Is the Bronx Safe?
Is the Bronx a good place to live? To raise a family? Which neighborhoods in the Bronx are the best?
Not only is the Bronx safe, but it is indeed a wonderful place to live, work and visit! It’s a huge borough with many attractions and diverse neighborhoods, so buckle up while we run through some of our favorites – and the safest – Bronx neighborhoods. If you’re looking to relocate to or within New York City, you already know that real estate prices can be sky-high. The Bronx offers a cheaper and less-crowded way of life, but one that is still packed with nightlife, shopping, and everything you want from the city. Plus it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump from Manhattan, in case you need to commute.
Riverdale
Take the 1 train to the end of the line and find yourself in Riverdale. This beautiful neighborhood is filled with large estates and Tudor-style houses overlooking the Hudson River. It used to be a summer haven for wealthy New York residents to get away from the hustle and bustle. Mixed among the huge single-family houses, you can find smaller more affordable co-op apartments. According to areavibes, Riverdale is safer than 85% of the neighborhoods in the New York area. Riverdale offers a taste of suburban while still being a part of the greatest city in the world.
Bedford Park
A true hidden gem, Bedford Park lies just next to the New York Botanical Garden and above Fordham University. Areavibes reports that Bedford Park is safer than 51% of the neighborhoods in New York area. This sweet little neighborhood is as diverse as it gets and filled with people and families of all ages. Plus, like most of the Bronx, the neighborhood retains so much of its original architecture. There isn’t much nightlife going on in this sleepy little alcove, but if you want to live in a quieter place and know your neighbors, this could be the spot for you.
Fordham
Just below Bedford Park lie the neighborhoods of Fordham Heights and Belmont, which surround Fordham University. There is plenty of nightlife here, due to vibrant Fordham Road, and the presence of many university students year-round. $1 pizza, delicious Dominican food, and butt-boosting jeans are just some of the thousands of things you can buy on Fordham Road. In Belmont, you will find the famed Arthur Avenue – New York City’s original Little Italy. Treat yourself to delicious Italian bakeries, restaurants and markets. You can even see old men in the park playing bocce when it’s warm out. Friendly vibes abound here when old world and new school collide. Plus, campus safety is often around, making this a safe, sweet place to live.
Morris Park
Traditionally an Italian neighborhood, Morris Park definitely belongs on our list of safest Bronx neighborhoods. It is patrolled by the 49th precinct which has been named the safest precinct in the Bronx and the second safest in the five boroughs. Morris Park is right next to the Bronx Zoo, River Park, and is right near the 2 and 5 trains which will take you to Manhattan and all the way to south Brooklyn. Treat yourself to some of the delicious Italian bakeries and restaurants. Don’t be surprised when the friendly residents actually wave or say hello!
Baychester
If you want family-friendly and safe, with a wide variety of housing options, check out Baychester. You can shop your heart out at the Mall at Bay Plaza, play golf (in NYC?!) at Pelham Bay Park, or jump in the giant pool at Haffen Park. Speaking of Haffen Park, it was recently announced that the park will be getting $43 million for upgrades. There is so much to do and eat and see in this neighborhood, you can really forget you’re in the city. Baychester also has great schools like Harry S. Truman High School (their motto is “the Best Kept Secret in New York City Schools”) and the Bennington School. Check out this neighborhood profile in the NY Times about how Baychester is a great spot for renters to become homeowners and enjoy a high quality of life within one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Pelham Bay
Last on our list of safest Bronx neighborhoods is Pelham Bay. Pelham Bay is a great place for families and those looking to retire. This middle-class residential neighborhood reports only one annual violent crime per 1000 residents – which is pretty low for an urban area. The area is part of the 45th precinct, which reported a 75.1% decrease in crime between 1990 and 2018.
Pelham Bay is named after Pelham Bay Park, which borders the neighborhood and is New York City’s largest park! More than three times the size of Central Park, Pelham Bay Park has a beautiful beach (Orchard Beach), rec center, track, sports fields, a dog park, two golf courses, and an equestrian center. You can access all of this by bike path from Pelham Bay. City Island – a fun New England-type island with plenty of seafood restaurants – is nearby. It’s also easy to get to Manhattan on the 6 train. You can see why this neighborhood has it all.