Fordham Manor - Bronx, NY

Fordham Manor was first settled (and named) by John Archer in 1666. The name actually referred to the location of his house -- Fordham means "house by the ford" and probably reflected his home near a shallow crossing of the Bronx River. Fordham Village, the oldest section of the neighborhood, begins around 196th Street and extends to around 187th Street. The university was established in 1841 in what was known as Rose Hill. The University Church, built in 1845, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features stained glass windows donated by King Louis Philippe I of France.

Fordham University features an architecturally impressive collection of buildings on its campus, with 200 items of antiquity found in the Fordham Museum of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art. A sizable collection of rare books and media can be found in the Walsh Library on the campus.

A melting pot of culture, the neighborhood's dining flavors run the gamut, with African, soul food, Latino, and Asian options dominating the menus. Dallas BBQ hosts an all-American lineup of traditional comfort foods in a fun atmosphere. Try the sticky wings or angry shrimp as an appetizer, and don't forget the Texas-sized daiquiris and margaritas that you may need to split with a friend.

Head to Loeser's Old Fashioned Kosher Deli for pastrami and potato pancakes served side-by-side out of a small storefront. At this classic New York deli, the stuffed sandwiches, coleslaw, and sour pickles combine for an impeccable meal. Try the matzo ball soup for a tasty treat.

Locals rave about Caridad Restaurant on Kingsbridge Road for its authentic Latin cuisine and casual atmosphere. Dine in, take out, or order delivery, and sample their tender Halal-style meats and famous rotisserie chicken. Start your meal with fried yucca or cow's feet soup, and be sure to save room for a refreshing fruit shake or traditional dessert such as flan or tres leches.

Manhattan's lively nightlife lies only a short train ride away from Fordham Manor, but the neighborhood has plenty of options available when you want a weekend beer or after-work happy hour drink.

Easy access by public transportation, driving, and walking make Fordham Manor an attractive alternative to Manhattan living. The B and D lines on Metro-North's Railroad stop throughout the neighborhood, with service running to Connecticut and Westchester as well. Buses stop throughout the neighborhood, and taxis regularly patrol the area, making them easy to hail. Use your smartphone to book an Uber for a pickup.

Interstate 87, also known as the Major Deegan Expressway, and Interstate 95 are easily accessible, only minutes away from the neighborhood. Parking can get crowded, with meters on most streets, while parking garages charge significant fees for daily parking.

The neighborhood remains largely walkable, with wide sidewalks leaving plenty of room for cyclists and pedestrians. The borough has adopted the Complete Streets program, an initiative for the safe accommodation of cyclists, walkers, and drivers, encouraging pedestrians to utilize bike paths, lanes and greenways. More residents choose to walk or cycle since the program has been in effect.

With over 700 acres laid out alongside the Bronx River, countless plants and animals make their habitat among the Bronx Park's forest. A two-mile stretch of the park runs through a deep gorge, giving runners, walkers, and cyclists views of the park's natural beauty. The Bronx Park, best known as the home of the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, also features plenty of recreation areas for local residents. Several playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, greenways for cycling, and football and soccer fields round out the list of available activities for all to enjoy. Just down the street, the Franz Sigel Dog Park provides a fenced-in area for dogs to run sans leash while their owners enjoy the shade trees. Devoe Park hosts a smaller wooded area with playgrounds, basketball courts, and a wading pool. Winding paths, lush lawns, and trees with plenty of benches let locals enjoy the serenity and shade of the park.

Every summer brings the annual Fordham Road Renaissance Festival, the largest Bronx street fair of the year. Dance contests, face painting, live music, and local vendors highlight this free event every year, drawing crowds of residents to engage in the fun.

A cost-effective alternative to living in Manhattan, Fordham Manor costs much less to live in than does the nearby metropolis. The average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,175 month and a $4 train ticket gets you to the center of the city. Gas prices run 15 percent higher than the national average. A pint comes with an $8 price tag at the local bar.

The crowded shopping destination of Fordham Road brings thousands of patrons out to peruse its hundreds of shops every year. Any day of the week finds the area full of energy, with shoppers and diners taking the subway or bus right into the heart of the shopping center.

MyUnique Thrift Store houses a department store overflowing with vintage clothes, gently worn designer finds, and everything from stuffed animals to vinyl records. Generous sales that run several times a week can have lines forming at the door, making this spot popular for those looking for a bargain.

Embode Embode in the Fordham Road shopping district hosts a boutique featuring funky urban clothing and accessories. Find shearling jackets, hoodies, and denim mixed with a variety of accessories such as wallets, belts, and perfumes and colognes.

Grocery options in the neighborhood include A&P, Pathmark, and C-Town. If you feel like walking, trek over to the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, a lively bazaar housing delis, gourmet cheese stands, beer gardens, and Italian pastry booths. Considered the "Little Italy" of the Bronx, there's no shortage of imported Italian goods available for eating and purchase. Peter's Meat Market makes nine varieties of sausage every morning, displaying a dedication to the taste of fresh ground meat, while Casa Grande Cigars rolls a fresh-made cigar right before your eyes.