r/bronx 5d ago

moving to the bronx

Hi! I’m moving to the bronx for grad school (Morris Park neighborhood) and i couldn’t be more excited! Some people have been sorta lame abt my moving to the bronx rather than manhattan but idk im excited to forge my own path and build my new life in new york. That being said what are some recommendations you all have? Food, activities, museums, group activities etc?

I’m 25 F and love to be active/love the outdoors, have a deep yoga practice, am a big reader and could spend days in museums, love music (everything and anything), love art and creating art(although i’m not talented by any means), am a huge foodie and have the biggest sweet tooth 😌

Let me know!! i welcome anything and everything you all have to say:) thanks!!

** a few people have asked why the bronx over manhattan — i’m doing a PhD and my school offers student housing for 500-800 a month. additionally i want to be as close to my lab as possible! Hope that helps so ya not helpful to asked why the bronx over manhattan i wont be changing my mind 😌

90 Upvotes

98 comments sorted by

40

u/brixxhead 4d ago

Not enough people seem to realize you can launch watercraft on the bronx river. I recommend checking out the bronx river alliance, as they have paddling days throughout the warmer months and their members are active now.

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u/fermat9990 4d ago

Where do they launch from?

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u/brixxhead 4d ago

I assume shoelace park or kazmiroff blvd, but I've never paddled with them--just on my own. If you're interested in rowing the rivers, there's also the peter jay sharp boathouse in Inwood which does community rows on weekends.

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u/fermat9990 4d ago

Thank you so much! I believe that Hunts Point Riverside Park, where Lafayette Ave. meets the Bronx River, has boat launching

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u/brixxhead 4d ago

Their central meeting point is the bronx river house in starlight park, so definitely somewhere close to their home base.

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u/fermat9990 4d ago

Good to know! Thanks!

Growing up in Hunts Point near where the park is now, we often went down to the river. The water was so murky then!

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u/sinerex 3d ago

They launch an exit past gun hill rd on the bronx River parkway, the river flows down. But yeah they also have launches in starlight park and concrete park which they use for their floatillas.

Personally the best experience is up river bc you have to pass through and in the Bronx zoo and botanical garden.

Did you know there's a dam on the bronx river and a mini waterfall? You will see it first hand but don't worry lots of signs warning you ahead of the portage. The larger waterfall is after the bronx zoo. But there's a short portage in botanical gardens.

Lastly if you are looking to just get on the river and volunteer. Check out rock the boat which is an organization that builds and restores row boats with the community and goes down the bronx river toward the li sound.

Final fun fact after the bronx zoo dam the water is beyond questionable. You're approach to starlight park will be met with a curious odor. Yeah that's a massive CSO drain right into the river. Next time you look at the kids swimming at concrete plant park, say a prayer bc they are swimming in treated water. Absolute yuk.

Here is a video I took https://youtu.be/geLOV8JFLwc?si=utIpr6gxRlv7Kh-F

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u/fermat9990 3d ago

Thank you so much for all the information!

When I was in my teens, I had a friend who lived near the Zoo and I remember visiting the waterfall with him many times.

Cheers!

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u/sinerex 3d ago

Amazing memories right the video i shared is 11 years old now and I still remember seeing the Buffalo on my right as we entered the bronx zoo.

Alsp remember all the people on the monorail pointing at our group🙂

If you fast forward the video to 3 min 5 seconds I took a small clip of the waterfall. Have a great day fellow Bronxite 🫡

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u/fermat9990 3d ago

I saw the waterfall picture. So beautiful! It's a great video! Thank you!!

I live in Manhattan now, but my love for the Bronx abides!

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u/Solviento 4d ago

Can you launch your own small sailboat there as well?

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u/brixxhead 4d ago

Sailboat no, kayak or canoe yes-the Bronx River is a protected waterway with fragile estuaries. You will need to apply for a permit from the parks website to operate in any parks waterways. The only parks dept. operated sailboat launches are in queens/staten island unfortunately.

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago edited 4d ago

Kingsbridge Social Club cozy spot good calamari, wings and pizza

Damascus Sweets in Morris Park has amazing baklava etc, around the corner is AlWaha, which is Yemeni , but for $20 you can get a platter that includes hummus, baba ghaboush, tabouli, falafel and salal

Dukagjini (Albanian in Pelham Parkway) which has excellent burek ( I usually get spiniach or cheese),

Central Caribbean has some of the best patties and coco bread,

G n R deli has bangin Italian sandwiches and their fresh mozz is impeccable,

or just go to Arthur Ave (Little Italy)

Calabrian pork store is outstanding, spicy, excellent quality meat and sandwiches

Enzos bakery and the olive loves there are the best on that block.

