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[Prytania]

I'm thinking of returning to my job in the fall (very seriously), and yes, I had a bad day on the market, but I was thinking of it anyway.

It seems like my best bet for a new residence is in the Bronx. I like Riverdale, but I don't like the transportation (or lack of trains). Anybody live near the zoo? Arthur Avenue? Parkchester?

Would love some insight into other Bronx neighborhoods.

[tamiam]

I can't speak to the Bronx.

I am glad that the wind is blowing today in the direction of getting back to your job.

[Prytania]

I listen to you, Tamiam. Always have.

[anotheranon]

Prytania, I lhave lived in a number of places in Manhattan, Astoria and Riverdale. If you are looking in the Bronx, in addition to Riverdale, I would recommend the area called Fordham - I think it might meet all of your requirements. I miss the city so much sometimes I wish I could go back - even for only part of the year. I remember when I was a part of it - and knew nothing else,  but wanted to leave and become a part of "real" America - which I found doesn't actually exist. NYC is the only place I've ever lived where I haven't felt like an outsider. btw, I am a woman of color so I'm not sure if that makes a difference. In any case, if it's the Bronx you want, give Fordham a try.

[Prytania]

Thanks, anotheranon. The real America is highly overrated.

The prices in the Fordham area look attractive. I wish I could get my son into Fordham Prep--that would be totally sweet, but I don't think there's a chance of that. MAYBE I can get him into Cardinal Spellman.

I have to go up soon anyway (for court, what else), so I think I will look at some Fordham apartments. I might be able to buy in that area, but I'm still hesitant to buy when everything's so high.

Do you know anything about living in the Parkchester area? I know that area to drive through, but I'd be curious to know an insider's opinion of the area. I'm wondering if it's impersonal since it's more or less a lot of slightly anonymous looking high rises.

[tamiam]

I was just about to hop back on here and start pestering Prytania to come to CT (where the living is somewhat cheaper and the people are mostly nice except for the corrupt pedophiliac politicians). Then I read your post and for the very first time I "got it".

I'm a white suburbanite, love small town life, have always and continue to have friends "of color". Have never seen first hand the kind of hostile environment that Prytania has referred to; don't want to admit that it can exist because nobody I know is a racist jerk.

But after reading your post, anonotheranon, I see what you mean, and I understand why P. has said she absolutely will not come to CT. Home is home, and that's doubly true when anywhere "not home" is so isolating (even when the people are perfectly nice and outwardly accepting).

So thanks. I've learned something today.

And Prytania, I will stop pestering you about how great Connecticut is. Especially since it's now 20 f***ing degrees out!

[Prytania]

Ironically, I loved living in CT and so did my son. We had lots of friends and lots of fun, but we were both always in trouble and getting hassled by the cops perpetually; plus, I found it to be more expensive than NYC.

[history grrrl]

Not the Bronx, but close: Inwood. It's still affordable, though probably much less so than when I lived there. Among the attractions: A and 1 trains, great butcher shops (with the best homemade lasagna and yummy rice pudding, plus bread from Arthur Avenue), and beautiful, healing Inwood Hill Park (hiking trails through woods, view of the Hudson, baseball fields, pond with swans, etc.). Oh! Sometimes I really miss my rent-stabilized, $630/month two-bedroom apartment there. Sigh.

Some of my friends lived in Marble Hill, which was okay but not residential like Inwood. Actually, you might consider Pelham Parkway. I looked at some places there before moving to Inwood, and it felt like a very homey neighborhood. But it was agreed that no one would ever come uptown to visit me there.

[%sig%]

[Prytania]

We moved to CT from Wash Hts, so I know Inwood well. It's not as affordable as it was though its cheaper than the Heights. I was also thinking of Hamilton Heights or Harlem, but I'd get more space in da Bronx.

[Still escaping]

Prytania,

I will also through another neighborhood (outside the Bronx, following history grrl's lead) - Morningside Heights?

Personally I can't afford to buy there, but I have friends that have - 1 BR for about 300 K (okay, this is much cheaper than other parts of the city). Seems like a great neighborhood (little bookstores and everything you can imagine) and my friend lives literally on a subway stop (110), so the 1 train at least is very accessable.

In terms of rent, I have noticed friends that pay the same to live in - the bronx, morningside, and even where I live, near columbus circle. Only difference has been the size of the place. Don't live in a place my size (its too small for one) - but again, Monrningside seemed very doable. Place in the Bronx was huge - but it didnt seem to have as much going on at night. Depends on what you want I guess.

[Mendel]

tamiam wrote:

>
> But after reading your post, anonotheranon, I see what you
> mean, and I understand why P. has said she absolutely will not
> come to CT. Home is home, and that's doubly true when anywhere
> "not home" is so isolating (even when the people are perfectly
> nice and outwardly accepting).
>
> So thanks. I've learned something today.
>
> And Prytania, I will stop pestering you about how great
> Connecticut is. Especially since it's now 20 f***ing degrees
> out!

Hey, I'm in CT too- and you're right- "home" feels right because it's right, it feeds some need in a person.  I never really lived in CT full time while growing up, but had strong connections here.  As an adult I've lived all over and we finally settled in CT, and it's just right for us.  Everybody has to find their spot in the universe that feels right...

For me, I never get the NYC thing, but Boston maybe...

[Prytania]

I lived in the Morningside Hts in the 70's--then it was affordable.

This morning I'm hedging toward Hamilton Hts/Harlem/Spanish Harlem as the rents are reasonable on renovated 2 bedrooms.

Still, I think I'll end up on the Grand Concourse. It doesn't get more shabby chic than that.

[former Bronx resident]

I lived in the Morris Park area for a few years and liked it -- nice, quiet Italian neighborhood, not too expensive, near Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

[Prytania]

Is Arthur Avenue actually in Morris Park?

[Rina]

Hi Prytania! I enjoy your posts; they convey the sense of a real and interesting person - something rare to convey in cyberspace. So wish you all the luck with your move. I am not very informed about the Bronx but like you I love the city. I teach English at a CUNY school and live in Manhattan. What I like to call home is a big city in another country half a globe away. I can't think of another place in this country where I could make a second home. I've tried a few places and the idea of "real America" makes me shudder. But enough about me...
Good luck again and keep posting.