A Walk in Woodlawn

About a month ago we stopped into the Rambling House for lunch (which was delish) and then took a walk around Woodlawn. It was a gorgeous day, and all the shops, pubs, and restaurants were bustling. I took some pics and have been meaning to post them for a while now. Enjoy!
Question...Has anyone ever eaten at that place Boulevard? It seems a bit out of place on the somewhat sleepy Katonah Avenue.

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Single Family at a Discount

331 East 239th Street, 5 bedroom, 2 bath - $429,000 down from $449,000

This five bedroom home in Woodlawn looks a tad outdated (hello drop ceilings and mustard yellow carpet), but certainly well maintained. Aside from having a whopping 5 bedrooms and a really cute enclosed sun porch, this place actually has a basement with its own entrance... they describe the basement as "full" (i.e. most likely unfinished), but it certainly presents itself as a great upgrade project for real estate hunters who'd like to have some rental income.

This listing has come down $20,000 since July, so me thinks the sellers are pretty motivated. So if you get lucky with a lowball offer, you could find yourself grabbing a nice, big house in a great hood for somewhere in the low $400,000s + the possibility of rental income. Not bad... And the added benefit of being able to grab a Guiness over at Rambling House with Cousin Tommy is simply priceless.

Here's the Woodlawn spiel (again) for the uninitiated:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. Our favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here.

You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

From this side of the hood you'd be able to access easily the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for a quick commute to Manhattan. Otherwise, it's a bus to the 4 train on the other side of the cemetery.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Traffic Snarl at Woodlawn Metro-North Station (UPDATED)

We received the following email from Woodlawn resident, Sean. We wanted to post it for all of you Woodlawn residents to take a look at, and we invite you to use the comments section of the post to kvetch about the situation and, hopefully, communicate with one another to form a plan to voice your concerns to officials.

Good morning. I am a big fan of your blog and I'm writing you in hopes that you can bring light to a potentially dangerous situation brewing at the Woodlawn Metro North Station. As you are probably aware, there is a traffic circle in front of the station, in addition to the entrance and exit ramps to the BRP. Last year the city, and their infinite wisdom, decided to redo the circle with new sidewalks and plantings. However, they decided to route the pedestrian traffic away from their normal route, and into the center of the circle. Of course, no one uses this.

When they finished the recontruction, they placed a one way sign on the circle, routing traffic out of the Woodlawn parking lot. However, by this logic there is no way to "legally" get into the lot, unless you're coming off of the BRP. All of us just assumed that this sign was wrong, and continued to pull into the lot from Webster, go around the circle, and pull into the lot. This morning the Metro North Police were waiting at the entrance of the lot, issuing citations to anyone who pulled into the lot from Webster. He had a line of cars, about 15 deep, backed up around the circle and back out onto Webster - blocking any traffic from going down Webster, getting onto the BRP southbound, or into the lot. Everyone, drivers and pedestrians alike, were trying to explain to him that the sign is wrong and should be taken down. He was belligerent and was arguing with anyone who tried to speak with him, including the off-duty NYPD Lt.

Why have they waited a year to start enforcing this? Why cant they see that if the one way sign stands, there is no way to get into the lot? By the grace of God, I found a spot on Webster this morning, but what happens when I need to use the lot tomorrow morning?

So what do you think Woodlawners? Has anyone else noticed this issue?

Update from Sean:

Erin-
I just wanted to give you an update on the Woodlawn Parking Lot.
I emailed City Council Member Oliver Koppell about the issue. His
Chief of Staff, Annie O'Connor, got back to me straight away. Within
a day, Councilman Koppell was on the scene for a first hand look. He
then called News 12 to come out, and they ran a story about it last
night.

He also called the Riverdale Press, and in turn they called me about
my thoughts of the situation. I also spoke with Amy Romer from LAZ
parking. She contacted the DOT to investigate as well.

In short, Councilman Koppell issued a press release yesterday and the
incorrect signs are going to be removed by the DOT. He also wants
anyone who may have receieved a ticket to contact his office, so he
can have the ticket voided.

Also, Candice Giove Associate Editor at the Bronx Press/Riverdale
Review asked anyone who got a tocket to call her at (718) 543-5200 x.
110. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Isn't it so
refreshing to see City Hall on OUR side for once?

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Price Chop

4236 Vireo Avenue, 3 bedroom - $349,000

BoogieDowner profiled this property back in late July when it was listed at $379K. We thought it was a nice value in a stable hood back then...so it's an even better deal now.

