Fordham Heights Bronx, NY

The Old Fordham Village remained mostly rural until the late 19th century when the city began its expansion. Farms and estates were sold to developers who turned the land into large apartment buildings and homes. The early 20th century brought an influx of families to the area, as the convenient subway and modern and affordable housing lured residents from higher-priced neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Explore the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage, where the writer penned his most enduring works and spent the last years of his life. The cottage has been restored to its original appearance, with authentic period furnishings and the rocking chair Poe used to dream up his tales.

Various cuisine options range from authentic Italian to finger-licking barbecue to Puerto Rican delicacies. Utensils are optional at Papaye, a Ghanaian no-frills counter service joint where the portions are heaping and the prices are cheap. Try the Jollof rice, a traditional dish of basmati rice, tomatoes, and spices for a surprising kick. Also, it's hard to go wrong with the savory goat kebabs or okra beef stew.

Tucked away on the Grand Concourse, the Fordham Restaurant houses a tiny diner serving a hearty breakfast and lunch. Fluffy and light, the chocolate chip pancakes remain a favorite for regulars, and the Philly cheesesteak quesadilla hails as a lunchtime staple.

A landmark among Bronx locals, Gyro King serves up its namesake with gyros overflowing with succulent lamb and beef. A friendly and welcoming staff greets you upon arrival to this hole-in-the-wall spot. Seating is limited, so take your meal to go and eat it at the nearby park.

The nightlife scene continues to be a draw with Manhattan's humming party scene only a short train ride away, and the nearby Woodlawn Heights Irish pubs and the lounges of Jerome just blocks away. On any given weekend, find the Bronx Beer Hall in the middle of the Arthur Avenue Market packed with an eclectic crowd drinking craft beer from Ball jars.

One of the best parts of living in Fordham Heights is the easy access into and out of the neighborhood. The B and D subway trains have stops in the neighborhood, with Manhattan's Grand Central Terminal being a 20-minute train ride away. The area also has access to Metro-North train service which runs to Westchester and southern Connecticut.

Bus service, provided by New York City Bus and Bee-Line Bus, has a dozen stops within the neighborhood, while taxis can easily be hailed or an Uber can be booked from your smartphone.

Interstate 87 and 95 lie just a few blocks away, and the Grand Concourse crosses right through the neighborhood, making access to other city sections smooth. Meters on most streets make for crowded parking, and pricey parking garages are also available.

The borough participates in Complete Streets, an initiative designed to safely accommodate walkers, bikers, and drivers by planning, designing, and constructing bicycle lanes, mixed-use roadways, and trails for pedestrians. The program encourages residents to walk and bike by making it more convenient to travel on local thoroughfares.

An urban oasis in the busy neighborhood, Claremont Park serves as a community hub for families, with its basketball courts, baseball fields, and playgrounds. The park's pool draws crowds of residents looking to cool off in the summer, while a picnic area over rolling hills serves as a peaceful reprieve from city life. Dogs are welcome at the park but must be leashed at all times. The Bronx River Greenway provides miles of trails for cyclists and pedestrians, including a loop around the Bronxville River, making a scenic ride or walk for fitness enthusiasts.

An educational day can be spent at the Bronx Zoo, the world's largest metropolitan zoo. Spread over 265 acres, find thousands of animal species while exploring their diverse habitats. The nearby New York Botanical Garden and its 250 acres of lush flowers, plants, and trees provides a gorgeous oasis in the heart of the city.

The Tour de Bronx hosts a 25-mile bike race throughout the borough, giving riders a chance to view its historic districts, waterfront scenery, and greenways. An end-of-ride festival held at the New York Botanical Garden remains the highlight of this decades-long event.

Fordham Heights is an affordable alternative to renting in Manhattan with the average one-bedroom in Fordham Heights costing $1,083 a month. A $2.75 multiple-trip Metrocard fare gets you to the center of the city, while gas prices cost 15 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer comes with an $8 price tag at the local bar.

Fordham Road hosts the neighborhood's premier shopping destination, with an impressive mix of 300 independent shops and chain stores. With its easy access by public transportation, the district can be crowded with shoppers on any day of the week.

Easy Pickins houses a trendy collection of discount clothing and accessories, and nearby Bon Bini carries affordable party dresses in the latest styles. For discounts on everything from shower curtains to school supplies, check out Cee & Cee Department Store for great deals on everyday items.

Grocery options include C-Town Market, Aldi, Pathmark, and A&P. Poe Park Greenmarket hosts a heralded market where fresh locally-grown produce, pastries, and a wide variety of spices are sold. The seasonal venue serves as a neighborhood meet-up for residents to converse with farmers and vendors while supporting local small business.