University Heights, Bronx

University Heights, Bronx is a neighborhood located in the West Bronx area of the New York City borough of the Bronx. It is situated near the Harlem River and is bounded by West Fordham Road to the north, Major Deegan Expressway to the east, West Burnside Avenue to the south, and the Harlem River to the west, adjacent to Washington Heights, Manhattan and Inwood, Manhattan. The neighborhood is home to Fordham University and Bronx Community College, and is also close to Van Cortlandt Park and the New York Botanical Garden.

Geography

The geography of the area is characterized by its proximity to the Harlem River and its hilly terrain, with elevations ranging from around 50 to 200 feet above sea level. The neighborhood is situated near the Henry Hudson Parkway and the Major Deegan Expressway, providing easy access to other parts of the city, including Manhattan and Queens. The area is also close to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden, which are both located in the nearby Bronx Park. The neighborhood's geography is similar to that of nearby Riverdale, Bronx and Fieldston, Bronx, with its mix of hills, parks, and waterways, including the Spuyten Duyvil Creek.

History

The history of the area dates back to the 17th century, when it was part of the Dutch West India Company's colony of New Netherland. The neighborhood was later settled by English and Irish immigrants, who were attracted to the area's natural resources and strategic location, near the Harlem River and the Hudson River. During the American Revolution, the area was a key location for George Washington's Continental Army, which used the nearby Van Cortlandt House as a headquarters. The neighborhood was also home to John Hughes (archbishop), who served as the Archbishop of New York and was a key figure in the development of the Catholic Church in the United States. The area's history is also tied to that of nearby Yonkers, New York and Mount Vernon, New York, which were both important centers of industry and commerce during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Demographics

The demographics of the neighborhood are diverse, with a mix of African American, Hispanic and Latino American, Asian American, and White American residents. The area is also home to a large Puerto Rican population, as well as smaller communities of Dominican American and Mexican American residents. The neighborhood's demographics are similar to those of nearby Mott Haven, Bronx and Port Morris, Bronx, with its mix of long-time residents and new immigrants, including those from Jamaica, Haiti, and Ecuador. The area is also close to the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center and the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, which serve the healthcare needs of the community, including those of Fordham University and Bronx Community College students.

Education

The neighborhood is home to several educational institutions, including Fordham University, which is a Jesuit university that was founded in 1841, and Bronx Community College, which is a public college that is part of the City University of New York system. The area is also close to New York University and Columbia University, which are both located in nearby Manhattan. The neighborhood's schools are served by the New York City Department of Education, which operates several public schools in the area, including DeWitt Clinton High School and Walton High School. The area is also home to several private schools, including Fordham Preparatory School and Aquinas High School, which are both affiliated with the Catholic Church and serve students from the surrounding neighborhoods, including Riverdale, Bronx and Fieldston, Bronx.

Transportation

The neighborhood has a comprehensive transportation system, with several bus and subway lines that connect it to other parts of the city, including Manhattan and Queens. The area is served by the New York City Subway's 4 train (IRT), which stops at the Burnside Avenue (IRT Jerome Avenue Line) and Fordham Road (IRT Jerome Avenue Line) stations. The neighborhood is also close to the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, which stops at the Riverdale (Metro-North station) and provides service to Grand Central Terminal and other destinations in Westchester County, New York and Connecticut. The area is also served by several bus lines, including the Bx12 and Bx19, which connect the neighborhood to other parts of the Bronx and Manhattan.

Landmarks

The neighborhood is home to several landmarks, including the Fordham University campus, which features several historic buildings, including the Keating Hall and the University Church (Fordham University). The area is also close to the New York Botanical Garden, which is a 250-acre park that features several gardens and conservatories, including the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the Rockefeller Rose Garden. The neighborhood is also home to the Bronx Community College campus, which features several modern buildings, including the North Hall (Bronx Community College) and the Library (Bronx Community College). The area is also close to the Van Cortlandt House, which is a historic house museum that was built in the 18th century and features several exhibits on the history of the area, including the American Revolution and the Dutch West India Company. The neighborhood's landmarks are also tied to those of nearby Yonkers, New York and Mount Vernon, New York, which feature several historic sites, including the Hudson River Museum and the St. Paul's Church National Historic Site. Category:Neighborhoods in the Bronx