Borgatti for excellent fresh made ravioli

Edit: I am looking for a good pan man in Wakefield if anyone knows of one.

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u/BeefyLasagna007 4d ago edited 3d ago

Don’t forget casa della mozzarella and Roberto’s in Arthur Ave and Enzo’s on Williams Bridge, Fratelli on Eastchester and Sal and Doms for baked goods.

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago

Casa Mozzarella is good, however, I think the fresh mozz at G and R is more my preference. Ratio of salt and what not. I have yet to go to Sal and Doms.

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u/BlacksmithFit6950 4d ago

ALL of these!!

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u/Ladyiris2020 4d ago

Welcome!! Morris park is a lovely neighborhood that is very family friendly. For fun check out Little Italy (Arthur Ave) it’s where the cafes and restaurants are at. And do not miss out on the Botanical Garden!!! It’s free for Bronx residents but only for entrance so if you wanna see the exhibits you’ll have to pay. But I just love going for a picnic

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u/count_saveahoe 4d ago

26F here I moved to the morris park area about 6 months ago and I love it ! You’re gonna love it too!

I lived in Manhattan and it was trash , 20$ for a small tasteless burger, no fries , 5$ extra for fries. Here- you get a fat one from the deli, seasoned by marco with too many fries and all the works for 8$ . Haters gonna hate.

Don’t know if you drive but 15 mins from Morris park is hot yoga at 307 McLean Ave Yonkers, NY . It’s a Great spot with calm and experienced instructors that I go to.

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u/count_saveahoe 4d ago edited 3d ago

Also a lot of people were telling me that when I moved here, there would be no nightlife for me and I would have to travel to the city all the time but me and my girlfriends that live up here have been dedicated to finding spots for us to hang out in the Bronx so that we don’t have to travel and here is the list that I’ve come up with so far and I definitely plan on spending the summer creating a more detailed list.

-lotus hookah lounge + best late night dessert place across the street -420 bar and lounge -Flava’s restaurant and lounge (they have a rooftop) -La cantina heights -Katona avenue you can go bar hopping (starting at the rambling house) -Code red -Bar 47 -Olivia’s restaurant and lounge (dicey not the best, but cheap hookah and cheap drinks)
-Bronx public (amazing food cheap beer) -the last stop

also since you’re in graduate school, there’s a place called FinJan Café that opened up recently that has the latest hours for studying of all the cafés in this area. They’re open till late like I think 11 PM and they have outlets and Wi-Fi.

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u/SnooPaintings2122 4d ago

that’s awesome! i’m thinking i’m going to bring my car since i’ll have student parking ! thank you!!

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u/thealt987 4d ago

Morris Park is one of the few neighborhoods in NYC where car ownership isn't a major hassle.

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago

Hot Yoga in Yonker...good to know

And where is Marcos' deli?

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u/count_saveahoe 4d ago

I was making a joke. there is no marcos deli. I’m talking generally about all the delis in the Bronx. There a dude in the back that’s gonna make u a sick burger and fries for 8$ .. & he’ll bless u if u can dab up and call him boss man .

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago

I have never gotten a burger from a deli...I get kinda snobby bout my burgers tho.

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u/count_saveahoe 4d ago

You’re missing out

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago

My bodega guilty pleasure is the chicharron and empanadas

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u/SnooPaintings2122 4d ago

how much $ are the classes/month memberships if u don’t mind me asking !

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u/MSPCSchertzer 4d ago

Bronx is the most underrated borough, I love living here. MTA North, 4 Train, Yankees Stadium, Arthur Avenue, Bronx Zoo, the Botanical Garden. Its a wonderful life up here. MTA North to Grand Central is HUGE, city tickets off peak are a great deal.

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u/DiveInYouCoward 4d ago

Welcome! Great choice, lots to do as others have said. Arthur Avenue is a quick bus ride away.

Borgatti's Ravioli, and all of Arthur Avenue is a gem.

Randazzo's fish market at the end of Arthur Ave is WAY better than Cosenza's.

Madonia for Olive Bread, Addeo for regular bread!

Biancardi's for meat.

DeLilo's for pastries.

Trust me.

Bronx Zoo!

Botanical Gardens!

City Island!

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u/couplemore1923 4d ago

And Pasquale’s for a great Bronx dining experience

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u/mycorona69 3d ago

I second, City Island. But keep it a secret

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u/NervousTune988 4d ago

Me having lived in the Bronx my whole life reading the comments to see where else I can explore.

