Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx : NYC Tourist Guide

Kingsbridge Heights

Kingsbridge Heights, sometimes considered as separate from Kingsbridge proper, is a middle-class neighborhood in the West Bronx in New York City. It is characterized by a very high population density; along with adjacent Bedford Park, it is one of the Bronx's more densely-settled neighborhoods.

Kingsbridge Heights is a varied and multi-cultural neighborhood. It has a unique location as a hub for convenient public transportation (the 1, 4 and D NYC Subway lines; NYC Express Bus services to both the West and East sides of Manhattan), open space parks (Van Cortlandt, Ft. Independence), public schools (P.S. 95, and the small Ampak Neighborhood School of Choice), and CUNY Herbert Lehman College and The Bronx High School of Science located in the neighboring neighborhood of Norwood), world-class Montefiore Hospital and Children's Hospital, and nearby shopping venues (such as Fordham Road and Jerome-Gun Hill shopping districts in Norwood).

Recently, the neighborhood, especially the northern part, has seen a huge increase in higher-end rental and co-op building construction. Since 9/11, many Manhattan residents who have been priced out of the Manhattan housing market have been flocking uptown to Kingsbridge Heights. On April 4, 2007, Business Week Online (MSNBC.com) called Kingsbridge Heights one of "America's next hot neighborhoods".

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center is located in the area of northern Kingsbridge Heights, popularly called Van Cortlandt Village. Historically, Northern Kingsbridge Heights had a predominantly Jewish and Irish population. They still maintain a decent size, and are growing in parts of the neighborhood as many of the two groups, especially Irish, are moving into this neighborhood from affluent Manhattan areas looking for cheaper rent. However, in recent years, a more diverse population has grown in the community. The Hispanic community is concentrated in the southern and more poorer area of Kingsbridge Heights, but a significant size of latinos are located in the northern area, as well.

One of the main attractions of the neighborhood is the Jerome Park Reservoir, which is a favorite for runners and naturalists. The perimeter of this reservoir is approximately 2.5 miles. Other places of interest easily reached by a short car ride include: Van Cortlandt Park, Wave Hill, Riverdale, Belmont (Little Italy of The Bronx), City Island, The Bronx Botanical Gardens, and The Bronx Zoological Park, (formerly known as The Bronx Zoo).