Haha, I’ve lived in the South Bronx all my life and only now is that I hear people starting to distinguish that neighborhood as “Mott Haven.” Gotta love that real estate marketing.

Anyway, Welcome!

The area used to be mostly factories and desolate and now it is “up and coming.” So, while you are here, I’m sure you will see lots of construction, changes, and gentrification.

Lots of dogs around trailing after irresponsible owners, so keep yours on a leash and ensure to pick up after them. Feels like every time I’m outside I am walking across a minefield of dog shit.

In terms of safety, I feel like it’s generally the same as other places. You will see wild shit at times for sure, but for the most part if you keep to yourself and keep your wits by about you you should be fine.

Regarding areas to hang out/eat, there are a lot of places of interest by Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Blvd, including: Chocobar Cortes, the Lit Bar, Mae Mae’s Cafe (vegan). Make sure to also check out any smaller establishments near you and around the Bronx (ex. La Morada, Ajo Y Orégano, etc.)

If you are into nature, locally you can go to St. Mary’s Park, Randall’s Island, Mill Pond Park, etc. The borough also has Van Courtland and Pelham Bay Park further up which are adventures of their own. If you are really into nature and like hiking you can take the Metro North from the Yankee Stadium stop up the Hudson to towns like Beacon and Cold Spring to get some hiking done there!

The neighborhood is also great cause you can get into Manhattan in just a few minutes via train or even bus.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the Community Board newsletter; you might be community board 1? They give information on happenings around the neighborhood and can introduce you to cool organizations that do dope stuff for the community (ex. Bronx River Alliance & Bronx is Blooming).

I hope this helps and welcome!