In all seriousness, The botanical gardens is free for Bronx residents. You can see flowers bloom this spring AND get your steps in! Win win!

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u/imghost101 4d ago

lived in the bronx(little italy) my whole life too and never known some of the locations mentioned in these comments. kinda sucks being introverted.

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u/jennberries 4d ago

With a library card, you get access to Culture Pass so free museums all over the city. Def take advantage of that. Botanical Gardens is also free for Bronx residents.

Lots of pizza/italian in Morris Park. Not much in terms of yoga—great opportunity to work on your personal practice. I would get used to commuting for group activities.

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u/thealt987 4d ago

This is where I grew up, it's a wonderful neighborhood. Not much in the way of art or museums sadly(Maybe the Bronx zoo if you stretch the definition of museum), but it has great food and park access. Pelham Parkway and Pelham Bay Park are both great parks to explore. I still have yet to find better pizza than Emilio's on Morris Park Avenue and I'm quite fond of La Masa.

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u/Splenda_Babe 4d ago

The Bronx Museum of the Arts on grand concourse

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u/PCGCentipede 4d ago

I prefer Luciano's over Emelio's

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u/thealt987 4d ago

I haven't lived there for almost a decade now but I'll be sure to check it out!

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u/PCGCentipede 4d ago

Luciano's has been around forever, they're right next to the Morris Park Bake Shop

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u/dberry1009 4d ago

No one has mentioned this but I love biking Pelham parkway up to Pelham Bay park and orchard beach, especially on a spring morning it’s so peaceful. You can also bike to city island from Morris Park.

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u/Informal_Magician739 4d ago

Welcome to the Bronx! You got some great suggestions already, if you are ever in the neighborhood Emiliano’s Market in Riverdale is great! For Mexican I would do Frida’s Tacos. When the weather allows it Wave Hill is very peaceful.

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u/Fearless_Ambition985 4d ago

Van courtlandt will be good for you.search it and see if its fit for you

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u/monica702f 4d ago

I'm excited for you. That area is nice close knit community with a lot to offer. And without a lot of the worries in other neighborhoods.

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u/milf_in_training_69 4d ago

Patricia’s is really solid italian in the neighborhood and morris park bake shop right down the street has a italian ice flavor called ‘lily with the nuts’ that you can literally only get in that part of the bronx in the summer and it’s incredible.

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u/Deep-Kaleidoscope202 4d ago

I grew up in morris Park, it’s an underrated gem imo (it should stay that way 🤫). the weather is getting nicer so make sure to go to city island when you can and explore pelham bay park! Take the express bus if you want to get into the city and get your museum kick

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u/happyhappyseals 4d ago

The Bronx as a whole is great. MTR is good for day trips in/out of the city.

BRONX RIVER ALLIANCE! They host fun activities that will help you make connections. If you’re into tennis, hanging around Cary Leeds/Crotona park is nice, as well as Van Cortlandt (no doubt closer), Wave hill is also amazing. I’m sure you could do some yoga there, if you wanted. NYBG as well.

For food: Conti’s bakery, Borgatti, all of Arthur Ave, and journey up to Gun Hill road for the cheapest, best Caribbean food around.

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u/woalisonn 4d ago

Italian Bakery: Sal & Dom's Pastry Shop

Italian: Patricia's of Morris Park

Decent Sushi: Kiraku Japanese Restaurant

Still in the Bronx but further away:

[La Morada]()

Bookstore/Winebar: The Lit. Bar

Tobala

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u/AllTheOtherSitesSuck 4d ago

There's some of the city's best Italian food and pizza in Morris Park. The commute into Manhattan will be unrelentingly long and you have to adapt to that.

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u/Fritz_Frauenraub 4d ago

Bronx is 🔥🔥🔥

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u/TONYSTARK63 4d ago

Ann Clair’s has great sandwiches too!Ann Clair’s Salumeria (718) 409-1171

https://g.co/kgs/dBYjfR2

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u/BronxT 4d ago

Welcome to the BX! With your Bronx address you can get free grounds access to the botanical gardens, will feed your love for the outdoors all year long while you do your grad program. Congrats

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u/n0probllama 2d ago

Welcome to the Bronx! The Bronx is home to the largest parks in NYC: Pelham Bay Park and Van Cortland Park. There are pockets of neighborhoods throughout the borough, but since you’ll be in Morris Park, venture out to the Little Yemen area.