This is in the southeastern quadrant of Woodlawn and the listing describes it as a fixer-upper, but from the pics it does not look like a traditional Bronx flophouse that is uninhabitable while you do the work. The listing does not mention the number of bathrooms, but you have to believe there's a least one in there, right? Right?

Here's the Woodlawn spiel (again) for the uninitiated:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. Our favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses.The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here.

You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

From this side of the hood you'd be able to access easily the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for a quick commute to Manhattan. Otherwise, it's a bus to the 4 train on the other side of the cemetery.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Four Bedroom

4236 Vireo Avenue, 4 Bedrooms - $379,000

Sorry about the dearth of posts, folks. Summer vacation and an ever more independent 18 month old make it tough for ole ErLu. In any case, I stumbled on this pretty decent house in Woodlawn, so here's an LOD for you all.

This is in the southeastern quadrant of Woodlawn and the listing describes it as a fixer-upper, but from the pics it does not look like a traditional Bronx flophouse that is uninhabitable while you do the work. The listing does not mention the number of bathrooms, but you have to believe there's a least one in there, right? Right?

What drew the BD's attention was the price, which is pretty damned nice for a four bedroom in Woodlawn; the location (Woodlawn is a pretty fun, tight-knit residential community); and that deck pictured in the listing photos.

Here's the Woodlawn spiel for the uninitiated:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. Our favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses.The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here.

You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

From this side of the hood you'd be able to access easily the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for a quick commute to Manhattan. Otherwise, it's a bus to the 4 train on the other side of the cemetery.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Co-op

4380 Vireo Avenue, #L10, 1 Bedroom - $99,000

Woodlawn for less than $100K is pretty nice. When I saw the price I was expecting a studio instead of a one bedroom. It's not huge at 650 square feet, but it's also not a shoebox by any stretch of the imagination. This isn't a bad starter apartment for those looking to ditch roommates and non-equity building rent.

Here's the Woodlawn bit again:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. Our favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses.

The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

From this side of the hood you'd be able to access easily the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for a quick commute to Manhattan. Otherwise, it's a bus to the 4 train on the other side of the cemetery.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: For the Solitary Drinker

4315 Webster Avenue, Studio co-op - $79,000

At 475 square feet, you wouldn't have much room for anything more than yourself and a six-pack of Bud... but you'd be gloriously close to the drinker's haven that is McLean Avenue. So if drinking alone in your tiny studio isn't your thing, there'd be tons of friendly Irish folks just a stone's throw away ready to befriend you. Your low maintenance of $300/month would leave some nice extra cash for drinking with your new mates. No interior pics of this unit, so it's anyone's guess how much work it will need.

Once again, here's the Woodlawn spiel:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. Our favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses.

The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues. You'd be able to easily access the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for quick access to Manhattan.

Click HERE for the full listing.

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Wraparound Porch in Woodlawn

433 East 239th Street - 7 bedrooms, 1 bathroom - $549,000

Yes, a $549,000 asking price is out of reach for many Bronxites (including this blogger), but we wanted to highlight this property in the heart of Woodlawn for two reasons: 1) single family houses don't hit the market all that often in this much sought-after hood and 2) this baby is in the City, but has a goddamn wrap-around porch. Did we mention it has seven bedrooms? Perfect for all you Nadya Sulemans out there. First order of business if you buy this place: add a bathroom or two! How does anyone who needs seven bedrooms live with only one bathroom?

This baby looks like it needs a shitload of work, but if you check out after the jump you'll see many charming original architectural details are intact.

So, for about the hundredth time, here's the Woodlawn spiel:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues. You'd be able to huff it to the Woodlawn Metro-North stop for quick access to Manhattan.

Click here for the full listing.

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Rent or Buy?

4315 Webster Avenue #LF, Studio - $115,000

BoogieDowner featured this same property yesterday, but in our tireless search for the next listing of the day, we stumbled upon it again. The only difference is that yesterday we found it as a rental on Craigslist for $700/month. Now we've found the identical property on Trulia for sale at $115,000. If you're interested in a brief write up about the hood (Woodlawn), you can get that after the jump in the link above. Today BoogieDowner is only concerned about the numbers. What would be better here? Rent at $700/month or buy at the asking price of $115,000?

