There was a time in its history when the Bronx was considered a desirable place to live. I say this because when I was growing up there, the Bronx had a not so great reputation. Recently I saw a news story covering the cost of living in NYC, and they said that the Bronx was still the most affordable place to rent. This has to be due to its long held reputation.
From what I have read, back in those so called better days, mostly Irish, Russian, Polish, German, and Italian immigrants lived in the Bronx. Over time, other communities started moving in and changing the neighborhoods. Gradually, many of the original residents moved away as crime and other challenges increased in the area.
Fast forward and the once prestigious Bronx became known to some as a tough neighborhood. It became a place many cab drivers tried to avoid, and for some, just the name carried a heavy stigma. In the 1970s, conditions became so difficult that some landlords resorted to burning down their own buildings to collect insurance money, and there were other cases of arson as well.
When I was growing up, the neighborhood had a very specific character shaped by the community that lived there. The community had its own unwritten rules, and earning respect was something that mattered deeply regardless of your background. Being an outsider in any tight knit neighborhood shapes how people interact and form bonds. I experienced challenges growing up related to those social dynamics, and the tensions of the times were something many of us felt.
That said, there were pockets in the Bronx where various communities lived, like Albanians in certain buildings and West Indians in others. It is interesting how specific groups sometimes concentrated in particular areas. The neighborhood had a distinct character that reflected the people who called it home.
Lately, I have noticed a more diverse mix of people in the Bronx, particularly around Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Museum of Art. This change reflects broader shifts in the community. These newcomers are regular residents, artists, and visitors contributing to the area’s evolving identity. It is a sign that the Bronx is changing.
The government has invested significant money in revitalizing the area, including rebuilding Yankee Stadium and improving nearby spaces like Joyce Kilmer Park along the Grand Concourse, which now looks vibrant and well cared for. The Grand Concourse streets are tree lined, and the area generally feels more inviting than before.
I get the sense that there is an effort to foster a cultural and artistic atmosphere, similar to what happened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Bedford, once a neighborhood tied to a particular era in hip hop history, is now home to a mix of artists and professionals. Marcy, known for its connection to hip hop culture, hosts a range of working residents from different walks of life. Neighborhoods are changing. The Bronx Museum of Art has been a longstanding institution, and recently I noticed a more diverse crowd there. It is a clear sign of the ongoing transformation.
I hope my reflections do not come across as insensitive. I am simply sharing my perspective, mixing in some humor with honesty. For those who grew up in the Bronx at the same time I did, you know how distinct certain neighborhoods felt and how specific communities tended to cluster in areas like Riverdale or Pelham Parkway, which were known as more residential areas.
I recognize that my view is just one perspective, based on my experiences growing up in the South Bronx. I understand that others’ experiences may differ, and I would love to hear about them. I am aware I did not see everything, and I am open to broader insights.
I find the gentrification of the area worth exploring. A friend, Ed Garcia Conde, owner of Welcome2theBronx.com, reminded me that gentrification is primarily an economic process, not just about race. That makes sense. Economics and opportunity play major roles in how neighborhoods shift and evolve. Ed is my go to resource for all things Bronx, providing valuable insights whenever I need clarity.
A few years ago, a childhood friend bought a place near the Bronx Museum of Art in a luxury building we admired as kids. He saw it as a long term investment and said he was excited to be there. If the neighborhood continues to grow, his investment could pay off. Even if it does not, he still has a nice place close to family. Recently, he mentioned he might sell due to life changes, though I think holding onto it could be a wise move.
What do you think? Is the Bronx becoming a hub for artists and creatives? Ed believes that many are already priced out, so it might not happen in the same way as other boroughs. What are your thoughts on gentrification here? What will happen to current low income residents like our parents and longtime community members? With limited options in NYC, where would they go? This is an important concern, and I would appreciate hearing your views.
I’m White and thinking about hitting up some clubs in the Bronx. While I’m there I would approach and hit on black girls. Generally speaking, black girls tend to like me a lot. This could be intimidating if I were the only white guy in the club scooping up hot women. Do you think I would be discriminated against? Violently?
Hey Mykel, I think if you play it cool, you would be ok. It also depends greatly on where you are at and the crowd, also who you are with may factor in. Times have changed a lot from when I was out clubbing regularly, but you have to think in terms of human nature. When I went to any bar that was predominantly any race, unless I had someone from that race to “bring me in”, I’d be getting dirty looks all night. Especially if I tried to talk to a female of that race.
If you are in an all white area, and a Latino comes in and starts kicking it with all the white girls, the white fellas might have a problem with that. The same applies in reverse, if you start getting attention from the cute ladies, the fellas may have a problem with you.
Most people won’t want to admit that race factors in, but the fact of the matter is that it still does. It’s not as bad as it was in the past, but if you make the mistake of going for the girl that some local guy likes, that may be all the excuse he needs to make you the target of aggression.
But that could happen to you in a white club if you are not from the area. Just use common sense and street smarts. You can tell if something is going to pop off. Like I said though, times have changed drastically. My advice could end up being completely outdated. Though I hardly think things are that different today. LOL.
Peace and good luck brother.
I grew up in the Bronx and have recently moved back. My parents still live there and I wanted to be close to them and have easy access to downtown. The neigborhood is great and I love my deco apartment with its sunken living room and art deco features.
There are many beautiful apartments in the BX. I was thinking of my sunken living room in 2805 Grand concourse last night for some reason. That’s funny. We moved out though because the place was broken into many times. Times are changing. My mom is also still in the BX… Thanks for visiting the site, and sharing the post. I hope to see you around more often!
Good does not = white, like you mentioned. White ppl started moving from the Bronx (white flight) because that generation wanted to be a part of suburbia and many took advantage and burned their buildings, as they exited the bronx for the surrounding suburbs. Your article is kind of disturbing to me, it’s as if you were begging for white ppl to come rescue the Bronx. There are some high incidences of poverty in the borough, which just have not been addressed socially and are the repercussions of a week system that has failed ppl for generations, not to mention, drugs taking hold in this vulnerable area in the 80’s. Your artlcle seems to simplify things so much, a lot of what you talk about is really face-value, stuff, for you. I can understand that you might be coming from a place where you want to see the Bronx succeed, but like your history is skewed and, like you said, your point of view, is just that, your point of view. We need investment in the Bronx, not White ppl to move in and make it all better…again with the great-white-hope!
living in bronx requires a survival group to succeed .
you need two armed people on serious patrol 24/7 with intent to do serious harm to intruders !!
anything less is doomed to failure.