While often overshadowed by its more fashionable neighbors, Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Bronx has a character all its own. It's the only one of New York City’s five boroughs that’s attached to the mainland, giving it a different feel from the rest of the city, with more space, more parks, more room to breathe — and still just a subway ride from Midtown.
For people moving to New York State and finding their way to the city, the Bronx is a practical choice, blending affordability with location in a way that’s rare for New York. The borough is also home to some of New York City’s biggest attractions, like Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, the country’s oldest public golf course, and over 7,000 acres of parkland.
Whether you're looking for walkable streets, a tight-knit community, or a backyard with a driveway, there’s a Bronx neighborhood for you.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in the Bronx
The Bronx has as many identities as it has neighborhoods — and there are at least 50 of those. You’ll find co-ops and high-rises in urban hubs like Fordham and Melrose, leafy streets and single-family homes in suburban-feeling enclaves like Riverdale and Pelham Bay, and quiet luxury in waterfront areas like Country Club and Spencer Estates.
That’s a lot of options, so to find the best of the best in the Bronx, we looked at the factors that matter most to people moving to New York: housing affordability, access to transit, neighborhood safety, walkability, school quality, and overall vibe. We also considered proximity to parks and green space, since the Bronx has more parkland than any other borough.
What is the Bronx famous for? Residents of the Boogie Down will be quick to remind you that it’s the birthplace of hip-hop, but this list shows there’s more to appreciate. This following highlights a variety of neighborhoods — from luxury waterfront spots to family-friendly blocks and affordable, up-and-coming communities — and provides a good overview if you’re moving to NYC and considering the Bronx. For each one, we’ll share median home prices, average rent, commute times, and what makes the area worth considering.
8 Best Neighborhoods in the Bronx
Some neighborhoods in the Bronx are known for their leafy streets and single-family homes. Others buzz with nightlife, new development, and fast access to Manhattan. While some areas of the Bronx still struggle with safety, the borough has come a long way from its low point in the 1970s.
On average, home prices in the Bronx hover around $647,000, while rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages just under $1,639. (Note that the Bronx is both a borough and a county, so you might find statistics that describe it either way.) But those numbers shift block by block. Some neighborhoods remain deeply affordable. Others are seeing new interest, higher demand, and rising prices.
Here’s a breakdown of the best neighborhoods in the Bronx, including who they’re best suited for and what to expect in each.
1. Riverdale: Best overall neighborhood
Median home price: $340,000
Average rent: $1,923
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 35–45 minutes by subway or Metro-North
Don’t miss: Wave Hill Public Gardens, Bell Tower Park, Riverdale Y
What is the nicest neighborhood in the Bronx? Riverdale blends suburban comfort with city convenience. Located in the northwest Bronx, it offers leafy streets, tidy co-ops, and a slower pace of life that feels worlds away from Midtown. You’ll find a mix of Tudor homes, prewar apartment buildings, and newer high-rises with Hudson River views.
The neighborhood is popular with families, retirees, and professionals looking for space without sacrificing access to Manhattan. It’s also home to some of the borough’s best private schools and community spaces like the Riverdale YMCA. Locals spend weekends at Wave Hill’s public gardens or walking the trails near Bell Tower Park. Safe, scenic, and versatile, Riverdale earns its spot as the Bronx’s best all-around neighborhood.
2. Spuyten Duyvil: Safest neighborhood
Median home price: $320,000
Average rent: $1,923
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 17 minutes via Metro‑North to Harlem–125th Street
Don’t miss: Henry Hudson Park, Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, Edgehill Church
Spuyten Duyvil sits in the southwest Bronx, hemmed in by the Hudson and Harlem Rivers. Quiet streets and low-rise buildings give it a small-town feel — yet the Metro-North station delivers a fast, 17-minute ride to Manhattan’s 125th Street. That blend of peace and speed makes it one of the safest and most convenient Bronx neighborhoods.
Henry Hudson Park offers river overlooks, walking trails, and a playground designed by the local community. Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park hugs the creek with woodland paths, and the historic Edgehill Church sits at the heart of this serene corridor. Families and retirees appreciate the security and ease of access, while still just one direct train ride from the city.
3. Highbridge: Best for young professionals
Median home price: $276,000
Average rent: $1,492
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 17 minutes on the 4 train to 86th Street
Don’t miss: Highbridge Park & Water Tower, Joker Stairs, Yankee Stadium nearby
Highbridge offers a good combination of convenience and character. With the 4 train running from 167th Street to Midtown in about 17 minutes, it offers one of the Bronx’s fastest commutes to Manhattan. That, paired with relatively low home prices and rents, makes it an attractive option for young professionals. The area blends new apartment buildings with classic prewar housing and remains one of the more affordable corners of the borough.
Local businesses add energy to the neighborhood, from Dominican cafés to family-run grocers and fast-casual spots near Jerome Avenue. Highbridge Park provides space to get outside, while cultural landmarks like the High Bridge Water Tower and the Joker Stairs bring history and pop culture into everyday view. It’s a neighborhood that feels like it’s turning a corner, with a growing sense of identity and pride among residents.
