 very convenient stops along Kappock Street (same bus shelter as the BMX1 and BMX2 express buses), and from there it's only 3 stops more to the #1 elevated tracks at the 231st Street station. It's about 35 minutes from 231st Street to Lincoln Center. However, the return commute in the evening can get lengthy. Buses back up the hill run infrequently in the mid to late evenings and on weekends.
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Nowhere does this article translate the name, though the author writes as if it is obvious.
FYI. the name means Spouting or Spitting Devil, because of the water currents where the two rivers meet.
It is mistranslated in an earlier comment as 'in spite of the devil,' but that is incorrect.
FYI. the name means Spouting or Spitting Devil, because of the water currents where the two rivers meet.
It is mistranslated in an earlier comment as 'in spite of the devil,' but that is incorrect.
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Those tall buildings are an eyesore for the rest of us. It's like looking at New Jersey.
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Commute times on public transportation:
The 10 and 20 buses to 231st and Broadway: 10-30 minutes
The number 1 at 231st to 34th Street Penn Station: about an hour
Express buses to 34th Street: 90 minutes average, depending on time of day, traffic, etc.
MNR shuttle to MNR train to Midtown: an average 60 minutes
The 10 and 20 buses to 231st and Broadway: 10-30 minutes
The number 1 at 231st to 34th Street Penn Station: about an hour
Express buses to 34th Street: 90 minutes average, depending on time of day, traffic, etc.
MNR shuttle to MNR train to Midtown: an average 60 minutes
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It's an ideal commute for anyone who works in midtown. I live a 5-minute walk from Spuyten Duyvil's Metro North station (so no need for the Rail Link to get to and from the station) and I work a couple blocks from Grand Central. So it's about 45 minutes door-to-door.
The express bus stops in front of my door but would take longer due to traffic, and I don't use the subway much because it's a 20-minute walk to the station.
As someone else noted, it's a nice way to start the day because the Metro North platform is right on the river. And returning at night I always feel safe walking home from the station.
I bought my co-op mainly because of the beautiful Hudson River view from the terrace and every window in my apartment. ;
The express bus stops in front of my door but would take longer due to traffic, and I don't use the subway much because it's a 20-minute walk to the station.
As someone else noted, it's a nice way to start the day because the Metro North platform is right on the river. And returning at night I always feel safe walking home from the station.
I bought my co-op mainly because of the beautiful Hudson River view from the terrace and every window in my apartment. ;
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As one who left Manhattan for the Spuyten Duyvil, I thank you for the terrific overview of the neighborhood. Arriving home from work at the Metro North station, only 22 minutes from Grand Central Terminal, feels like an escape to the country. Just one plug, though. I have lived in the Blue Building for some 10 years and have to say that it is known for lots more than the Columbia "C" painted on an outcropping below. It is an extraordinarily designed building with a unique glass brick facade facing the street and with all apartments given amazing views to the south, southwest or southeast. The views include Inwood Hill Park, whose tree growth still allows a peak at the top of the GW Bridge and Cloisters; the Harlem and Hudson Rivers with the Circle Line, Columbia scullers and pleasure boats frequent travelers; and as you ascend to higher floors, the World Trade Center, Empire State Building and Queens Citicorp Building. You never lose the sense of awe at the view, which lights up spectacularly at sunrise and sunset. I dare say that it is every bit as impressive as the views from the Palisade Ave side of the district, if not more.
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The article incorrectly states that there's no nearby subway. The 231st Street subway stop on the 1 line is just down the hill, and local buses run throughout Spuyten Duyvil directly to the stop in mere minutes.
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I was wondering about that omission myself. I live in Central Riverdale and am thrilled with the amount of available and accessible public transportation. Also, not mentioned, is that you can get a Metro North monthly ticket for $208, using a MetroCard for the Rail LInk and then get a free transfer to the subway at 125th St or Grand Central, and vice versa.
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I used to think that Sputen Duyvil meant spitting devil but am told by a friend that it means In spite of the Devil.
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It's possible to walk across the Henry Hudson Bridge. We're in Inwood, and climb through Inwood Hill Park to the pedestrian entrance (not easy to find the first time, but then you know) on a separated walkway alongside the bottom roadway. It's priceless to see the looks of astonishment on Manhattan-bound drivers; even better are the views of the Hudson River. Spuyten Duyvil residents can. of course, do the walk toward Manhattan, then turn around if they don't want to enjoy Inwood Hill Park.
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I have lived in Spuyten Duyvil since 1999, after 22 years on the Upper West Side. I would not move back. As far as I'm concerned, the best commute is on MetroNorth. I am a five-minute walk from the station and it's a 25-min. train ride to Grand Central Terminal. And MetroNorth is much, much nicer than the subway. Additionally, the setting of the Spuyten Duyvil station is beautiful, which is a nice way to start the morning.
