Jerome Park - Bronx, NY

By the year 1700, this section of the northern Bronx was abandoned by Native Americans, giving way to a large English and Dutch population. In the 19th century, the area was flooded with Irish immigrants who were drawn by the local industry.

Historically the Jerome Park Reservoir has remained the center point of the neighborhood, providing the epicenter for many parks and walkways around the community. The reservoir was built in 1906 as part of the New York City water supply system, and in 2000 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The reservoir and neighborhood get their name from the Jerome Park Racetrack, owned by Leonard W. Jerome, which was closed and destroyed in 1889 so that construction of the reservoir could begin. The Jerome track remains one of many once-thriving New York City racetracks that closed before or throughout the 20th century.

On the northwest side of Jerome Park, residents can take a short walk down West 238th and find a wealth of great options for lunch and dinner.

At the Coral Restaurant, enjoy a calm and relaxing cafe con leche to go, or sit down and enjoy a plate of baked chicken with a side of rice and beans. The chef specializes in authentic Dominican cuisine. The owners keep the atmosphere highly casual, and many local residents feel comfortably at home at the Coral.

For dessert, check out S&S Cheesecake up the road. S&S specializes in a variety of baked cheesecakes, including carrot, pineapple, and chocolate mousse. Visitors can also find a prime example of the New York Style Cheesecake. The bakers here keep all of their products strictly kosher. They close on weekends, but locals can always find the cakes for sale at the grocery market next door.

And for a fun night out in Jerome Park, head over to Viva Tapas Bar and Lounge for everything from a great dinner to a bowl of hooka. The lounge offers a huge selection of mixed drinks, including a list of signature drinks like house-made sangria and coquito. Throughout the week, customers enjoy specials on drinks, ladies' nights, salsa dancing, and other events. Happy hour extends until 9 p.m. and sees a lively older crowd during the week.

Interstate 87 runs straight through Jerome Park, from north to south. The Bronx River Parkway also runs to the east, outside of the neighborhood. Many local New York City metro stations operate in the area, such as the Bedford Park Boulevard station at Lehman College and the Moshulu Parkway station. The New York City Bus service maintains bus stops on most streets throughout Jerome Park.

The community maintains several bike-friendly roads and paths for cyclists which run along both sides of the Grand Concourse. Pedestrians get around Jerome Park and nearby neighborhoods safely by foot. Uber also provides a viable transportation option in the New York City Area.

Many residents of Jerome Park consider themselves lucky to live in close proximity to Van Cortlandt Park. The third largest park in New York City, its expanse of lakes, woodland and green space covers 1,146 acres of the northern Bronx area. Throughout the year, the park brings together citizens of many neighborhoods, both near and far, with its school programs, farm stand, group hikes, trail runs, craft workshops and much more.

Cyclists are welcome on the Van Cortlandt Park's running and walking trails.The environment stays kid-friendly, and has several sports fields open for use. The park welcomes dogs, and even provides a free dog park. The Van Cortlandt House, the oldest house in the Bronx, also stands nearby and provides an authentic museum experience.

At Poe Park, enthusiasts of the influential writer find themselves right at home in the Poe Cottage, the last home rented by Edgar Allen Poe before his death. Students can bring their ID for discounted admission.

To the east of Jerome Park on Southern Boulevard, the New York Botanical Gardens offers not only a place for family and friends to spend a beautiful and sensory day outside, but also many annual community events and gatherings. The NYBG holds the Orchids Show, art exhibits, activities for kids, antique fairs and more. Students and young children can ask for a discount on admission.

The average renter in Jerome Park pays around $908 per month, while renters in The Bronx pay an average of $827 per month. Overall, living in one of the many neighborhoods of the Bronx costs 50 percent more than the national average. Throughout all the boroughs, the cost of living stands at 22 percent higher than the national average.

Gas prices in the area remain around 24 percent higher than the national average. A local one-way bus ticket costs $2.50. At a local pub in the Jerome Park neighborhood, customers expect to pay $5 for a beer.

While many stores worth visiting operate along Route 9 in Jerome Park, the MyUnique Thrift Store remains a reliable stop for residents seeking discount clothes, accessories and antiques. Relative to other thrift stores, MyUnique maintains a highly organized selection that keeps business quick and convenient, lending the atmosphere of a department store. MyUnique Thrift Store has a 25 percent off sale every Monday and Thursday of the week, and occasionally hosts even bigger sales.

Both the Garden Gourmet Market and Stop & Shop grocery store along Route 9 serve the Jerome Park neighborhood. Residents can benefit from the Inwood Greenmarket on Saturdays and the Riverdale Y! Sunday Market for fresh, local produce. Both markets are in short driving distance of Jerome Park. The Riverdale market even hosts regular live music acts.