Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Hillcrest vs Morningside Heights

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

Queens|Manhattan

Hillcrest

Queens

Morningside Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Morningside Heights has the lower median sale price at $975K vs $1.1M in Hillcrest.

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

Commuters have more transit options in Morningside Heights, which is served by 5 subway lines compared to 0 in Hillcrest.

Median Sale Price
$1.1M
$975K
Median Rent
$2K
$4K
Active Listings
10
80
Avg Days on Market
0 days
35 days
YoY Price Change
+25.8%
+4.8%
Monthly Sales Volume
7
9

Detailed Comparison

MetricHillcrestMorningside Heights
Median Sale Price$1,150,000$975,000
Median Condo PriceN/A$1,712,500
Median Co-op PriceN/A$655,000
Median Rent$2,400$4,425
Active Listings1080
Rental Inventory4100
Days on Market035
Price Cut Share23.1%10.0%
Monthly Sales Volume79
YoY Price Change+25.8%+4.8%
YoY Rent Change-5.9%+2.4%
YoY Inventory Change+400.0%-14.9%
Subway LinesN/A1 A B C D

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Hillcrest moved +25.8% over the past year, compared to +4.8% in Morningside Heights. The +25.8% gain in Hillcrest reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a hilly residential Queens neighborhood of brick Tudor and Colonial homes, garden-apartment cooperatives, and mid-rise condominium buildings along the spine of the Jamaica Hills ridge. The F train at Parsons Boulevard and 169th Street stations provides subway access, and local buses connect to Jamaica Center. St. John's University campus borders the neighborhood to the north.

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Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights is often referred to as the 'Academic Acropolis' of New York, home to Columbia University and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Perched on a plateau between Riverside and Morningside Parks, the neighborhood offers a scholarly and serene atmosphere. The real estate market is dominated by grand pre-war cooperatives with high ceilings and classic details, catering to those who appreciate historic architecture and green space.

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Transit Access

Hillcrest

No subway data available

Morningside Heights

1ABCD

116 St-Columbia University (1) — 0.2 mi

125 St (1 A B C D) — 0.5 mi

Active Listings

Hillcrest for sale

View all Hillcrest listings

Morningside Heights for sale

View all Morningside 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 Hillcrest cheaper than Morningside Heights?
Morningside Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $975,000 vs $1,150,000 in Hillcrest. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Hillcrest or Morningside Heights?
Hillcrest has access to 0 subway lines and Morningside Heights has 5, making Morningside Heights the stronger option for transit access. Hillcrest has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Hillcrest or Morningside Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Hillcrest and Morningside 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 Hillcrest or Morningside 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 Hillcrest and Morningside 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.

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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.

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