Belmont Bronx, NY

The Belmont Estate belonged to the Lorillard family, moguls of American tobacco, until it became incorporated into the city of New York in 1870. The neighborhood's population grew with the construction of the Third Avenue Elevated Line, which created easy access from the Bronx to Manhattan. When the main portion of the El closed in 1955, Belmont saw a decline. This downturn lasted until the mid-1990s, when construction began expanding in the neighborhood. Belmont has always seen steady waves of Italian immigration, resulting in its current reputation as the Little Italy of the Bronx. In recent years, other immigrant groups have also made Belmont home, most notably Albanians and Puerto Ricans. For more information on Belmont and other Bronx neighborhoods, head to the Bronx Historical Society in nearby Norwood.

Visitors from far and wide flock to Belmont's famous Arthur Avenue to experience some of the best Italian grub in New York City. While downtown Manhattan's "Little Italy" shows up in all the tourist guides, locals tell you the city's "real" Little Italy spans Arthur Avenue, from East Fordham Road to East 183rd Street. Perhaps no other eatery transports diners back to the old world better than Trattoria Zero Otto Nove. The name, translated as the numbers "089," pays homage to the telephone area code of Salerno, a port city south of Naples which inspires much of the restaurant's fare. Set in a grand dining hall of high ceilings and exposed brick walls, this restaurant affords diners everything from traditional pizzas, such as the classic Margherita, to inventive entrées of oven-roasted Cornish game hen and rabbit stew in tomato sauce. A complete list of Italian regional wines pairs nicely with this unforgettable cuisine. For Arthur Avenue's best Neapolitan fare, head to Mario's. For the past 92 years, this place has helped put Belmont on the map as the go-to 'hood for authentic Italian. Locals rave about the Vongole Oreganata, an appetizer of lightly breaded baked clams, while more adventurous foodies might attempt the Trippa Livornese, tripe with tomato and onions. For diners looking to try a little of everything, stop by Tuesday through Thursday for a prix fixe dinner featuring the restaurant's signature items. While most of Arthur Avenue's restaurants feature a selection of fine wines, sometimes it's an ice cold brew that really sets the night in motion. Belmont's nightlife consists of a few solid neighborhood bars popular with local Fordham college students. Though undergrads often get a bad rap for their bar antics, they certainly encourage the drink specials. East 189th Street's Howl at the Moon Bar offers the area's best happy hour, with $4 middle-shelf mixed drinks and a record $7 pitcher of beer.

Belmont residents rely on their own two feet to take them where they want to go. The neighborhood's historic streets and tight-knit design make Belmont an ideal place for pedestrians. For those willing to brave the city traffic, the commute to nearby Manhattan can take anywhere from 40 minutes to a full hour depending on the time of day. Expensive and hard to find, parking poses yet another challenge, often adding substantial time to the end of any commute. Most residents ditch the car altogether and hop on the subway at nearby Fordham Station. The 1 train brings commuters to midtown Manhattan in a mere 30 minutes. Many bus routes also service the area, offering a more scenic above-ground alternative to the subway. Cabs can be hailed easily along major streets, including Park Avenue, or reserved in advance with any area cab company. Many residents also reserve cars via smartphone apps with Uber. Unlike other parts of the Bronx, Belmont wins points among bikers with several designated bike lanes. Park Avenue offers the best bike-friendly route directly into Manhattan.

Aside from the food, the shopping and the overall other-worldly atmosphere, one of Belmont's best assets remains its proximity to the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens. Among the largest urban zoos in the world, the Bronx Zoo houses 650 different species within 265 acres of various habitats. Adult tickets go for $23.95, while kids get in for $19.95 and even less during the off-season. Equally world famous, the New York Botanical Garden comprises 250 acres of the greater Bronx Park. Designed as a museum of living plants, the NYBG includes 50 separate garden and plant collections. Exhibitions change seasonally, so make sure to check the garden's website for the current calendar of events. Admission prices run $28 for adults and $16 for kids. For a more casual (and admission-free) park experience, check out Belmont Playground on the corner of Belmont Avenue and East 182nd Street. Basketball courts and fitness equipment provide residents with outdoor exercise, while an open field makes the park popular among local dog owners.

Considering its proximity to midtown Manhattan, Belmont residents save big compared to residents in the other five boroughs. The median one-bedroom rental rate goes for $1,050 per month compared to a whopping $2,582 per month spent by residents citywide. The commute into Manhattan sets riders back $2.50 one-way on both bus and subway. For those willing to drive, expect to pay around 40 percent more per gallon on gas than nationwide averages. Beer averages better, at around $4 to $6 per bottle.

For New York City's best Italian specialty items, chefs and novices alike flock to Belmont. Whether you're looking for fresh braided mozzarella or hand-cured salumi, you can find it on Arthur Avenue. The Arthur Avenue Retail Market provides a good starting place for those interested in a convenient one-stop shop. This indoor market houses many of the area's best vendors, from Peter's Meat to La Casa Grande Cigars. Borgatti’s Ravioli & Egg Noodles creates fresh pasta with old-school care. Locals say the ravioli exceeds the wildest of expectations and the egg noodles are to die for. The friendly staff lets you know how long to cook your pasta for once you get it home so your dish turns out perfectly. Be sure and bring the green when you stop by Bogatti's; this place does not accept plastic. Take a break from the shopping at the Market's Bronx Beer Hall, or grab a sandwich at the famous Mike's Deli. Among the must-sees beyond the retail market, Calandra Cheese offers a wide selection of Italian cheeses at affordable prices. While this place stocks all the classics, including parmigiano and pecorino, the burrata proves the local favorite. This soft, white cheese lands somewhere between the creamiest mozzarella and pure butter. More traditional chain grocers such as ALDI and Stop n Shop are also available. When it comes to baked goods, locals seem split between Artuso and DeLillo, both of which serve impressive versions of the classic connoli. For bread, check out Terranova Bakery, rated number one for best bread of New York City two years in a row by Zagat.