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Liebman's Deli and Gruenebaums Bakery provide mouth-watering and body-and-soul-enhancing delicacies that always satisfy, particularly if they provide, as they do in my case as well as those of my sister, relatives, and friends, comfort food linked to a past and a culture. Don't let the location listed above mislead anyone--the writer is from Park Terrace West in Inwood and has great love for the Spuyten Duyvil area.
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Three Spuyten Duyvil plusses the author forgot:
1. Though the restaurants ARE few in number, Siam Square and the hopefully-restored-soon Pizza Express on Kappock are quite good.
2. Riverdale Park, which begins on Palisade Ave between W 231 and W 232 is a NYC gem, offering unparalleled views of the Hudson River and hiking right outside our doors.
3. Last but not least, the neighborhood has a wonderful community feel, especially if you're a dog owner. I've lived here for 8+ years and know many neighbors by name. An example of the wonderful community spirit here is Stewards of Henry Hudson, a volunteer group which has taken to beautifying the park of the same name. Every spring, we now have tons of glorious tulips, daffodils and other plants to walk among every day.
In short, S.D. is a great place to live in NYC! :)
1. Though the restaurants ARE few in number, Siam Square and the hopefully-restored-soon Pizza Express on Kappock are quite good.
2. Riverdale Park, which begins on Palisade Ave between W 231 and W 232 is a NYC gem, offering unparalleled views of the Hudson River and hiking right outside our doors.
3. Last but not least, the neighborhood has a wonderful community feel, especially if you're a dog owner. I've lived here for 8+ years and know many neighbors by name. An example of the wonderful community spirit here is Stewards of Henry Hudson, a volunteer group which has taken to beautifying the park of the same name. Every spring, we now have tons of glorious tulips, daffodils and other plants to walk among every day.
In short, S.D. is a great place to live in NYC! :)
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Nice to know about the neighborhood. Is there a fenced-in dog run in any of the parks?
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Yes. There's a dog run on the 235 St. side of Seton Park, near the library.
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Thank you
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Can anyone who currently lives in Spuyten Duyvil please comment on what the commute on the express bus is like? I would need to get to Columbus Circle.
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Very important to ask. Your stop would be 63rd and Broadway on the BXM2. It can take anywhere between 45 min to a bit more than an hour, depending on traffic, time of day. Often drivers get radio instructions on how to avoid traffic. Southbound the last pick-up stop is West 230th Street, northbound the last pick-up stop is 99th across from Mt. Sinai. It will not stop anywhere in between either direction. It is basically a service exclusively for Riverdale/Kingsbridge/Spuyten Duyvil residents.
I'm fortunate to live a 10 min walk (with one big hill) from the 1 train. Most residents prob take the bx7 or bx10 to Broadway and then the local 1 train. This is often the fastest and most reliable way to get somewhere on time. The express bus is usually something I take when getting home late and be dropped off atop of the hill. Because of the area's topography things are often not as close as they appear. The bus is in actuality a very comfortable and quiet ride, it could just be a little more time efficient. I've been trying to attend community meetings about addressing this.
Other options include uber pool, which gets me to West 57th for about $14-$20, and I can use pre-tax dollars to pay for it. Often a better option if it's two people. Also, a shuttle bus called the RailLink shuttles people to/from the Metro North.
Sorry for all the long post, but hope you find it helpful. It is a very nice, peaceful and clean area where your visitors will always pay your home compliments.
I'm fortunate to live a 10 min walk (with one big hill) from the 1 train. Most residents prob take the bx7 or bx10 to Broadway and then the local 1 train. This is often the fastest and most reliable way to get somewhere on time. The express bus is usually something I take when getting home late and be dropped off atop of the hill. Because of the area's topography things are often not as close as they appear. The bus is in actuality a very comfortable and quiet ride, it could just be a little more time efficient. I've been trying to attend community meetings about addressing this.
Other options include uber pool, which gets me to West 57th for about $14-$20, and I can use pre-tax dollars to pay for it. Often a better option if it's two people. Also, a shuttle bus called the RailLink shuttles people to/from the Metro North.
Sorry for all the long post, but hope you find it helpful. It is a very nice, peaceful and clean area where your visitors will always pay your home compliments.
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Thank you so much for the info. Very helpful. In exploring the area recently, I learned the hard way that things are not as close as they may appear on the map, especially adding in the hills. Seems like it could be a difficult commute and more expensive if I have to buy a bus pass in addition to a metro card because I believe that you can't use a metro card on express busses. But it's a very beautiful area of the city, so it may be worth the daily time & money. Thanks again.
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Buildings East of the Henry Hudson Parkway can be a very short walk from the 1 train. On the map, you can see Ewen Park. Buildings around that park are an easy walk to the train.
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One commuting option not mentioned is that many residents take the Bx10 bus for a 10 minute ride to the W. 231st St. stop on the 1 subway line, or the Bx20 to the A train at 207th St.
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