Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Kensington vs Washington Heights

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Brooklyn|Manhattan

Kensington

Brooklyn

Washington Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Washington Heights has the lower median sale price at $518K vs $1.6M in Kensington.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Washington Heights offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Washington Heights, which is served by 3 subway lines compared to 0 in Kensington.

Median Sale Price
$1.6M
$518K
Median Rent
$3K
$3K
Active Listings
89
174
Avg Days on Market
59 days
48 days
YoY Price Change
+198.1%
-5.3%
Monthly Sales Volume
4
18

Detailed Comparison

MetricKensingtonWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$1,550,000$517,500
Median Condo Price$537,104.5$400,000
Median Co-op Price$400,000$517,500
Median Rent$2,825$2,963.5
Active Listings89174
Rental Inventory78412
Days on Market5948
Price Cut Share5.6%13.2%
Monthly Sales Volume418
YoY Price Change+198.1%-5.3%
YoY Rent Change+8.7%+11.6%
YoY Inventory Change+25.4%-1.7%
Subway LinesN/A1 A C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Kensington moved +198.1% over the past year, compared to -5.3% in Washington Heights. Kensington is seeing price appreciation while Washington Heights has softened, pointing to different supply-demand dynamics in each market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Kensington

Kensington is a residential Brooklyn neighborhood bordered by Prospect Park to the north and the landmarked Green-Wood Cemetery to the west, with Ocean Parkway running through its center as one of the borough's signature tree-lined boulevards. The housing stock includes brick rowhouses, prewar co-op apartment buildings along Ocean Parkway and Coney Island Avenue, and detached Victorian homes on the side streets, served by the F and G trains at Fort Hamilton Parkway and Church Avenue. The B and Q express trains are accessible within a short walk, providing a 30-to-35-minute commute to Midtown Manhattan.

View Full Market Report

Washington Heights

Washington Heights is a well-connected neighborhood known for its dramatic topography and stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. Home to the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park, the area offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The real estate market is characterized by large, pre-war cooperatives that offer significant space for the price, making it a popular choice for those seeking value and community.

View Full Market Report

Transit Access

Kensington

No subway data available

Washington Heights

1AC

181 St (1 A) — 0.4 mi

175 St (A) — 0.4 mi

168 St (1 A C) — 0.5 mi

163 St-Amsterdam Av (C) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Kensington for sale

View all Kensington listings

Washington Heights for sale

View all Washington Heights listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kensington cheaper than Washington Heights?
Washington Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $517,500 vs $1,550,000 in Kensington. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Kensington or Washington Heights?
Kensington has access to 0 subway lines and Washington Heights has 3, making Washington Heights the stronger option for transit access. Kensington has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Kensington or Washington Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Kensington and Washington Heights both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Kensington or Washington Heights?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Kensington and Washington Heights gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

More Comparisons

Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

Call Milton WhatsApp