Mott Haven Neighborhood

THE REAL DEALS

Besides the usual suspects, Target, TJ Maxx, et al, the neighborhood is a haven for savvy shoppers. From Native Bronx, Harlem Sneaker Train and Unique Boutique to the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market and The Lit. Bar bookstore, the array of shops is as authentic and inventive as the neighborhood itself.

PARKS AND RECREATION

The Bronx not only has the greatest number of parks in all the five boroughs but is also home to two of the city’s largest parks—Pelham Bay, which measures 2,772 acres, and Van Cortlandt Park with 1,146 acres. Pulaski Park is only a few blocks from Maven, and just across the Third Avenue Bridge is Marcus Garvey Park and Randall’s Island Park, which host rock concerts, art fairs and sporting events.

EASY ACCESS TO TRANSIT

Mott Haven was the city’s first suburb and was treated as such when the subways were laid out in the early-20th century. As a result, it enjoys some of the best subway service in the city, with the 4, 5, 6 and 2 trains running all or part of the time. Taking the 6 train from Third Avenue-138th Street, then transferring to either the 4 or 5 express train at 125th Street, gets passengers to Midtown in 20-minutes.

A HOME TO LEGENDS

The creative legacy of Mott Haven, Harlem and the South Bronx includes musicians Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Paul Robeson, Billy Strayhorn and Count Basie, as well as literary greats Langston Hughes and Ralph Ellison. Civil rights activists W. E. B. Du Bois, Walter White, Roy Wilkins, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. and jurist Thurgood Marshall have all lived and worked in Harlem and Mott Haven.

Maven Neighborhood Hero MOTTHAVEN HARLEM RIVER PARK

A FOOD HAVEN

The historically diverse population of Mott Haven offers in a wide array of cuisines. In addition to old-school diners and modern coffee bars, local restaurants include West African, Chinese-American, Puerto Rican, Italian, Mexican, African-American and Honduran dishes.