Kingsbridge, Bronx, NY
About Kingsbridge, Bronx
Kingsbridge is a residential neighborhood in the northwest section of the Bronx. The area is bounded by Manhattan College Parkway to the north, West 230th Street to the south, Irwin Avenue to the west, and Bailey Ave to the east. The neighborhood is surrounded by Norwood and Bedford Park to the East, Marble Hill to the South, Spuyten-Duyvil to the West, and Van Cortlandt to the North.
Kingsbridge is a quiet working- and middle-class neighborhood that offers spacious affordable housing for those looking to avoid the prices of Manhattan. It’s a neighborhood with a lot of character – notable for its distinctive staircases covered in street art. It’s just across the river from Inwood and Washington Heights and Kingsbridge has a similar ambiance to those Uptown Manhattan neighborhoods. Residents can enjoy spacious, prewar apartments at an affordable price and a calm pace of life that is rare for New York City.
History of Kingsbridge, Bronx
Originally Kingsbridge – along with other neighborhoods in the northwest Bronx – was considered a part of Yonkers. The City of New York officially annexed that section of the city in 1874. The development of the IRT elevated subway line led to a sudden increase in the population of the neighborhood. At that time, it was an enclave of primarily Irish residents. By the 1970s the Irish population was replaced by African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Albanians, and Greeks. However, there are still several Irish churches in the neighborhood – like St. John’s Roman Catholic Church on Kingsbridge Ave. Today, Kingsbridge is a multicultural neighborhood of working- and middle-class families with a distinct local flair.
Demographics in Kingsbridge, Bronx
There are about 74,000 people who live in Kingsbridge. It’s primarily a black and Hispanic neighborhood, however, there is a considerable white and Asian populations as well. Sixty-four percent of residents identify as Hispanic, 19% of residents identify as black, 11% of residents identify as white and 3% identify as Asian. It’s primarily a neighborhood of young adults and families – 17% are between 25 and 34, 24% are under 18 and 25% are between the age of 34 and 54. It’s working in a middle-class neighborhood and the median household income is around $48,000 per year.
Transportation in Kingsbridge, Bronx
There are several transportation options available to Kingsbridge Residents. The 1 train of the NYC subway system makes stops at 231st Street and 238th Street. The Bx1, Bx7, Bx9, Bx10, Bx20, BxM1, BxM2, and BxM18 buses also make stops in the neighborhood. Plus I-87 runs alongside Kingsbridge and Broadway runs through the neighborhood and connects to the Henry Hudson Parkway.
Housing in Kingsbridge, Bronx
Housing in Kingsbridge is a mixture of semi-detached and detached homes, squat brick walk ups, and large tenement style apartment buildings. Units tend to be spacious and sturdily built. There is a mixture of prewar buildings and new developments. Detached homes tend to feature five to seven rooms, one to one and a half bath and one car garage. It’s a neighborhood for those looking to put down roots and purchase an affordable home in New York City. You can certainly find a hidden gem for a good price if you’re willing to shop around.
Neighborhood Life in Kingsbridge, Bronx
Kingsbridge is a quiet, suburban area that features great local restaurants and bodegas. The commercial activity in the neighborhood is centered around Broadway and 231st Street, where the 1 train makes a stop. In the area, residents can find both local shops and large retail chains. There are several small parks around the area – like Ewan Park, Gaelic Park, and Bailey Playground, where residents can be found enjoying a mild, Sunday afternoon. Plus, Van Cortlandt Park borders Highbridge, an 1150-acre green space with hiking trails and a golf course. Overall, Kingsbridge is a sleepy, family-oriented neighborhood, where residents prefer affordability over a plethora of shopping and entertainment options.
Similar Neighborhoods to Kingsbridge, Bronx
Real Estate Trends in Kingsbridge, Bronx
Kingsbridge is a great neighborhood for those looking to buy an affordable home in New York City. The median home value in Kingsbridge is just under $250,000 per year – a price that’s hard to beat in NYC. Prices have remained fairly consistent over the past 5 years– they’ve appreciated about 15% in value over that period. It’s a good buy for those looking for a place to live for the long term. There is a very little short-term vacancy in the neighborhood – it tends to be a community of those looking to settle down.
The Truth About Kingsbridge, Bronx
Is Kingsbridge, Bronx Safe?
Yes, Kingsbridge is generally safe. The northwestern section of the Bronx is somewhat secluded from the rest of the borough, shielding it from serious crime. The area is patrolled by the 50th precinct of the NYPD, which has reported a major drop off in crime since the 1990s. In 2018, the Kingsbridge and Riverdale area reported a lower violent crime rate than the city as a whole. The Bronx can be a dangerous area if you are not aware of your surroundings. Residents should always be on alert especially after dark. But overall, Kingsbridge is a quiet, residential neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Kingsbridge, Bronx Good?
Yes, there are some decent schools in Kingsbridge. PS 7 Kingsbridge and Ampark Neighborhood school are two highly regarded public elementary schools in Kingsbridge. The New School for Leadership and Journalism is a middle school in Kingsbridge and PS 95 Sheila Mencher is a primary school that caters to grades PK-8. The High School of American Studies at Lehman College is also in Kingsbridge – a highly rated public high school in terms of test scores and student to teacher ratio. Our Lady of Angels and St. John School are two private PK-8 schools that are also located in Kingsbridge.
Popular Eateries in Kingsbridge, Bronx
Things to Do in Kingsbridge, Bronx
Visit Van Cortlandt Park, the 1150-acre park features numerous sports facilities, a horse stable, and hiking trails
Play a round of golf at Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course – one of the facilities in Van Cortlandt Park
Check out the Van Cortlandt House, the oldest building in the Bronx built in 1748
Check out the street art covered staircases that can be found between Kingsbridge and Riverdale
Have a drink at Punch Bowl Pub – a popular Irish pub in Kingsbridge where locals are known to congregate.
Is Kingsbridge Dog Friendly?
Yes, Kingsbridge is relatively dog-friendly. Some of the larger apartment buildings do not allow dogs (or at least larger dogs). But for the most part, dog owners will feel right at home in Kingsbridge. The wide blocks and access to green space make it easy to take furry friends for a walk. There are several dog runs in Van Cortlandt Park, where owners can bring pups for some exercise. Plus the traffic is relatively mild and the area isn’t as busy as other parts of the Bronx.
Is Kingsbridge Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Kingsbridge is good for experienced cyclists. It’s a hilly neighborhood and bike lanes are scarce except on major streets. Those looking to bike as a method of transportation must be fairly experienced with city riding to feel comfortable. There are several bike trails in Van Cortlandt Park, for cyclists who want to avoid steep inclines and unpredictable traffic.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Kingsbridge, Bronx
Although shopping options are not as plentiful as other neighborhoods, residents report that Kingsbridge has all the necessary retail stores – like big box stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, liquor stores, etc.
The 1 train gets crowded as you get closer to Manhattan, so be aware if you are planning to commute