My Mott Haven Visit (Bedford, Patterson: condos, crime rate, houses)

[bx718]

Having lived in the bx for a while, I have heard a lot of stories about MH.
So I wanted to check it out to see what MH had to offer in terms of accomodation, ammenities, and lifestyle.

Guywithacause, offered to show me around since he's a life long MH resident

As a poster in the Condos In Mott haven thread, I had to see the building for myself and that I did. It was right there in front of me. Nice looking building. I couldn't get over how quiet the area was.Then I WALKED (in mott haven can you imagine) down through the antique district and saw some antique book shops.The bronx museum even has a "building" in the area.

Then right by the bruckner was a bar. We decided to walk in and it was a
really nice place. We hopped in and had 2 or so beers. The staff was nice
and it felt like any other bar in the city, without the people/attitude. It has been added on my list as one of the "to-go-hangout" places.

The buildings in mott haven do look great. The brown stones, ( similar to bedstuy's), the antique shops etc. There is actually an antique district and it has an "artsy" look to it.The section I was in was really quiet and seems like a place a single working guy could live peacefully. My reservations came from proximity to the housing projects and going to and from the train.
However I WALKED right by these same projects and there was nothing really going on.

My point is, it's not the warzone that some people on here make it out to be.
I didn't get to see all of mott haven due to time constraints but when I do, I'll update this.

IF the trains were closer, I'll move there tomorrow but it's still not out of the question. So for those looking for affordable housing, do not rule out MH.
After all you cannot beat the proximity to the city, if you work in the city.

[SeventhFloor]

what streets did u walk on?

[Guywithacause]

We were basically on Alexander Avenue by 141st..he was able to see the Bronx Bricks building (condos), the Brownstones, then South to Bruckner Boulevard past the 6train stop..then to the Antique district. Walked around a bit then had a couple drinks at the bruckner Bar and Grill. Short and sweet.

We had limited time so we were only able to see a bit...but I suspect he will be back to hang again. Next time we can expand out to see the rest of Mott Haven....there's a whole world out there!

Seventh...when was the last time you visited Mott Haven?

[SeventhFloor]

drove up third ave back in october.

[Guywithacause]

Ahh okay...next time get out of the car and walk....and let me know when you do...I will make sure one of my friend jacks you for your keds and walkman...then you can have a good story for the forum! Gotta keep things interesting...

[emilyxyz]

This is great to hear. I'm moving back to NYC and have been thinking Bronx near botanical garden (Bedford Park/Norwood), but it's so far away from midtown, where I'll be working. I lived on the lower east side (Clinton St, Ludlow St) in the early/mid 1980s and don't really care to repeat THAT experience...!!! fun tho it was (kind of) (in my 20s). So am now looking at Mott Haven, but can't quite wrap my mind around the idea that it is S-A-F-E. Let alone antique shops!

[nyctogo]

^^^this area aint nearly as good as these 2 are making it sound trust me. if your cool with living in the ghetto then mott haven is that but if not you might want to look for a better area.

[SuperMario]

Emily stop being Naive.

Why in heaven would you want to move to Mott Haven......maybe the 2000+ per 100,000 crime rate attracts you. Hey maybe you like the grandeur of the Mott Haven, Patterson, Mitchell and Millbrook houses.

Look the area has improved...but it's still a ghetto. I would sacrifice those few extra minutes that it would take to travel then to risk my safety.

Bedford Park/Norwood has it's problems but it's better off (IMO) then Mott Haven.

[Guywithacause]

Yes Emily...the vast majority of neighborhoods in the city ARE safer than they have been in the past 40 years...but nonetheless Mott Haven is certianly no paradise...there are lots of housing projects..and all the problems that come with intense segregated poverty. That being said..the area has revitalized ALOT and there are now antique shops..some cool bars, restuarants, and other amenities entering the area. It's worth a visit...I am a longtime Mott Haven resident....if you are ever interested...I would be happy to show you around. Welcome back!

[Pete Piper]

I'd check out both areas Emily. I'm not very familiar with the South Bronx, but we live in Bedford Park (on Mosholu Parkway) and are very happy here. The D runs express during rush hour so its pretty fast once you get to the Bronx. Metro North gets to Grand Central in 20 min. if you don't mind paying the price.