Living in The Bronx

November 26, 2021 4:28 PM

What's it like to live in The Bronx?

I am a single, early-60's female considering a move back up to the northeast (from TX) to be closer to family. I work remotely and would keep my current job as long as it lasts.

What are the safest, most affordable neighborhoods? I'd like to live in an area where a car isn't necessary.

Is it possible to find a condo or co-op in the $150-180k range?

I enjoy walking and being in nature and I'm happy to do activities solo and online, though I would like to slowly meet like-minded people. I would consider renting an AirBnB for a month to get a sense of what life would look like.


I appreciate any insights about living in The Bronx.

Thank you!

posted by dtp to Home & Garden (5 answers total)

As with any borough, "what it's like" depends greatly on what neighborhood WITHIN the Bronx you're talking about. Maybe you could elaborate on why you're focused on the Bronx in particular? And whether you'd be open to other boroughs?

I will say that one thing the Bronx does have going for it is that it'd be REALLY easy for you to get to the Metro-North Hudson Train line, and if you're looking for nature access, you can't beat that for getting you up to the Hudson River Valley and the hiking up there. In theory I could also use the Metro-North trains as a Brooklynite, but for me I'd have to add another hour by subway from here to Grand Central Station onto my travel time, whereas in parts of the Bronx you could just rock up to the Metro-North stop a few blocks up the street and get on board.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:51 PM on November 26, 2021 [3 favorites]

I lived in the Bronx for a decade and would move back in a heartbeat if the stars aligned. I lived in several neighborhoods, and by far my favorite was Riverdale/Spuyten Dyvil. Apartments in your price range may be tricky over there, but not impossible, and there’s a good rental stock. You are surrounded by parks and hiking trails (including Wave Hill gardens which are so so lovely), there’s a cute little “downtown” area on Johnson and Riverdale avenues around 235th street (I would advise living walking distance from this if possible), and a nice community feel to the area.

You’d be close to the metro north which gets you to Midtown Manhattan in slightly less than half an hour. There are busses that stop at major intersections and ferry you to/from the train stations. The one major downside is that if you for some reason need to take the subway, it’s a trek to the subway station and a solid hour + to wherever you’re going. There are express buses that go to and from Manhattan that cost more but are faster and more convenient.

The Bronx gets an unjustified bad reputation, but I lived in Manhattan and Brooklyn prior to moving up to the Bronx and it’s my favorite borough. Good luck!
posted by nancynickerson at 9:11 AM on November 27, 2021 [3 favorites]

I have a friend in her late 60s who has lived in Woodlawn for decades and likes it a lot. She doesn't have a car and almost never drives and it hasn't been much of a problem for her. There are supermarkets within walking distance, some really nice Irish pubs, and bus stops nearby. She's not far from a Metro North station either. I don't know about the prices for condos or co-ops but the rent isn't punishingly high ($1700s or so?) and her apartment in particular is roomy.

I've heard good things about Spuyten Duyvil too, and I had family in Riverdale for years, where you could head over to Van Cortlandt Park.
posted by Recliner of Rage at 10:36 AM on November 27, 2021 [1 favorite]

Read this about buying in NYC. While the requirements are on the low end for the bronx, they will be there.
Most Co-ops, if they are well run, will want you to finance at a max of 80% purchase price (some will allow 90%) - and they'll likely want to see 1-2 years+ of mortgage and maintenance in some sort of liquifiable asset, as well as know your projected income can make the monthly nut.
posted by lalochezia at 10:48 AM on November 27, 2021

Yes, you want Riverdale. I live in the Spuyten Duyvil neighborhood. It's a sweet spot in terms of housing costs. Surrounded by transportation choices (several highways, walk/bus to #1 subway, Metro North commuter rail, frequent express busses to Manhattan). Physically attractive, trees and parks. Good housing stock.
posted by JimN2TAW at 8:00 AM on November 28, 2021 [1 favorite]