Riverdale is a residential neighborhood located in the northwestern section of the Bronx, one of the five boroughs of New York City. Situated along the Hudson River, it is bordered by Yonkers to the north, the Bronx River to the east, and Van Cortlandt Park to the south. The neighborhood is geographically elevated, featuring hilly terrain and tree-lined streets, and is known for its suburban character compared to other parts of the city.
Riverdale is divided into two main sections: North Riverdale and Riverdale proper (sometimes referred to as South Riverdale). The area includes a mix of housing types, including private homes, apartment buildings, and institutional campuses. It is home to several educational institutions, including Riverdale Country School and parts of the campuses of Lehman College and the Cardinal Hayes High School.
The neighborhood is served by the No. 1 subway line, with stations at 238th Street, 242nd Street–Van Cortlandt Park, and 231st Street, providing access to Manhattan and other boroughs. Additionally, several bus routes operate within the area.
Demographically, Riverdale has a diverse population, with a significant proportion of residents identifying as White, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino. The neighborhood has historically been home to a large number of academics, professionals, and members of the Jewish community.
Riverdale includes several parks and green spaces, such as Wave Hill, a public garden and cultural center offering scenic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades. The area is also in proximity to the Henry Hudson Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway, major roadways that provide regional connectivity.
Riverdale is part of Bronx Community Board 8 and is included in New York City Council District 12. Accurate information regarding its earliest settlement and development is well documented in municipal and historical records, with the area having evolved from rural farmland in the 19th century to a developed residential neighborhood in the 20th century.