img
Change text size A

Write a Review About Bronx For A Chance to Win A $100 Amazon Gift Card

Back
Bronx New York
Overall Rating
Star ratings are calculated by averaging a community’s percentile score for each individual category.

Read more

4.09 out of 5 stars
See detailed scores arrow-d-ic

The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City, in the U.S. state of New York. 

It is south of Westchester County; north and east of Manhattan, across the Harlem River; and north of Queens, across the East River. Since 1914, the borough has had the same boundaries as Bronx County, the third-most densely populated county in the United States.

The Bronx has a land area of 42 square miles (109 km2) and a population of 1,471,160 in 2017. Of the five boroughs, it has the fourth-largest area, fourth-highest population, and third-highest population density. It is the only borough predominantly on the U.S. mainland. The Bronx is divided by the Bronx River into a hillier section in the west, and a flatter eastern section. East and west street names are divided by Jerome Avenue—the continuation of Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. The West Bronx was annexed to New York City in 1874, and the areas east of the Bronx River in 1895.

Bronx County was separated from New York County in 1914. About a quarter of the Bronx's area is open space, including Woodlawn Cemetery, Van Cortlandt Park, Pelham Bay Park, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Bronx Zoo in the borough's north and center. These open spaces are situated primarily on land deliberately reserved in the late 19th century as urban development progressed north and east from Manhattan.

The name "Bronx" originated with Jonas Bronck, who established the first settlement in the area as part of the New Netherland colony in 1639.

The native Lenape were displaced after 1643 by settlers. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bronx received many immigrant and migrant groups as it was transformed into an urban community, first from various European countries (particularly Ireland, Germany, and Italy) and later from the Caribbean region (particularly Puerto Rico, Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic), as well as African American migrants from the southern United States. This cultural mix has made the Bronx a wellspring of Latin music hip hop and rock.

The Bronx contains one of the five poorest Congressional Districts in the United States, the 15th, but its wide diversity also includes affluent, upper-income and middle-income neighborhoods such as Riverdale, Fieldston, Spuyten Duyvil, Schuylerville, Pelham Bay, Pelham Gardens, Morris Park, and Country Club.

The Bronx, particularly the South Bronx, saw a sharp decline in population, livable housing, and the quality of life in the late 1960s and the 1970s, culminating in a wave of arson. Since then the communities have shown significant redevelopment starting in the late 1980s before picking up pace from the 1990s until today.

Become a community envoy on AgeFriendly.com Claim this city
Would you recommend Bronx, NY
to your older friends and family?

reviews (466)

Neighborhoods
Sort by

As long as you have the money to pay for living in the area it doesn't matter what age you are. There are people who have lived here for many years and there are also younger generations

Was this review helpful? 0

My city is age friendly as it is densely populated with people of all ages, young and old. Diversity goes hand in hand with NYC. Mature adults are welcomed in many different restaurants, clubs, recreational facilities, etc; without discrimination.

Was this review helpful? 0

I feel it is age friendly because streets have been updated to cater to handicap and there are a number of senior care apartments and medical facilities around. There are a number of mature adults in the neighborhood.

Was this review helpful? 0

a lot of working people with high education made it friendly. It is safe to go during the day or nights. A lot of good businesses, also a lot of security

Was this review helpful? 0

I would like to see jobs for the seniors who would and could work. Also, affordable rent for them.

Was this review helpful? 0

Your photo has been submitted and will appear on the city page after Admin’s approval. Thanks!