Morris Heights

Bronx, NY

Morris Heights - Bronx, NY Area Guide

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Welcome to the birthplace of hip-hop

Riverside Hills Mass Transit Pedestrian-Friendly

Morris Heights is a lively neighborhood that sits on the western edge along the Harlem River. Known for its hilly terrain, it offers charming views and a sense of community that draws residents in. The area is peppered with green spaces like Morris Heights Playground and Featherbed Lane Playground, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a fun day out. This neighborhood has a rich history tied to the influential Morris family and even serves as the birthplace of hip-hop, adding a unique cultural vibe. Although the cost of living here is about 27 percent higher than the New York average, the energetic community and amenities make it an attractive place to call home.

Residents often find employment in nearby health institutions such as the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center and the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, though many also commute to Manhattan. The neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city, with several subway and bus lines making travel convenient. The Cross Bronx Expressway and elevated rail lines above Jerome Avenue create easy access to other parts of New York City. Whether you're a history buff or someone who loves a bustling environment with a touch of nature, Morris Heights offers a balanced mix of both, making it an engaging place to live.

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Rent Trends

As of February 2026, the average apartment rent in Morris Heights is $2,077 for a studio, $1,820 for one bedroom, $2,252 for two bedrooms, and $2,149 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Morris Heights has increased by 1.0% in the past year.

  • Studio

  • 532 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,077/month

    Average Rent

  • 1 BR

  • 498 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $1,820/month

    Average Rent

  • 2 BR

  • 810 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,252/month

    Average Rent

  • 3 BR

  • 1,139 sq ft

    Average Sq Ft

  • $2,149/month

    Average Rent

Transportation

86

Very Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.

100

Rider's Paradise

out of 100 TransitScore® Rating

Living in this area is considered a rider’s paradise, with world-class transportation.

63

Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

While there’s some bike infrastructure in this area, you’ll still need a car for many errands.

Reviews of Morris Heights - Bronx, NY

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3.1 14 Reviews

Current Resident

8 years and 10 months agoNiche Review

I have lived there for 18 years. The neighborhood is predominantly black and latino. I wish there were policing to ensure safety. It's a good location terms of commuting to Manhattan and Westchester. The 1, A, 4 and D trains are nearby. There is a metro north stop in Morris Heights. There is also another metro north stop in Fordham, which is about 15 minutes away. I'm not a big fan of the public schools in the area. I asked to transfer back to my school in Manhattan when I was younger because there were fights often and gang violence.

Niche User

9 years and 6 months agoNiche Review

Crime and Safety has improved little by little, but the problems do continue. I have been living here all my life and I still do not feel safe in walking outside in my home town. When you need police they come an hour after you call and usually bash you on how your situation was not an emergency. A lot of police brutality has been seen in my area and many teenagers have been dying due to our own heroes.

Niche User

9 years and 7 months agoNiche Review

Everything its pretty cleaned and well maintained.

Niche User

9 years and 7 months agoNiche Review

It's a good area to live in, often safe for children.

See All Reviews on Niche.com

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Roberto Clemente State Park
  • Claremont Park
  • Dyckman House Park
  • Sherman Creek and Swindler Cove
  • Fort Tryon Park

Airports

  • LaGuardia
  • John F Kennedy International

Property Management Companies

Living in Morris Heights

History

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Morris Heights has a fascinating history. It was named after the influential Morris family, who owned much of the land in the area during the 18th century. In the late 19th century, Morris Heights saw rowhouses and apartment buildings springing up to accommodate its growing population.

The area was once home to the Gas Engine and Power Company, a shipbuilding firm that provided a variety of jobs in the area. During the 1970s, Morris Heights became famous as the birthplace of hip-hop culture, with DJs and block parties sparking a global music movement.

Restaurants

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The food scene in Morris Heights is full of variety. Elena's Restaurant is a popular spot, known for its flavorful Mexican cuisine. Casa Clema is another favorite, offering tasty Latin and Spanish dishes that make every meal feel special. In this neighborhood, you'll find all sorts of dining choices, from quick snacks to sit-down dinners. The restaurants and eateries in Morris Heights show off the area’s cultural mix, making it a fun place to eat for anyone who loves trying different foods. Whether you want spicy tacos or tasty Spanish meals, Morris Heights has plenty to offer for every taste.

Transportation

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Living in Morris Heights, Bronx, provides you with convenient transportation options and a pedestrian-friendly environment. The neighborhood is well-equipped with sidewalks and crosswalks that make walking around safe and enjoyable. Its hilly terrain offers great views as you head to the local parks, schools, and shops that are within walking distance.

For those who prefer public transportation, the subway is a popular choice, with the 4 train serving stations such as 170th Street, Mount Eden Avenue, and Burnside Avenue, making it easy to travel to other parts of New York City. The B and D trains are also available at nearby stations like 170th Street and Tremont Avenue.

Several MTA bus routes connect Morris Heights to various destinations, offering flexible options for daily travel. A MetroCard is handy for accessing both buses and subways, and planning trips in advance can save time during peak hours.

Parks

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Morris Heights is near several major parks, including Roberto Clemente State Park, which is located in the neighborhood. This 25-acre park offers recreational facilities and scenic views along the Harlem River. Additionally, Van Cortlandt Park, one of the largest parks in New York City, is not too far away, providing vast green spaces, trails, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Shopping

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Morris Heights features local shops and markets where you can find a variety of goods, from fresh groceries to trendy clothing. One popular spot is the Burnside Avenue area, bustling with stores offering everything from fashion to electronics. For those looking for specialty items, small boutiques and family-owned stores provide unique finds and friendly service. Additionally, community markets offer fresh produce and daily essentials, making it easy to get what you need without leaving the neighborhood.

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Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.