Inwood parents understand that they are raising children in one of New York City’s best kept secrets for families. The area offers the best of urban life while also often providing the feel of a close-knit, suburban neighborhood. If you’re an Inwood parent, read on and let us know if we missed something. (If you’re not, consider enjoying these Inwood family favorites in this rapidly-changing ‘hood!)

photo: Omar Z. via Yelp

1. You can be found on Sunday mornings babywearing at brunch at any of the trendy sidewalk cafés, sipping your mimosa and enjoying the laid back vibe.

2. Local lingerie shop Brazen (closed, but still online!) may have played a part in your child’s conception or nursing as a newborn, or perhaps helped you light a fire in the bedroom when you and your better half recovered from having a kid.

photo: Barbara Cioffi Giacometti via The Cloisters Facebook page

3. Whenever your child wants to get his or her “castle” on, you head to The Cloisters. (Also, as a result, your kid is certain unicorns are real.)

photo: Kristine Paulus via Flickr

4. At the announcement of the first heavy snow you rush to ready the sled for a day of fierce tobogganing at Inwood Hill Park.

5. Your kids are budding polyglots, thanks to music group in French, story time in Spanish and maybe even a coveted spot at one of the area dual-language schools. (Plus, they know how to pronounce “Spuyten Duyvil”.)

6. You know summer is coming once the horrible traffic begins on Dyckman and the crossing guards take over the streets.

photo: Charley Lhasa via Flickr

7. You’ve had your child on the Inwood Little League wait-list since birth and you can’t wait to be that competitive parent coaching your child from the sidelines.

8. Your freezer is so full of eggshells and peels you think twice about buying that tub of ice cream because it won’t fit until after your compost drop off at the Saturday farmers market.

photo Viral P. via Yelp

9. You can walk in any direction for good rice and beans no matter the time of day or night.

10. You know it’s election season when the merengue music and proclamations announcing local candidates blare from cars and trucks on the streets.

11. You forgo a holiday tree in your tiny living room and convince your kids that the annual Bruce’s Garden Tree Lighting Ceremony makes up for it.

photo: The All-Nite Images via Flickr

12. As soon as the number 1 subway train goes outdoors, you know you’re home.

What’s your quintessential Inwood parent experience? Tell us in the comments below! 

— Suzy Diaz
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