4. Morris Park: Best for families
Median home price: $821,000
Average rent: $1,401
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 30 minutes on the 5 train from 86th Street
Don’t miss: Loreto Park playground, Bronx Children’s Museum, annual Columbus Day Parade
Morris Park is a favorite for families thanks to its quiet streets, solid schools, and strong sense of community. Located in the East Bronx, the neighborhood features mostly one- and two-family homes and a mix of public and charter schools with good reputations. Loreto Park anchors the area with playgrounds, fields, and basketball courts.
Families love the neighborhood’s walkable main streets, where Italian bakeries, restaurants, and small businesses reflect the area’s roots. The 5 train offers a reliable commute, and a future Metro-North station promises even better access.
Add in kid-friendly spots like the Bronx Children’s Museum and the long-running Columbus Day Parade, and it’s clear why Morris Park works for growing families.
Pro Tip: Learn the best practices for how to pack for a move. |
5. Mott Haven: Best South Bronx neighborhood
Median home price: $900,000
Average rent: $3,067
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 8 minutes on the 4 train to 86th Street
Don’t miss: Bronx Art Space, Mottley Kitchen, Mott Haven waterfront murals
Once considered one of the worst neighborhoods in the Bronx, Mott Haven is the South Bronx’s renaissance in motion. Historic 19th-century rowhouses and former warehouses now sit alongside modern loft conversions and high-rise condos, making the neighborhood a top pick for creative types and new developments. The commercial stretch near the Hub offers coffee shops, art galleries, and restaurants, while vibrant street murals reflect the borough’s gritty charm and cultural pride.
Transit couldn’t be easier: the 4 subway line takes less than ten minutes to reach Midtown. That mix of affordability (by NYC standards), walkability, and artistic energy has attracted startups, young families, and professionals. Public art events at Bronx Art Space and community staples like Mottley Kitchen create a compelling blend of South Bronx grit and new wave appeal.
6. Kingsbridge: Most affordable neighborhood
Median home price: $255,000
Average rent: $1,923
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 30 minutes on the 1 train to 96th Street
Don’t miss: Van Cortlandt Park, Kingsbridge Avenue shopping, Riverdale Avenue eateries
Kingsbridge offers serious value in the Bronx without sacrificing access or essentials. Straddling the western edge of the Bronx and bordered by Van Cortlandt Park, this neighborhood is quietly diverse in its housing stock — from prewar co-ops to modest single-family homes and newer condos — making it a strong entry point for first-time buyers or young professionals.
The commute is straightforward: the 1 train gets you to Midtown in about 30 minutes. Along Kingsbridge Avenue, you’ll find everything you need, from delis and bakeries to local markets and casual restaurants. When nature calls, Van Cortlandt Park offers 1,146 acres of trails, sports fields, and green space just steps away.
7. Pelham Gardens: Best for outdoor access
Median home price: $725,000
Average rent: $1,875
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 35 minutes via the 2/5 train plus 10-minute bus or walk
Don’t miss: Bronx Park trails, the New York Botanical Garden, Bronx Zoo
Pelham Gardens checks the box for people who want plenty of green space and a quieter pace without leaving the Bronx. The neighborhood features mostly single-family homes and low-rise co-ops along tree-lined streets — a sharp contrast to the denser, high-rise feel of other parts of the borough. With Bronx Park’s trails right at its edge, this area is a draw for families and outdoor lovers alike.
Access to recreational landmarks is a major perk. You can stroll across the street to explore the Botanical Garden or spend a weekend at the Bronx Zoo. Local residents often start their mornings jogging on scenic walking loops or spend sunny afternoons in shaded park groves.
8. Fordham Heights: Most walkable
Median home price: $850,000
Average rent: $1,414
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 21 minutes via Metro-North from Fordham Station to Grand Central
Don’t miss: Fordham Road shopping, Grand Concourse
Fordham Heights earns its reputation as the Bronx’s most walkable neighborhood for good reason. With a Walk Score of 96, it offers nearly everything within a few blocks: grocery stores, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and the major Fordham Plaza transit hub.
That same variety extends to the housing options, too. The neighborhood’s grid features a mix of prewar apartment buildings and newer mid-rises, offering a range of housing options to suit different lifestyles.
Commuting into Midtown is fast and convenient thanks to both Metro-North and subway access. The train ride to Grand Central takes around 21 minutes, making it ideal for those who work in the city but want a quieter place to come home to. On weekends, locals stroll along tree-lined Grand Concourse, check out street art, or browse the shops along Fordham Road.
Find Your Next Bronx Neighborhood
From leafy Riverdale to the buzz of Fordham Heights, the Bronx offers a neighborhood for just about every lifestyle. Families, young professionals, and longtime locals alike can find their own pocket of the borough to call home.
Planning a move? Colonial Van Lines can help you get there. With over 50 years of long-distance moving experience, we handle everything from packing to delivery — so your move to the Bronx is smooth from start to finish. Get a free quote today!