Claremont - Bronx, NY

South Bronx has a distinctive history laced with hardship, culture and community. It has gone through many chapters from its earliest history as a colonial farmland to being deemed the "Birthplace of Hip Hop." Although South Bronx experienced significant decay and an onslaught of arson that would destroy up to 97 percent of its buildings in some of its neighborhoods from 1970 to 1980, an urban renewal project formed in the late 1980s brought in both new commercial and residential development.

Today, you can experience art and culture around almost every corner. Catch a game at Yankee Stadium or spend the day at the Bronx Zoo. South Bronx houses the Bronx Museum of the Arts, a museum that features over 800 paintings, sculptures and photographs. Residents can enjoy free admission to the museum and appreciate rotating exhibits featuring contemporary artists.

In addition, residents can attend several of South Bronx's annual festivals, such as The South Bronx Folk Festival.

Claremont residents can enjoy multiple restaurants within walking distance, including popular chain franchises and local eateries. Start your day with breakfast at Mela's Cafe on Washington Avenue. Everything on the breakfast menu costs less than $5 and favorites include pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and fresh-baked muffins. The cafe has a lunch menu as well, with choices ranging from fresh salads to hearty Italian subs to bacon cheeseburgers.

Locals rave about Fu Xing Chinese Restaurant on Morrison Avenue for the best Chinese in town. Dine there or order deliver by phone or online; the digital ordering system allows you to place your order, pay and save your preferences. The restaurant also has lunch specials, coupons and Happy Family specials for feeding a crowd. Menu favorites include sweet donuts, scallion pancakes, honey spare ribs and sesame shrimp.

For authentic Dominican and Latin American cuisine, dine at La Estrella Bar & Restaurant or order delivery. The restaurant provides a relaxed, inviting ambiance and hosts lively events such as karaoke on weekends. The lengthy seafood menu features selections of baked and fried fish, shrimp in garlic sauce, grilled or stuffed lobster. Sip passion fruit or pineapple juice while indulging in paella, saffron-flavored rice with fresh seafood, or choose one of the combination plates to sample a bit of everything.

While the neighborhood does not have much in terms of nightlife, plenty of options can be found about a mile or two away. Head to Bronx Beer Hall on Arthur Avenue for happy hour every weekday, karaoke on Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays and live music or DJs on Fridays to jump-start your weekend. The bar is easily accessible by public transportation and serves pizza and bar snacks in addition to wine and craft beer.

Traveling in South Bronx by public transportation is easy and convenient, and about 75 percent of residents don't even own a car. Several New York City subway lines service the area, including the 2 and 6 trains, which can take you directly to Manhattan in about a half-hour. Travel through or out-of-state is also easy with close proximity to major highways such as Cross Bronx Expressway, Major Deegan Expressway, Grand Concourse and Triborough Bridge.

Residents should expect to use a combination of street parking, which can be difficult to find, and public parking garages. Many garages have monthly discounts which locals can take advantage of. Taxis are not as easily hailed in South Bronx in comparison to Manhattan, so locals may want to call to arrange pick-up service or use the smartphone-based Uber.

The neighborhood remains incredibly walkable and most errands can be accomplished by foot. Bicyclists can take advantage of several designated bike lanes and bike-friendly roads, as well as New York's largest free annual bicycling event, the Tour de Bronx.

Claremont residents can enjoy the expansive Claremont Park in their own backyard. The park is especially popular during warm summer months, when the free public pool fills with locals looking to cool off. Claremont Park caters to everybody, with dog-friendly areas, two children's playgrounds, basketball courts, baseball fields and a gazebo. Jog or walk shaded paths or enjoy a picnic on open grassy areas or the park's rolling hills.

For even more outdoor fun, head to nearby Crotona Park, a 127.5-acre urban oasis that has been a part of the community since 1888. The park's 300-foot pool, the largest in Bronx, serves as the ideal place to splash, swim and play on hot days. Escape the bustle of the city and relax near the 3.3-acre lake, where you can watch fish, ducks and turtles swim by, or picnic under one of the 28 species of trees that call Crotona Park home. Sport aficionados flock to the park for its 20 tennis courts and five baseball diamonds. In addition, children can burn off energy at one of 11 playgrounds or attend events such as Kids Week in the Bronx, where the Urban Park Rangers host nature-related programs and activities.

South Bronx residents enjoy a 30 percent lower cost of living compared to New York. A one-bedroom rental averages $859. While the price of gas settles in at 11 percent higher than the national average, a trip on a local bus or subway costs $2.50. You can expect to pay around $5 for a pint at a local bar in the Claremont neighborhood.

Plenty of major department stores lie within a short trip from Claremont, including Target, Burlington Coat Factory, Macy's, and the discount designer retailer TJ Maxx. In addition, you can easily travel to Bay Plaza, New York City's largest shopping center. Bay Plaza has over 50 department stores, speciality stores, restaurants and grocery stores.

Although the neighborhood does not have any boutiques or speciality stores, a quick trip on a subway can take you to any boutique in Bronx. For excellent gift ideas and relaxing aromatherapy products, head to Bella Bath & Body Boutique on Buhre Avenue. The boutique sells natural and organic bath products, cosmetics, sugar scrubs, beauty products, handcrafted soy candles, and more. Buy one of their customized gift sets for someone special or pamper yourself.

Residents can take advantage of a number of grocery stores nearby. Shop convenient stores for smaller items and grocery stores such as Bravo and C-Town Supermarket for one-stop shopping. In addition, several farmers markets provide Bronx locals with fresh produce and goods. Visit the South Bronx Farmers Market from June through November every Saturday, rain or shine. The Bronx Borough Hall Greenmarket, an open-air market that runs from June through November, sells fresh produce, breads, pastries and local honey.