Well, the rental cost is easy: $700/month. You might have to come up with first, last and, a security deposit to move in (the listing doesn't specify), but at the most you're looking at $2,100 in up front money. For the purchase, with 20% down ($23,000) and a 6% 30 year mortgage you'd be paying $551/month. That's a lot of upfront money, but you'd get the tax benefits of writing off a bunch of interest and a percentage of your maintenance. I guess it would all hinge on what the maintenance actually was. In any case, assuming you had the $23K laying around from some munificent uncle, legal settlement, or old fashioned savings, what would you do? Buy this or rent?

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Rental

4315 Webster Avenue #LF, Studio - $700/month

Nurse your St. Patty's Day hangover with this listing of a studio as cheap as a hostel in Dublin.

BoogieDowner has fawned over Woodlawn a bunch already, so I'm not going to re-invent the wheel here. Below is BoogieDowner's obligatory Woodlawn homage:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

The transportation might a little weird on this side of the hood. The 4 train Woodlawn stop is pretty far away from Webster Avenue. It's all the way over west and a bit south. I guess you'd take the bus to train (if the Bx 34 survives the MTA budget cuts). A saving grace for transportation is that this unit is literally a block or so from the Metro North, but that gets pretty expensive. Any Woodlawners want to share their commutes with us? How's it all go down in the am and pm rushes?

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Co-op

4315 Webster Avenue, 2 bedrooms -$198,000

This is an 850 square foot co-op in eastern edge of Woodlawn. At $198,000, the price is right for the hood, and the maintenance is 664/month. Admittedly, the pics aftre the jump show a lot of wood panelling and a unit that seems to be from the 70s, but 2 bedrooms in a nice nabe for $198K aint so bad.

BoogieDowner has fawned over Woodlawn a bunch already, so I'm not going to re-invent the wheel here. Below is BoogieDowner's obligatory Woodlawn homage:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McLean Avenues.

The transportation might a little weird on this side of the hood. The 4 train Woodlawn stop is pretty far away from Webster Avenue. It's all the way over west and a bit south. I guess you'd take the bus to train (if the Bx 34 survives the MTA budget cuts). A saving grace for transportation is that this unit is literally a block or so from the Metro North, but that gets pretty expensive. Any Woodlawners want to share their commutes with us? How's it all go down in the am and pm rushes?

FULL LISTING

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Recession Special

4320 Van Cortland Park East Avenue, Studio Co-op - $79,000

This is a pretty large studio (550 square feet) located on the edge of one of the most underrated parks in the City. Not to mention that Woodlawn is one of the most underrated hoods in the City. The price is really shocking in how low it is. When BoogieDowner ran the numbers, on a 30 year mortgage with 5% rate, your monthly would be $343. Throw in your $385 common charge and you'd be a homeowner, equity builder, and mortgage interest tax write-off recipient for $728/month. You would have to come up with $14,800 for a down payment (which is no easy task), but it might be wise to beg, borrow, or save the old fashioned way for something like this. On a monthly basis it would be a little over $400/month for 3 years to build up that $14+K . A hundo a week for three years...

BoogieDowner has fawned over Woodlawn a bunch already, so I'm not going to re-invent the wheel here. Below is BoogieDowner's obligatory Woodlawn homage:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McClean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Ave (funny story about the Rambling House and my daughter's baptism, but that's one to be told over a pint). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (hey, a lot of them are happy drunks, I guess). Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here. You'd have some shopping up and down Katonah and McClean Avenues.

An added bonus would be proximity to Cousin Tommy (although it's been pretty quiet out on the Cousin Tommy front for a while).

The transportation might a little weird on this side of the hood. The 4 train Woodlawn stop really isn't in Woodlawn (it's on the other side of the cemetery in Norwood). I guess you'd take the bus to train (if the Bx 34 survives the MTA budget cuts). It would be a decent walk over to the eastern edge of the hood for the Woodlawn Metro North stop. Any Woodlawners want to share their commutes with us? How's it all go down in the am and pm rushes?

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Rental

240th Street, 3 Bedrooms - $1800/month

This is a 3 bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a two family house. This would be nice for a share for recent college grads or a small family. Along with the apartment you'd get access to the backyard and deck and a washer/dryer on premises. Oh, and the rent covers utilities, too.

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Avenue. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (and some even have funny broughs!). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here.

Woodlawn is somewhat insular (and a little unknown) because it is surrounded by Yonkers (Westchester) to the North, Van Cortlandt Park to the West, Woodlawn Cemetery to the South and the Bronx River Parkway to the East. But, there is a Woodlawn 4 stop (on the edge of the nabe between the cemetery and the Van Cortlandt Park. Woodlawn also has its own Metro-North stop.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn for Less Than $80k

Vireo Avenue corner of McLean Avenue, Studio - $79,000

BoogieDowner brings to you a bargain of bargains... a 450 square foot studio in Woodlawn for only $79K. That's only about $177 a square foot. When we hit the ole mortgage abacus, and taking into account the crazy low interest rates of this lunatic economy, your monthly would be $353 before maintenance.

