Parkchester - Bronx, NY Area Guide

The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company first debuted their plans for the community of Parkchester at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Three years later, their vision became a reality with the construction of affordable homes for over 12,000 families, many of whom were veterans returning from World War II. Two through streets meet in a landscaped traffic oval, a design intended to minimize traffic.

For a current window into Parkchester culture, check out a concert by the Parkchester Chorus, the area's foremost community musical ensemble.

While New York fusion cuisine favors Chinese and Cuban foods, Sabor Latino takes inspiration from an even greater selection of global cuisine. Chinese-born Chef Robert Ng draws on his history in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to prepare his menu offerings. Locals go for the Picarollo, a Latin-spiced, slow-cooked beef dish wrapped in a spring roll skin. Others opt for the Hong Kong muscles in garlic butter sauce. The signature fried cheesecake gives a nod to New York deli food.

Among the local South Asian eateries, Neerob proves the local favorite. This hole-in-the-wall gem lures visitors from across the five boroughs with its authentic Bangladeshi cuisine. Mustard oil coats the pans of spinach curries and goat stews, while fish sizzles in a sauce of onions and chilies. Newcomers and regulars alike rave about the $4 bhartas, deep-fried snacks of mashed spinach, eggplant, and potatoes. Neerob's menu changes daily, so come with an open mind.

As a planned residential community, Parkchester lacks a thriving nightlife, leaving most residents to hop on the train to Manhattan. For those looking to stay local, try the Coconut Palm Bar and Grill. Strong drinks flow from this Westchester Avenue bar, where billiard tables act as a meeting place for neighbors. The food menu holds its own with authentic Guyanese dishes like jerk chicken, fried shark, and Bunjal goat.

The community was designed with accessibility in mind. The 6 train stops at Parkchester Station, taking residents to Manhattan's Grand Central Station in less than an hour. The 6 also connects to other routes for those traveling to farther destinations. Several public buses service the Parkchester area for an above-ground alternative.

Interstate 895 to FDR Drive presents the most direct driving route into the city, but most residents prefer not to drive and rely instead on New York's world-class public transit system. If you need a cab, you can easily hail one or call in advance. Uber and other smartphone-based car services provide yet another option.

For the nearest bike-friendly route to Manhattan, take East 169th Street to Willis Avenue, which eventually becomes 1st Avenue on the Manhattan side.

Green spaces and parks constitute the area's best outdoor recreation. The facilities at Caserta Park on St. Raymond's Avenue cater to diverse needs. Teens shoot hoops on the basketball courts, and small children make use of the playground. Handball courts and exercise equipment suit adults, and a vast field makes the park an ideal location to walk a dog.

A couple blocks away, Castle Hill Playground offers a larger park option with ball courts and public bathrooms. Many groups from neighboring St. Raymond High School and Castle Hill Middle School utilize these parks for annual school events and community gatherings.

Living in Parkchester remains affordable in a city known for its staggering rents. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City stands at $2,400 per month; a one-bedroom apartment in Parkchester averages a mere $1,035 per month.

Mass Transit Authority commuters pay $2.75 for a single ride on either the bus or the subway with a multiple-trip Metrocard or $3 for a single-trip fare. Those who commute by car expect to pay 40 percent more per gallon on gas than the national average. Beer prices stand closer to nationwide trends at $4 to $6 per bottle.

Residents need not venture downtown to find familiar retailers, including Macy's, New York & Company, the Children's Place, and Payless Shoe Source. The self-contained community has almost everything its residents need. For auto-related needs, visit East Tremont Avenue, where you find an abundance of auto body shops and custom rims.

Residents choose between full-service supermarkets, such as Key Food and C-Town, and small specialty shops for groceries. Bangladeshi markets dominate Starling Avenue, with halal butchers and imported foods. Chang Li Supermarket sells East Asian food products and live seafood. Find the area's freshest produce at the Parkchester Greenmarket, an open-air farmers market at the corner of Westchester Avenue and White Plains Road.