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The Bronx and Staten Island

Of the five boroughs in New York City, The Bronx and Staten Island have the smallest population of any of the five. They make up two of the boroughs. The Bronx has a population of about 1.4 million, while Staten Island is the lowest with around 470,000 inhabitants. These two boroughs are located to the north of New York City and are very diverse in their own way like the rest of the city.

East Bronx

The East Bronx is located east of the Bronx River. It is made up of many different neighborhoods and because it is farther from Manhattan than other areas of the Bronx, it is newer than the West Bronx and less dense. The area was part of Westchester County until 1895 when it seceded and became part of New York City.

Historically, the East Bronx has a population that is largely Italian American. This population makes up the largest group in many of the neighborhoods, including Pelham Bay, Morris Park, Throggs Neck, and City Island among others. On the northern part of East Bronx there is a large population of black Caribbeans. Neighborhoods such as Baychester and Edenwald have a large number of these immigrants. There is also a large Asian American population with people from China, Bengal, and Pakistan scattered all over the Bronx. Among the other most common populations in the East Bronx are Latinos such as Puerto Ricans and Dominicans as well as immigrants from Albania.

West Bronx

The West Bronx is located west of the Bronx River. It is much more densely populated than the East Bronx on the other side of the river. The West Bronx was the first area outside of Manhattan to be annexed by New York City in 1874.

The area of the West Bronx is hilly, with buildings that are much older which house many lower income families. The fourth largest park in New York, Van Cortlandt Park is located here. Included in the name West Bronx is the entire South Bronx, which is considered to be an area of urban decay that began in the 1960's. Perhaps what the West Bronx is most famous for is being home to Yankee Stadium.

South Bronx and Northwestern Bronx

Both the South Bronx and the Northwestern Bronx are located within the West Bronx. As mentioned the urban decay started in the 1960's with changes in the economic demographic and landlord abandonment. As recently as the 1980's there has been an urban renewal plan to help revitalize the community.

After World War II, the population went from nearly 70% white to nearly 70% Hispanic by 1960. This migration by the white population was considered white flight.

The area has been home to some famous celebrities who grew up here. Some of the big names are Al Pacino, Jennifer Lopez, rapper Fat Joe, and NBA player Kemba Walker.

Staten Island

Staten Island is the least populated of the five boroughs that make up New York City. It is located in the southwestern part of the city and is very close to New Jersey. Staten Island has more of a suburban feel to it, unlike the other boroughs of New York City.

The North Shore is the most urban of the entire island and has large Victorian style homes located throughout. The South Shore is more suburban neighborhoods and the East Shore is famous for having the fourth largest boardwalk in the world.

The population of Staten Island is a white majority. It is the only borough in the city with a white majority. The current population is made up of 64% white, 17.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% African American and 7.5% Asian. About 20% of the population is foreign born. Out of the white population, those of Italian ancestry make up about 34.7%.

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The Bronx and Staten Island