Is Kingsbridge are considered safe for the Bronx? (Cortland, Hudson: apartment, rentals)

[tcolt]

Hi there, I'm a single mom moving from upstate NY to the Bronx. I'm trying to find an affordable place in a safe neighborhood. I guess I've got a few questions:

Is Kingsbridge considered a safe area? Would one recommend raising a 3 year old around that area? I've been visiting a friend who live's on Kingsbridge Ave near 235th street. It seems low key, but is it really safe?

Are there any other areas that would be a comparable commute into 42nd street? 45-50 min on the subway is about all I'd consider.

On a side note, I'm also looking for daycare for my son. any suggestions on respectable daycare centers/child care would be great.

[NYCwoman]

I can vouch for Parkchester (I live there and love it). They also have a day care center within walking distance of any apartment. (if interested, you can check out the Parkchester thread which will give you an idea of costs, amenities, photos, etc.)

Good luck in your search!

www.parkchesternyc.com

[bmwguydc]

Kingsbridge is fine, above 231st and to the west of Broadway, excepting the area between Broadway and Kingsbridge Avenue. On 230th, the area borders part of the NYCHA Marble Hill Houses, and while generally not a haven of crime in the area, there are some loud and shady characters on the 230th Street side at times such that I'd not recommend it for a small child. In Kingsbridge, the main issue issue is the public schools that are not up to the same standard as nearby Riverdale, though there are some private academies and religious schools in the area that might be an alternative, depending upon budget, that are not up to the same cost level as the private schools such as Horace Mann and Riverdale Country Day. There are a couple of day care/early childhood education centers in the area, both in Kingsbridge and Riverdale.

The drawback of Riverdale is that it's a little removed from the subway, and you'd need to take a bus or walk to it, or take an express bus or MetroNorth to Manhattan, but it's worth it from a schools perspective. On MetroNorth, it would be about a 30 minute commute, however, and the express bus about 45-50 minutes, depending upon traffic. While much of Riverdale can cost more, there are some rentals in private multi-family houses that are not as epxensive as full-amenity apartment buildings.

If, however, Kingsbridge meets the budget in the short-term, you do have some nearby amenities that are good, and there are some private houses around the area, some of which are multi-family that may be more home-like than an apartment building. There are a number of parks in the area, including VanCortlandt that has everything including an equestrian center, and even more parks up the hill in Riverdale.

Many families live in the area, and both areas are characterized by a large number of owner-occupants, both in private houses and in co-operatives and condominiums, thus the areas are very stable, generally speaking. And, the 50th precinct serves both neighborhoods and keeps things pretty safe on the streets.

[SuperMario]

Kingsbridge isn't really a bad area. Maybe has a block or two there that you wouldn't want to be on. Kingsbridge Heights, around Kingsbridge rd is terrible. The higher you go the better.

[NYCwoman]

bmwguydc - for some reason I thought the bus ride to Riverdale took longer. This is good to know (as well as the short train ride). I have some friends asking about the area and I fear I was giving them incorrect information. That is one place in the Bronx that I have yet to visit. I have to get out there and check it out - especially the equestrian center. I'd like to see how it compares to the Bronx Equestrian Center off of Shore Drive (I was just there this weekend and was shocked to learn that there is not just one, but TWO places in the Bronx to ride horses!)

[bmwguydc]

Yes, the buses are pretty quick to Manhattan, though there are days that can take a little longer. I believe from the extremes of the route, 261st St. to 34th St. takes around an hour to an hour and five minutes, which really is not too bad.

MetroNorth allows for commutes that are easy as well, both from Spuyten Duyvil station and Riverdale station. There's also a Hudson Railink bus service that shuttles people between the stations and several stops throughout the area.

The equestrian amenities are nice to have in the city, and the Riverdale Equestrian Centre at Van Cortlandt even organizes riding tours of Central Park in addition to the lessons and events at their home park. It's definitely a nice option to have in the area.

[evip]

Can anyone tell me about Kingsbidge Hieghts Condos - New construction? And what about the neighborhood?