The neighborhood has a large Dominican population (the area is sometimes referred to as "Quisqueya Heights"), and Spanish is commonly heard being spoken on the streets. Since the 1980s, the neighborhood has been the United States' most important base for Dominican empowerment in the political, non-profit, cultural, and athletic arenas. Washington Heights is connected via the George Washington Bridge.

There is also a significant Jewish population, particularly in Hudson Heights subsection, descended from a previous wave of immigration, as well as students (and recent graduates) of the neighborhood's Yeshiva University. The term "Hudson Heights" was created by one of the local real estate firms to attract more wealthy residents in the area. It worked, and the gentrification has been continuing in recent years. It brought a Stabucks to 181st Street, and other upscale stores, spas, gourmet markets, and restaurants.

The German & Jewish population is based around Khal Adath Jeshurun, a direct continuation of the pre-war Jewish community of Frankfurt am Main, colloquially called "Breuer's" after Rabbi Dr. Joseph Breuer, founder and first rabbi of the congregation. Washington Heights is also served by a number of smaller orthodox synagogues, as well as the Fort Tryon Jewish center, a conservative congregation and the Hebrew Tabernacle, a reform congregation.

With its many positives, it's no wonder this neighborhood is becoming increasingly popular. If there is any area of the city that is destined to be the next "it" neighborhood, Upper Manhattan is the one to watch.

Excerpt From Wikipedia.org