University Heights - Bronx, NY

It was around the late 19th century that the area now known as University Heights began growing significantly with the establishment of the station and New York University’s undergraduate campus, the neighborhood’s namesake, setting the trend for future rapid development. Built on the top of the heights overlooking the Harlem River, the university achieved recognition for its unique architecture, considered innovative for its time, which today houses Bronx Community College. Further development of transport amenities, especially to Manhattan, attracted the working middle class, which resulted in retail growth, especially along Fordham Road. University Heights prides itself on being a diverse neighborhood.

Visit the Hall of Fame for Great Americans at the university campus, honoring great men and women of American history, and get up close and personal with the area’s famous architecture by joining the community for the decade-old annual Hall of Fame run.

The neighborhood’s diverse population means hungry diners can choose from a range of unique experiences. Sit-in and take-out restaurants, as well as coffee shops and bars, can be found dotted around the neighborhood, however Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue provide customers with a wider choice of options in one place.

Locals recommend the grilled chicken at Latin American Liberato Restaurant NYC, on the corner of W 183rd Street and Jerome Avenue. While prices may be higher than average, Liberato makes it worth it, serving up well-sized portions of fresh, high-quality food. If chicken isn't for you, try the traditional Sancocho soup instead.

To satisfy Chinese food cravings, head to Ming Wong Chinese Restaurant on West Burnside Avenue. Warm hospitality, authentic tastes and efficient service contribute towards the restaurant’s popularity, making it a decade-old favorite among residents. Try the recommended Tso chicken and house fried rice along with refreshing iced tea.

Go in the direction of the river for Dallas BBQ if all-American fare causes your mouth to water. This bustling local chain serves up generous helpings of meaty dishes and various other options at reasonable prices in a casual and fun atmosphere. Locals enjoy the range of drinks and weekly specials, making it a popular destination for evening entertainment.

Next door, the party continues at Salsa Con Fuego. The Spanish restaurant and lounge provides customers with elegant surroundings and good food, while mood lighting and great music keep the atmosphere lively. Open until the early hours of the morning, this is the spot to visit if you wish to let your hair down and show off your dance moves.

Intertstate 87, or the Major Deegan Expressway, borders the neighborhood, connecting residents to Interstate 95. In University Heights, drivers pay for parking in lots and find metered and free parking on the street, although spaces can be limited at times. Getting a taxi in the Bronx can be arranged by calling ahead or hailing off the street, however the former may save you time. You also have the choice of using Uber, which operates in the area.

As far as public transport goes, University Heights enjoys access to the big three – rail, subway and bus. On the river side of the neighborhood, University Heights station provides access to the Metro-North Hudson line, reaching Grand Central Station in around 20 minutes in one direction, and heading north towards Hudson Valley in the other. On the other side of the neighborhood, Subway stations along Jerome Avenue access Line 4, which gets you to Manhattan and Brooklyn. In addition, various bus stops dotted around the neighborhood transport passengers around the local area.

A walker’s paradise, University Heights’ various restaurants, bars, coffee shops and public transport links in close proximity to one another, and the presence of sidewalks, makes walking an easy way to get between places. The neighborhood caters to bikers, too. The bike-friendly University Avenue runs through the neighborhood and leads onto a dedicated bike lane, where you’ll join other bike commuters on their way to Manhattan. A more scenic recreational ride, can be found on a bike trail running through Roberto Clemente State Park and along the Harlem River. Although easy to get around, the neighborhood can be less safe in certain areas, and pedestrians and bicyclists should avoid being isolated, especially at night.

Nature surrounds the neighborhood, with University Woods and the Harlem River on one side and the narrow but lengthy aqueduct walk on the other. The view from University Woods over the river and Upper Manhattan adds to the area’s beauty, while small forts from the American Revolution, once forming part of the British stronghold, appeal to history buffs. This dog-friendly nature haven provides visitors with plenty of scenic walking and hiking trails.

The family-friendly Aqueduct Walk features a playground, basketball courts and views of the old Croton Aqueduct, which bought water to New York City between 1837 and 1842. Once a year, the Open House New York event, in association with private residence and galleries, provides a walk along the aqueduct, complete with historical and architectural information.

Living in University Heights costs around 10 percent less than the New York average, with the cost of renting a one-bedroom residence averaging $1212 per month. The price of gas sits at around 11 percent higher than the national average, while a train ride to Grand Central Station comes to around $6, and a single ride on the subway or local bus service costs just under $3. A beer at the local pub costs around $5 or $6.

The neighborhood provides residents and visitors with many locally-owned shops, featuring a range of products from fashion to furniture. Discount clothing and jewelers exist in the area too, making it a good destination for bargain shopping. Your best choice for shopping lies on Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue as well as the River Plaza shopping center just north of University Heights, where you can visit chains such as Target and Marshalls.

Bella’s Flower Shop on West Fordham Road just before the bridge, brightens up the neighborhood with creatively arranged flower arrangements fit for any occasion. The local florist treats customers to a pleasant shopping experience, whether ordering online or in store, where friendly, helpful staff help bring visions to life under expert guidance.

Take a walk down Fordham Road for an increasing variety in shops. Sammy’s Fashion and CO. can be found in four locations in the Bronx, one of which lies at the corner of Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue. The store equips urban trendsetters with the latest designs from brands such as Nike and Lacoste and stays open into the evening, ensuring the avid shopper an all-day bargain hunting affair. Gamers do not want to miss out on visiting Fordham Gameworld, a neighborhood favorite that plays a memorable role in many a local’s childhood memories. Enjoy a huge selection, excellent customer service and great prices.

Continue along Fordham Road, past Grand Concourse, where shopping centers and stores lining the streets present hours of browsing and shopping potential. After a full day, head back to the neighborhood and stock up on groceries at destinations including C-Town, Bravo and Alba Supermarkets, or visit a smaller, independently-owned store, such as Tony’s Grocery, Ruben Deli Grocery or West Fordham Road Meat Market.

From May through October, many residents pick up fresh produce and other goods at the University Heights Collaborative's University Community Farmers Market. The market showcases the wares and goods of local businesses as well