Southeast Bronx [Parkchester, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway etc.] impressions.

[bx1968]

Originally Posted by bluedog2

It takes 35 minutes on the 5 train to 42nd st. How is that an eternity ?

No where near an eternity, unless you're used to 15 min commutes.

I take the 5 from Pelham Pkwy (Dyre Ave line) to 59th St (roughly 40 min). This is the equivalent of you taking the 6 Express train from Buhre Ave (Pelham Bay) straight to 59th. I commute from both Pelham Bay and Gardens so this is a daily trip for me.

[bx1968]

Originally Posted by fmatthew5876

The 2 and 5 trains that go to the East Bronx seem to be under construction with delays and bus detours pretty often. I don't know if this is a recent thing or if its always been that way,

2 and 5 Subway - 2015 Service Changes

[Shoshanarose]

Originally Posted by DoomDan515

Yes and no, Morris Park seemed like the more Italian area of the two, Italian buisnesses still dominated the neighborhood unlike Bensonhurst where it seems like theres a near even mix of Italian and Chinese places nowadays. Morris Park is also a lot more suburban in character, but Morris Park Avenue did remind me of 18 Avenue in some ways.

Bensonhurst is no longer predominately Italian at all now.
If anything, I'd say it's mostly Chinese and Russian these days.

[fmatthew5876]

I go to the area around Castle Hill ave near the train once a week for an event. I also do the same kind of event on the west side near the grand concourse. Its pretty interesting the differences between the people and vibe here in this part of the East Bronx vs the West Bronx near the concourse.

First, it seems like most people here are second generation or later whereas the west has more first generation immigrants, probably mostly from Dominican Republic. It's mostly spanish people, but you can also see what feels like an Italian influence. Despite being predominately spanish, this part of the East Bronx really feels more like a classically "American" town than the west if that makes sense. It's more suburban, and the people appear to dress and act more American than you see elsewhere.

Also I feel like people are a bit more reserved whereas dominicans in the west bronx are more open and friendly. This could be cultural, or maybe its the difference between apartment living and house living. Not everyone in the east lives in those nice secluded houses though.

These are just off the cuff impressions I get from spending a small amount of time there. I don't know anyone well enough yet to know for sure. My impressions are probably hugely oversimplified and inaccurate in many ways.