Just north of Manhattan, The Bronx is the only borough of New York City that is on the mainland. Nearly half of the population in The Bronx is Latino, and it has the largest number of Puerto Ricans of any other county in the US. Some famous areas of The Bronx include Arthur Avenue (The Bronx’s ‘Little Italy’), Fordham, where you’ll find Fordham University and the Yankee Stadium, Riverdale, an upscale enclave with homes costing millions of dollars, and the South Bronx. The South Bronx used to be best known for its exceptionally high crime rate. It is now a gentrification project: the influx of artists started a few years back, and the price increases soon followed - since 2002 housing prices have quadrupled.

Accommodation

Housing in the Bronx is as varied as the neighbourhoods. There are private homes, whether one, two or three family, large apartment buildings, condos and co-ops. The prices range from a few hundred thousand to several million dollars, depending, of course, on the area. Co-op City, the largest cooperative housing development in the world, is located in the Bronx’s Baychester section. With its 15,000 residential units, three shopping centres, schools, movie theatres and supermarkets, it is a city unto itself.

Shopping & Amenities

Shopping is varied. The multi-cultural history of The Bronx means that you can shop your way around the world. Arthur Avenue Retail Market, in particular, is where you’ll be able to stock up on some authentic Italian goodies like cheese, sausage, pasta and olive oil.

Entertainment & Leisure

There are several things to do and see in the Bronx, including the Bronx Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo and the Bronx Museum of the Arts (www.bronxmuseum.org). Two of the city’s largest parks are here: Pelham Bay Park and Van Cortlandt Park. One of the most famous landmarks in the Bronx is Yankee Stadium, the home of the New York Yankees baseball team.

Health

If you live in The Bronx, your closest hospitals are Bronx Lebanon (www.bronx-leb.org), Calvary Hospital (www.calvaryhospital.org), Jacobi Medical Center (718 918 5000), Montefiore Medical Center (www.montefiore.org), Our Lady of Mercy (www.ourladyofmercy.com), and St. Barnabas (www.stbarnabashospital.org).

Education

Some of the finest schools are in The Bronx, such as Bronx Science (www.bxscience.edu), one of three specialised science high schools in the city. Other highly recognised schools, such as Walton, DeWitt Clinton High School, and the High School of American Studies are in the Bronx. In addition, three of New York City’s most elite private schools are located in The Bronx: Fieldston (www.ecfs.org), Horace Mann (www.horacemann.org), and the Riverdale Country School (www.riverdale.edu).

Traffic & Public Transport

Trains to the Bronx include: B, D, 2, 4, 5, 6 subways. In addition, the Harlem and Hudson lines of the Metro North (above-ground commuter trains) make stops in the Bronx.

Safety & Annoyances

The Bronx is still known as the most dangerous ‘hood in New York. Despite recent getrification, you should always check out any area before deciding to lay your hat there.