fyrikaos

The stretch of E 138th street between Lincoln and St Anns ( and further) is chock full of family owned businesses and restaurants. There is a great deal of hispanic flavor on this street. You can get great pizza or used DVDs really cheap. The only problem I have found is that during warmer weather the teens and tweens in the area are out in full force and tend to hang out on the sidewalks, blocking your way and being rude. Now that is not to say that they shouldn't be there, but the attitudes many of them have can make shopping ( especially with a small child) a difficult and unpleasant experience. The businesses tho generally pleasantly staffed, don't seem to have much concern about their outward appearance and there tends to be garbage piled high at all times on the sidewalks.... this brings the rodents at night, not making it for a very pleasant walk.

The south Bronx has had such a bad reputation for so many years. But this small stretch right across the river from Harlem has a ton to offer. Starting at Bruckner Blvd you have the Alexander Cafe. This small restaurant provides amazing food and a great happy hour. The staff is great and sweet always ready to sit and chat about the weather, politics or just how life is going. On this same small block you'll find antique stores filled with books, and furniture all at a fraction of the price you'll find in Manhattan. A little further up are the projects. Depending on the day and the weather, this can be just another large housing unit with mainly elderly folk sitting out to enjoy the weather, always ready with a wave and a smile. Continuing down you'll find the Mott Haven library. A small branch of the NYC public library with a great selection of children's books and a very helpful staff.

I've lived on this street for a little over a year now. This is the first neighborhood in NYC I have lived in where I actually feel like I am part of a community. From the local antique stores, the deli and local restaurants, the people are amazing and very helpful. Whether you are down on your luck and need some help with food, or you lock yourself out of you apartment, the people and landlords are always ready to help. There are a great deal of artists and young families moving to the area which will hopefully bring a better park situation. The current park - Pulaski park - has nothing for the small kids and you have to travel several blocks to find a still inadequate park for young ones to play in. The businesses are half empty awaiting better economic times, but the businesses that ARE here keep their sidewalks clean and are very welcoming. The rents are very reasonable and most of the apartments are newly renovated, making this a great area to move to - so close to the city ( about 20 minutes to midtown on the 6 line) making working in Manhattan a snap.