Woodlawn obviously has lots of pub grub and libations. McCLean Avenue (technically in Yonkers) is a great strip of store. restaurants, and bars. Katonah Avenue heading north-south from the cemetery also has lots of bars and an Irish bakery.

You'd also have proximity to Cousin Tommy, which is an amenity without a price tag.

Also, did I mention the lobby of this building has a fountain?

The transportation I think can be a little iffy when you're this far east in the hood. The 4 train is over east and down south near the other edge of the cemetery. You'd be close to the Metro North on this side of the nabe, but that gets a little pricey on an everyday commuting basis. I guess you'd take a bus to the train.

FULL LISTING

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Co-op

4320 Van Cortlandt Park East Ave. 2 Bedroom -$199,000

This is a nice little starter apartment in a nice neighborhood near one of the best parks in the city - and lots of drinking.

BoogieDowner was actually pretty surprised to see a true two bedroom in Woodlawn for this price. Any other time we've seen a listing for a supposed two bedroom for under $200K in Woodlawn it turned out to be a Jr. 4 in Wakefield. When you look at all of the pics in the listing there indeed are two real and distinct bedrooms. There is no hallway or foyer being called a bedroom. And the pictures aren't scary...in fact they're quiet nice.

Clearly Van Cortlandt Park is a great amenity, and of course you'd have all those pubs and eateries in the vicinity. You'd also be close to Cousin Tommy, which is a benefit in and of itself.

Speaking of Cousin Tommy, a few more salesmen of the month plaques and accompanying bonuses and you'll be in the market for this puppy, Tommy Boy. Just think of it: being able to drop into Rambling House to order a pint and proclaiming: "I'm Cousin Tommy- Home Owner." Oh! How the Hibernian lasses will swoon.

Transportation is okay. Not sure what the usual practice is, but the Woodlawn 4 train is technically not in Woodlawn; it's down in North Norwood near the cemetery. I am assuming that people take a bus to the 4 train. There is also a Metro North stop on the other side of the hood on Webster Ave. Any Woodlawners, please chime in about your commute. Do you hoof it to the 4 train or take a bus?

Full Listing

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Rental

305-307 East 239th Street , 1 Bedroom - $1,100/month

We all know Woodlawn is a superfun place to visit and have a few pints, but it also serves as a vibrant residential community as well. An overwhelmingly Irish vibe in the pubs of McClean and Katonah Avenues makes you feel like your back in county Mayo drinking with the boys. Personal favorites for imbibing locations are Rambling House on Katonah and Rory Dolan's on McClean.

The apartment looks big for a one bedroom. I guess it should be at $1,100 a month, but it is nice to to have to deal with roommates. The exterior of the building looks well kept. There is actually an open house this Saturday from 11-4, so check it out and report back.

There's lots of normal shopping down on McLean, like a monster A&P. You can also find some decent restaurants as well. BoogieDowner's favorite non-Gaelic establishment is Tum Raa (Thai food) on McClean. Of course the world famous Cemetery is the southern border of the hood.

This is a very special Listing of the Day because BoogieDowner wants to welcome Cousin Tommy, who just moved into the little Ireland of the Bronx from Canadian-like Connecticut. Fathers, shackle your lasses; watering holes, open your doors. We hope to have Cousin Tommy (pictured right) out and reporting on the pub beat shortly. Keep an eye out.

Full Listing

Click for Simone Davis' review of Rambling House on http://www.thebronxrocks.com/

Click for Simone Davis' photo gallery of Woodlawn Cemetery

on http://www.thebronxrocks.com/

~ErLu

Listing of the Day: Woodlawn Rental

305-307 E. 239th Street, 1 bedroom, $1,200/month

In case you couldn't tell, we are big fans of Woodlawn here at the BoogieDowner. What can we say... We like our pints. So we found yet another great listing in the "Little Ireland" of the Bronx.

Not too many details on this one bedroom, but the pictures pretty much tell the story. Looks like a very basic, no frills one bedroom. The listing tauts "new appliances and countertops," as well as a live-in super, renovated bathroom, and refinished hardwood floors. Not bad for $1,200 a month. