Have you ever walked through your ‘hood and just stopped to observe it and take it all in? Sometimes, us Bronxites are in such a rush that we forget to appreciate the beauty of our own neighborhood and its history. I myself did not know the significance of my neighborhood until I was assigned a research paper about it in college.

I am from the Bedford Park section of the Bronx, and have lived here for all of my 21 years of life. My sister and I have jokingly been dubbed the “Bedford Park Princesses”. Everyone knows my family, and we know everyone. Bedford Park is a melting pot of various ethnicities — Africans, Italians, Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Irish, Asians, Albanians, you name it. Bedford Park is located between Kingsbridge and Mosholu Parkway, and is prominent for its educational institution and churches. There are four public high schools: DeWitt Clinton (which has a slew of famous alumni), Bronx Science, Walton High School, and the High School of American Studies, and one Catholic school, Academy of Mount Saint Ursula (one of New York’s oldest schools). Of course, Bedford Park is most notably known for Lehman College.

Not only is Bedford Park full of schools, but it also has a strip of food options. There are two notable diners, the National and a 24-hour diner. If you’re not feeling the diners, there’s also a great pizza spot, Jerome’s Pizza, a few Chinese stores, your standard chicken spot, and a few deli’s that offer delicious sandwiches.

If you’re ever in the area, stop by to grab something to eat, or enjoy a run at the Reservoir or Harris Field. Bedford Park is a quaint, family-oriented neighborhood that has never lost its charm, even with the Bronx being on the verge of gentrification. Bedford Park also has access to Yonkers, Westchester, and Manhattan, with the 4 and D trains being in close proximity.

*The opinions and ideas expressed are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of The Bronx Brand*

Sydney is from Bedford Park, in the northwest section of the Bronx. She’s lived in the Bronx all her life, and is inspired by the strength of the people of the Bronx. She says, “If you can make it from the Bronx, you can make it anywhere.” She believes the Bronx has a charm that can’t be found anywhere else. She wouldn’t trade it for anything growing up here because it’s shaped her into the fighter she is today. You can follow her on Twitter: @sydney_joy and tumblr: http://sydneyj0y.tumblr.com/