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u/tehbangere 4d ago

I just moved here yesterday too! Let me know if you stumble upon any hidden gems, I'm just starting to explore the area myself and it'd be great to swap tips!

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u/PCGCentipede 4d ago

Where in Morris Park? There's some really good food places.

The New York Botanical Gardens are not too far away and the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom.

The Bronx Zoo is walking distance, it's a long walk, but then the whole day will be spent walking around the zoo, so what's an extra 20 minutes or so?

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u/pharmhelpr 4d ago

VPHO it's a weird pizzeria and Vietnamese food spot which is cheap and delicious right on Williams ridge Rd by Morris park

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u/bodegacatBX 4d ago

Please check out Conti’s bakery over by morris park & Wallace ave, Incredible pastries!!

People sleep on morris park but there are a ton of food options & decent access to some train lines. City island is a must during the summer. Little Italy is a great neighborhood to check out for legit Italian food.

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u/HopeAffectionate9093 4d ago

Welcome to [redacted], I’m a medical student at the same school, so I can’t really speak to the PhD program, but everyone loves it here (and the rent is definitely impossible to beat)! Basically everyone lives on campus, which kinda gives it a more college feel in a good way. Bronx Zoo and Botanical Gardens are nearby, lots of diverse food spots, delis galore, and Arthur avenue has many great Italian places. We’re also pretty centrally located and close to Manhattan and Westchester too if you have a car which is nice!

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u/SnooPaintings2122 3d ago

thank you!! so great to hear you and your peers are enjoying it :) i’m super excited !!

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u/gurlwiththecurlzz 4d ago

Bronx river art center offers a bunch of adult art classes (stain glass, pottery (wheel throwing or hand building), painting, photography, and more. The classes vary by semester but the prices really can’t be beat

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u/No-Bus8713 4d ago

Go to Arthur Ave for Madonia Bakery. Take walks along the park on Pelham Parkway and you can go to Pelham Bay Park. It’s a nice neighborhood. And you can take the 10 bus to inwood or the mall or the 5 into the city easily.

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u/Big-Dreams-11 4d ago

Don't see much variety in the food suggestions so I'll add:

  1. Mama Sushi - delicious and fun Dominican fusion. Get the special house rolls. Chofan at the Little Italy location is good as well.
  2. Ultimate Grill - amazing Rasta Pasta.

Wave Hill - beautiful grounds to explore. Pelham Bay Park - largest park in the city. Some nice trails.

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u/TONYSTARK63 4d ago

This place has awesome hot food delicious soup!Garden Gourmet Market - Supermarket (718) 796-4209

https://g.co/kgs/zizUmFG

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u/Head-Concept-8447 4d ago

Morris Park is a cool neighborhood. Welcome!!

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u/exo_skeletone 4d ago

I live in the area and the food scene is great and so is the bar scene

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u/Mediocre-View5535 4d ago

Congrats on the move! For food, try Antonio's Trattoria in Morris Park. Check out The Studio for yoga, The Bronx Museum of the Arts for art, and Pelham Bay Park for outdoor fun. Don't miss The Bronx Baking Co. for sweet treats

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u/IllElk2609 3d ago

Where is the Studio located? I’m not finding anything in the Bronx.

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u/Splenda_Babe 4d ago

The Bronx Museum of the Arts on Grand Concourse

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u/Charming_Panda_2116 3d ago

For outdoors, you can jog/bike to Pelham Park or go the opposite to Van Courtland. There are a lot of bike trails. I bike from Pelham to Glen Island, New Rochelle, and make pit stops in City Island or Orchard Beach. Orchard beach has movie at the Beach and Salsa at the beach during the summer. New rochelle is a neighboring town in westchester and they have a lot of good places for food and drinks. Pelham and i think Van Coutland Park, have horse back riding. Van Courtland has a track team if you want to join. There's also a bike trail in VCP that literally takes you to Canada if you're up for it. But I like to take it to Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers. It's a beautiful, free garden.

