Due to the widespread gentrification that Inwood is being subject to, there is a noticeable divide between the culture and people who live East of Broadway, and those who live West of Broadway.

What was a purely homogenous place a mere 60 years ago is now seeing a rapid influx of people from downtown and midtown Manhattan due to economic benefits such as cheap rent, groceries, food, etc.

However, due to the existing economic disparity that exists between the older residents of Inwood and the new comers, there is a visible divide in the quality of living in the east vs. the west of Broadway.

Housing West of Broadway

The West end of Inwood is recently home to more co-ops and high-end luxury buildings, which only people of a higher economic class can own; also mirrored in the décor and prices of stores, pubs and restaurants.

For instance, during our interview with Linda Fang, a engineer and resident of Inwood, she informed us that “You see a lot more white people west of Broadway in this area because they can afford the more expensive housing”.

Housing East of Broadway

Conversely, the locations east of Broadway maintain their humble roots since they cater to a very different branch of the population – those not as economically well off.  Hence, the presence of cheaper stores, bodegas and more ethic locations are visible and embraced by the people.