Considering living in New York City? The Bronx is one of the best boroughs of NYC, offering families affordable housing in the Big Apple, kid-friendly activities, and low crime rates. If you’re looking to live in NYC with your family, check out these five Bronx neighborhoods!
Baychester
Photo via @espynycrealtor
- Home Price: $417,404 median purchase price; $1,376 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Bronx neighborhoods
Looking for a family-friendly neighborhood in The Bronx? Check out Baychester! Located on the borough’s northeast end, this NYC residential area has many affordable housing options for families, ranging from apartments and condos to single-family homes with actual backyards. You don’t have to look very far for good schools either, as the area is home to schools like The Bennington School, Baychester Academy, and Harry S. Truman High School. Not to mention, this Bronx neighborhood offers tons of shopping, restaurants, and green space, as well as quick access to the 5 Train and I-95!
Things to Do in Baychester
Shop at stores like American Eagle, JCPenney, and Old Navy at The Mall at Bay Plaza. Spend the afternoon playing a full 18 holes at Pelham Bay Park Golf Course. Go swimming at the pool, play a game of handball, or watch the kids run through the splash pad at Haffen Park. Take a quick drive over to Orchard Beach for a family fun day of playing volleyball, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the promenade. Order authentic Caribbean foods like Jerked Chicken, Fried Dumplins, or Curried Shrimp at The Dumpling Cove. Chow down on the Royal Burger, Baked Clams, or BBQ Baby Back Ribs at Royal Coach Diner. Stop by Caridad & Louie’s Restaurant for Latin American dishes like Sancocho soup, Pollo al Carbon, and Tostones. Or savor hearty Italian classics like Spaghetti Carbonara, Seafood Risotto, or Chicken Cacciatore at Fratelli Italian Restaurant.
Morris Park
Photo via @rochdalian
- Home Price: $334,795 median purchase price; $1,238 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 42% of Bronx neighborhoods
Located in East Bronx, Morris Park combines the best of both big city amenities and quiet residential living. This Bronx neighborhood is a favorite among families, thanks to its affordable housing options, nearby schools like Philip J. Abinanti Elementary School and The Donald Hertz School, and close proximity to Jacobi Medical Center, NYC Children’s Center Bronx Campus, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In addition, Morris Park is known for its strong Italian roots, which you can celebrate at the annual Columbus Day Parade, one of the largest Columbus Day parades in the state!
Things to Do in Morris Park
Explore 250 acres of gardens and landscapes, have a picnic with the family, and visit the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at New York Botanical Garden. Challenge yourself to the high ropes course, see animals from gorillas to sea lions, and take a spin on the Bug Carousel at Bronx Zoo. Climb on the playground or play a game of roller hockey at Loreto Playground. Make a reservation at Patricia’s of Morris Park, a cozy Italian eatery where you can share a bottle of wine and enjoy a Margherita Pizza or Papparadella alla Bolognese. Dig into delicious Colombian food like Chicken Empanadas or Camarones en Cilantro at La Masa. Make your way to Golden Eagle Restaurant for breakfast favorites like Steak and Eggs or Eggs Benedict. Sample classic seafood dishes like Jumbo Fried Shrimp and Lobster Roll Sliders at City Island Seafood Shack. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Chocolate Cream Pie or Peanut Butter Brownie at Conti’s Pastry Shoppe.
Parkchester
Photo via @jessy_nycre
- Home Price: $223,630 median purchase price; $1,179 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Bronx neighborhoods
Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly apartment, spacious condo, or cozy single-family home, Parkchester can accommodate your family’s needs! Centered around The Oval, this Bronx neighborhood is filled with a variety of unique shops, a great selection of restaurants, and plenty of local parks, so you don’t need to leave the neighborhood to find something to do with your kids—but if you do, you can always catch the 6 Train into the city! Parkchester is also home to top schools, including one of New York’s best private schools, St. Raymond High School for Boys.
