3135 Johnson Ave, 5-J

Quick Profile

Tucked away on a hillside overlooking the convergence of the Harlem and Hudson Rivers, Spuyten Duyvil (pronounced SPY-tun DIE-vul) is a quiet, primarily residential enclave. It is one of the most beautiful places to live, and yes, it is in the Bronx! Spuyten Duyvil is hilly, with outcroppings of the native dolomite bedrock of the area, winding lanes, and is heavily treed, almost forest-like in many areas. You will wake to birdsong, and may see smaller wildlife and the occasional deer. The neighborhood’s Hudson River shoreline offers dramatic views of the New Jersey Palisades, and if you look northward, you can see all the way up river to the Tappan Zee Bridge. 

Although it has long been considered a retreat from the city for older people, Spuyten Duyvil is now seeing an influx of families and young professionals, moving north to escape the close confines and higher prices of the City, trading those for affordable housing in closer proximity to nature.. There are reasonably priced housing options, including co-op apartments, condos, and even single-family homes in colonial and Tudor styles. There are some high-rise buildings with doormen in the southeastern corner of the neighborhood. The most desirable buildings are the red brick mid-rise buildings along Palisade Avenue, offering stunning Hudson River views. Perhaps the most unusual building is the Villa Charlotte Bronte, a 17-unit co-op building designed to mimic an Italian villa.

The commercial area of Spuyten Duyvil is small, and largely confined to a strip mall-like group of stores on Knolls Crescent. There are a few restaurants that are frequented by residents and a smattering of grocery stores. Three sizeable parks in the neighborhood offer recreational activities and dog-friendly areas. 

With a relatively convenient commute to Manhattan, Spuyten Duyvil gives residents the perfect mix of urban access with relaxed, suburban living. If you work in the City, or just want to spend the day shopping or sight-seeing, you can choose the Metro-North, express buses, or catch the 1 train from Marble Hill, just a quick local bus ride away. You can be in Midtown or at Grand Central Terminal in about 30 to 60 minutes.