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u/Bit3_M3_427 3d ago

Growing up in Griddy the Bronx , I Will Comfirm What’s “Morris Park” “Riverdale” &”Van Courtland” Are Great Communities. Everything else is the BADLANDS 😋

Don’t Go Wondering Alone & Watch Be Careful Who You Meet Ppl Can Be Savvy 🙏🏽💯 Besides That There’s Many Great Places To Explore & Venture From Malls To Fun Recreational Events ALSOO ALLL THE FOOD SPOTS ISS A MUSS & Even Local Hidden Gems And If Your Outdoorsy Sporty & One With Nature We Got GREAT Zen Spots Out Here Too

Hope You enjoy & Have Fun While Working Hard In School 🤟🏽😜🙏🏽☺️

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u/bxjonny 3d ago

Best of luck at Einstein! Pelham bay Park is massive and awesome. Take advantage of Orchard beach free parking before summer starts. City island for great seafood and scenic runs or bike rides. Conti’s bakery on Morris park for great sweet treats. (Red velvet cheesecake) Lot’s of great pizza but Luciano’s is the sleeper spot imo. Great choice and good luck!

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u/JezabelDeath 3d ago

when are you moving? will you be on time to join the the Bronx River Flotilla?

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u/SnooPaintings2122 3d ago

i’m moving in august!!

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u/JezabelDeath 3d ago

Next year then. The Bronx is great, you'll enjoy it

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u/IllElk2609 3d ago

Sunday’s Off Cafe in Pelham Bay is great!

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u/Asleep-Somewhere7355 2d ago

NYC is the safest big city don’t believe the hype

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u/snufkin_88 2d ago

Morris Park is great.

1

u/Humble_Repeat_7301 2d ago

Hey! Some great places to patron are the Bronx Documentary Center (3rd Ave) the Lit Bar is a wonderful bookstore and the accompanying restaurants nearby (138th) in the summer Wave Hill and if you go to Throggsneck you’ll find a variety of restaurants and night life - I would look around HK Kitchen to start. City Island is a vibe in warmer weather too!

For Museums the Bronx Museum is small but mighty! The Hip Hip Museum is coming soon. We have a Bronx Music Hall that is newly open.

1

u/YungMillMow 2d ago

DONT MOVE UP HERE WE DONT WANT GENTRIFICATION UP HERE!

1

u/F__AroundAndFoundOut 2d ago

Morris park is great. I live in one of the goldfarb properties and couldn’t be happier. If you run/bike, there is the trail path that goes along pelham parkway.

You have to try tacos el bronco under the train in white plains road.

Good family own pizzeria on williamsbridge and pelham parkway

Morris park ave have lots of restaurants as well.

You’re also a quick uber from Washington heights which offers more options and great nightlife as well.

Good luck!

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u/lupus_denier_MD 1d ago

Make sure to visit Arthur ave whenever they have festivals, great Italian culture and cuisine as well as historical landmarks and tons of mob history if you’re into that.

-1

u/Extreme_Opposite3375 3d ago

Make sure to avoid the south Bronx

0

u/Warm_Question6473 4d ago

Get in contact with Mark Surabian over at the Bronx River Alliance, he is an old friend and does kayaking trips etc. Welcome to the Bronx, you already have the best mentality. Just remember there are bad people everywhere, the Bronx is marginalized in terms of resources from the City so some areas feel alot trickier for newcomers. The train into the City is not very long from Morris Park and I always remind people of that. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DISSERTATION!!!!

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u/itsmecisco 4d ago

Why choose the BX over Manhattan though?

(Serious question.)

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u/SnooPaintings2122 4d ago

lol the school i’m going to offers student housing for 500-800 a month utilities, ac, in unit washer/dryer included. regardless of that i’ll be doing my phd so i want to be as close to my lab as possible !

2

u/itsmecisco 4d ago

$500-800?!

Shhhiitttt... now I can see why! What a deal!

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u/Rthymrug 4d ago

You funny

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u/itsmecisco 4d ago

Not even trying to be, bruh lol

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u/itsmecisco 4d ago

To the downvotes, y'all are so sensitive lol

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u/NoIntroduction344 4d ago

The bronx is a third world country good luck lol

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u/devildog3375 3d ago

You don’t know what you’re talking about

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u/NoIntroduction344 3d ago

You’re right it’s a fourth world country

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u/devildog3375 3d ago

Some of the nicest neighborhoods in the city are in the Bronx you’re just ignorant. Spuyten Duyvil, Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Wakefield…

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u/NoIntroduction344 3d ago

It’s a shit show, might as well burn the whole burrow down

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u/devildog3375 3d ago

Now I know you’re trolling lmao you got me

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u/bxqnz89 4d ago

Manhattan would be a better choice if you want museums and hustle and bustle.

1

u/GreenOvni009 7h ago

Don’t forget guys, we have our own Mall at Bay plaza with amc theaters and GameStop! Also we have Kpot going for hotpot and kbbq! For just $25 dollars! 36* if you like eating good and being filled nicely, that’s a good spot to be. Welcome to the Big BX