Things to Do in Parkchester
Play a game of basketball or hang out on the monkey bars at Castle Hill Playground. Attend Family Storytime or check out the latest audiobook at Parkchester Public Library. Sign the kids up for Mixed Martial Arts or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons at Jungle Gym Martial Arts. Grab a seat at the counter and enjoy classic breakfast dishes like a Ham & Cheese Omelette, Steak & Eggs Sandwich, or Blueberry Pancakes at George’s Diner & Cafe. Try vegan food like a Truffle Mac N Cheese Sandwich, Loaded Nachos, or Corn Tacos at Next Stop Vegan. Get a taste of Cuban cuisine with dishes like Camarones Enchilados at Havana Cafe. Sample Caribbean-inspired dishes like Angry Spicy Shrimp or Churrasco Skirt Steak at Sabrosura Restaurant. Or treat yourself to Mexican classics like Chicken Tacos, Spicy Pork Burritos, or Steak Tortas at Taqueria Tlaxcalli.
Riverdale
Photo via @castle_and_keep
- Home Price: $358,962 median purchase price; $1,305 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of Bronx neighborhoods
The Bronx’s Riverdale neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods for families and one of the best places to buy a home in NYC! Located along the Hudson River, this neighborhood is full of beautiful riverfront views and fun outdoor things to do. With easy commute options via the 1 Train and well-rated local schools like Riverdale Country School, The Spuyten Duyvil School, and Ethical Culture Fieldston School, it’s no wonder why Riverdale is such a popular spot for families looking to settle down in the NYC metro!
Things to Do in Riverdale
Admire the stunning views of the Hudson River and wildlife while strolling the trails at Riverdale Park. Sign the kids up for jumping lessons or check out a horse show at Riverdale Stables. Attend the annual Riverdale RiverFest, which has boat rides, live music, and delicious food everyone can enjoy. Stop by Moss Cafe for kosher-friendly and vegetarian foods like Vanilla & Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding or Moss Kale Salad. Feast on traditional Greek food like Pork Souvlaki, Spanakopita, and Pastitsio at Greek Express. Savor Italian dishes like Chicken Parmigiana, Penne alla Vodka, or Eggplant Rollatini at Salvatore’s of Soho. Treat yourself to authentic Mexican meals like Chile Relleno, Shrimp Tacos, or Pork Tostadas at Cocina Chente. Or fill up on a Double Cheeseburger or Turkey Burger paired with Sweet Potato Fries and a Strawberry Shake at Yo-Burger.
Throgs Neck
Photo via @billchester_
- Home Price: $356,028 median purchase price; $1,202 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Bronx Neighborhoods
Throgs Neck in the southeast end of The Bronx is another great area for families in NYC! Beyond its top schools like Bronx Arts & Science Charter School and Preston High School, Throgs Neck is also home to the State University of New York Maritime College (SUNY), so it’s a perfect location for marine and naval students looking to stay close to home. For families looking to rent or buy a home, there’s a wide range of housing options from inland apartments to homes overlooking Long Island Sound. Need to commute? Throgs Neck offers access to other NYC boroughs via the Throgs Neck Bridge and the 6 Train!
Things to Do in Throgs Neck
Spend the day looking at model ships and maritime art at Maritime Industry Museum. Have a family picnic while admiring views of the East River at Ferry Point Park. Pick up your racket and join New York Tennis Club, where you can play unlimited singles and doubles tennis. Get your kids involved in volleyball teams at Legacy Volleyball Club. Start your morning off right with a Rocket Fuel Cold Brew and a bowl of Miles Oatmeal at The Miles Coffee Bar. Indulge with a Bacon, Lettuce, & Tomato Sandwich or Mama’s Homemade Meatloaf at Crosstown Diner. Grab a Sicilian Pie, Margherita Pia, or Mozzarella & Ricotta Cheese Calzone at Cestra’s Pizza. Try everything from sushi rolls to meals like Steak Teriyaki or Chicken Hibachi Fried Rice at Sugi Sushi. Or dig into a Bay Burger while sipping on a Pina Colada at Paddy’s on the Bay.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
