Co-Op City, Bronx, NY
About Co-Op City, Bronx
Co-op City is a large co-operative development in the northwest part of the Bronx. It’s bounded by I-95 to the north, west and southwest and the Hutchinson River Parkway to the east and Southeast. It is situated partially in the Baychester neighborhood and partially in the Eastchester neighborhood.
Co-Op City contains over 15,000 residential housing units across 35 high rise buildings and seven groupings of townhouse buildings. Besides residences, there are three malls, a park, several schools, a power plant, and a firehouse. It’s a self-contained community that offers residents much more than an apartment and is the largest cooperative housing development in the world.
History of Co-Op City
The land that Co-Op City was built on was initially undeveloped marshland. In the 1960s an amusement park called Freedomland USA was erected on the site and occupied the area from 1960-1964. In 1965, a plan was created to turn the area into the world’s largest co-operative housing development and construction ensured shortly after. The first residents moved in 1968, even though the construction wasn’t entirely finished until 1973. The project was developed by the United Housing Foundation – a real estate investment trust that was responsible for the construction of numerous housing projects in NYC. The development was designed by architect Herman Jessor. Co-Op City underwent a series of repairs and renovations throughout the 2000s and today houses over 43,000 residents.
Demographics of Co-Op City
According to the 2010 census, there were 43,752 residents living in Co-Op City – making it the largest co-operative housing development in the world. Residents are primarily black and Hispanic. In 2010, 60% of residents identified as African American, 27% identified as Hispanic and 8% identified as white. It’s primarily a neighborhood of middle- and working-class families. Most residents are either under 18 or between the ages of 45 and 64. The median household income is just under $60,000 per year.
Transportation in Co-Op City
There are no subway stops in Co-Op City, however, there are several NYC and MTA buses that stop nearby. The Bx5, Bx12, BX12 SBS, BX26, BX28, BX29, BX30, and BX38 NYC buses all make stops near Co-Op City. The Bx23, Q50 and BxM7 MTA buses also make stops close to Co-Op City. Plus, the Hutchinson River Parkway and I-95 also are two major highways that run through the development.
Housing in Co-Op City
There are 35 high-rise buildings and seven clusters of townhouses that make up Co-Op City. Each unit is centrally heated and cooled by the power plant that solely exists for use of Co-Op City residents. There are four different types of buildings; Triple Core, Chevron, Tower, and the Townhouses. Triple Core buildings have 26 floors and 500 units, Chevron buildings have 24 stories and 414 units and Tower Buildings have 33 stories and 414 units. There are 236 townhouses, and each is three stories high. The ground floor units in the townhouses come with a small yard.
Neighborhood Life in Co-Op City
Co-Op City is a village unto itself and there are several attractions within the development. There are eight parking garages and three shopping malls – the largest of which, Bay Plaza Shopping Center, features department stores like JCPenney, Staples, and Old Navy, as well as a movie theatre, a gym, and a supermarket. River Run Gardens is a community garden located within the Co-Op City grounds. Plus, athletic center Aileen B Ryan Recreational complex is nearby and features a football field, track, tennis courts, and a swimming pool. The Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course, NYC’s only 36 hole golf course is also nearby.
Similar Neighborhoods to Co-Op City, Bronx
Real Estate Trends in Co-Op City
The median sale price of a home in Co-Op City is approximately $522,000. It’s an affordable, middle-class neighborhood, for families in the Bronx. Co-ops tend to be cheaper than condos. So, Co-Op city is a great development for those who want to own their home but can’t afford the often-exorbitant NYC prices. It’s a great buy for those looking for a suburban enclave within the city. Prices have steadily increased across the past 5 years and will likely continue that upward trend.
The Truth About Co-Op City
Is Co-Op City Safe?
Yes, Co-Op City is safe. It’s mainly a neighborhood of middle-class families and it’s insulated from much of the crime that exists in other parts of the Bronx. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 45th Precinct of the NYPD, as well as a public-private security force that employs 100 public safety officers and 10 civilian employees. Most residents report that crime is minimal and does not detract from daily life in the neighborhood.
Are the Schools Near Co-Op City Good?
Yes, the Schools in Co-Op City are good. PS 160 Walt Disney and PS 153 Helen Keller are two well regarded elementary schools in the development. MS 180 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams and IS Pablo Casals are two highly regarded public schools in Co-Op City that cater to grades 6-8. Plus, Harry S Truman High School – which is famous for housing a planetarium – and the Bronx Health Sciences High School are two high schools located in Co-Op City.
Popular Eateries Near Co-Op City
Things to Do Near Co-Op City
Go shopping at Bay Plaza Shopping Center, the largest shopping mall in New York City
See a movie at AMC Cinema 13, a movie theatre in Bay Plaza Mall
Spend the day in Pelham Bay Park, a 2700-acre public park and nature preserve.
Play a round of Golf at Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course
Check out Orchard Beach, a quiet public beach with a boardwalk and shopping nearby.
Is Co-Op City Dog Friendly?
No, Co-Op City is not good for pets. Like many co-operative developments in NYC, the development has a no pets policy. Emotional support animals are allowed, but regular household pets are not.
Is Co-Op City Good for Cyclists?
Not particularly. It’s a secluded, self-contained area sandwiched between two major highways. Most residents choose to drive when leaving the complex and simply walk when inside the development. Although transportation is somewhat limited, residents are not known to choose biking as a transit method. Avid cyclists will not be discouraged, but the surrounding areas are not conducive to biking unless you are skilled.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Co-Op City, Bronx
Being a co-op development, owners do not own their own apartment but rather own shares in a corporation that owns the property. Therefore you must get board approval to be admitted and to make any alterations to the unit.
Residents must have at least a 650 FICO score or documentation of having paid bills on time to qualify for board approval.
Co-Op City even has its own newspaper - the Co-Op City Times