Norwood - Bronx, NY

Before the expansion of urban New York City, the Varian family operated their dairy farm in modern-day Norwood. Its modern layout arose from the mind of Josiah Briggs, who designed the neighborhood's streets in 1889. Visitors can get a sense of Norwood's agricultural past by visiting the Valentine-Varian House. The structure, built in 1758, is one of the original Varian family homes, and now serves as a public museum.

Woodlawn Cemetery dates back to 1863 and consists of 400 beautifully-landscaped acres. This National Historic Landmark is the resting place of famous artists, writers, musicians, civic leaders, and more. Some of them include Herman Melville, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Joseph Pulitzer, and Fiorello LaGuardia. The cemetery contains more than 1,300 mausoleums designed by famous architects and sculptors.

When it comes to dining, Norwood's restaurants range from famous New York-style pizzerias to family-owned eateries featuring regional cuisines from around the world. Across from the Moshulu Parkway subway station, Queen of Tacos embodies the term "hole-in the wall," yet this hidden gem lives up to its royal name. Customers love the taco al pastor, a soft tortilla filled with shredded pork and cooked with pineapple, perfectly blending the sweet and savory flavors. While all tacos come with onion and cilantro, an extra 50 cents makes them deluxe, with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, and cheese. For an early bite to eat, try their breakfast dishes, such as chilequiles and huevos rancheros.

Among the restaurants of Bainbridge Avenue, Sodesh serves some of the area's best South Asian cuisine. Whether dining in or taking out, the Sodesh menu sports all the classics, from chicken curry to garlic naan, while also featuring more unusual dishes. Finish the meal with a masala chai, the sweet cardamom-spiced milk tea that traditionally caps any hearty South Asian meal.

Although many residents head to the nightclubs of nearby Manhattan, Norwood's bars provide a more low-key local alternative when it comes to letting loose on a Saturday night. Beso Lounge attracts DJs from all over New York, spinning a range of genres from old-school to contemporary hits. For a break from the dancing, try one of Beso's tasty cocktails.

Proximity to the Bronx River Parkway makes Norwood a desirable option for residents driving into nearby Manhattan. Depending on traffic, the drive typically takes around 30 minutes, although parking in Manhattan can add time to the commute. Many residents choose to ditch the car altogether and ride the 4 train downtown. From the nearby Moshulu Parkway, stop to midtown's Grand Central Station; the commute takes about 45 minutes. Several bus routes provide other viable means of transport.

Within Norwood, several parking lots charge by the hour, though street parking provides a cheaper alternative for those willing to hunt for a spot. For shorter commutes, leave the car at home and enjoy the neighborhood by foot. Norwood's streets are extremely walkable, especially the Moshulu Parkway. Built in the style of a grand European parkway, Moshulu Parkway's broad, tree-lined sidewalk makes for a beautiful stroll. Bikers also benefit from the wide street, which features a designated bike lane throughout the neighborhood.

Though Norwood residents have easy access to other parts of the city, the neighborhood's geography sets it apart. Surrounded by greenery on three sides, Norwood often feels like a rural oasis in the urban sea of the Bronx.

Van Cortlandt Park's 1,146 acres showcase the natural woodlands of the Bronx. While exercise enthusiasts enjoy running along the park's many trails, others visit the park for its central body of water, the Van Cortlandt Lake, which constitutes the largest freshwater lake in the Bronx. Dog Bone Run sits on the park's southeastern edge, providing dog walkers with an open field for some quality time with the pooch.

South of Norwood, the Bronx Park houses the New York Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo. The park's iconic Bronx River runs throughout, winding north to create the border between Norwood and neighboring Williamsbridge. Highlights along the river include the kid-friendly Rosewood Playground and the Allerton Skatepark.

In a city notorious for its high rents, Norwood remains a beacon of affordable housing. While the median price for a one-bedroom apartment stands at $2,400 per month citywide, Norwood apartments are about $970 on average. When it comes to nightlife, beer goes for around $4 to $6 per bottle at local bars.

With easy access to public transportation, Norwood residents spend little on their commute. A bus or subway ride into town sets riders back $2.75 per one-way ride with a multiple-trip Metrocard or $3 as a single fare. At the pump, drivers spend 25 percent more per gallon of gas compared to the national average.

When it comes to retail, there's no need to head downtown. Norwood's shopping ranges from big-box retailers to independently owned shops, with the area's best offerings centered along East Gun Hill Road and Jerome Avenue. For a truly delectable old-world treat, head to Rosario's Cigars, where customers can choose from an array of hand-rolled cigars. A few blocks away, Dude's Tattoos has the neighborhood covered for custom tattoo designs. For all auto needs, head to Webster Avenue, where Chevrolet and Mitsubishi dealers are waiting to assist with the next car purchase.

While C-Town and Foodtown provide Norwood residents with the full-service supermarket experience, many specialty food items are often found along the shelves of smaller grocers. Bip Food Plaza, on Moshulu Parkway, constitutes the area's go-to shop for halal meat. Mexicana Deli Grocery sells a range of Mexican grocery items, and operates a small sit-down restaurant in the back for customers who are too hungry to wait until they get home.

Residents have access to local produce through the Norwood CSA Food Cooperative. By signing up for a community-supported agriculture share, residents receive a weekly box of organic vegetables grown on nearby farms.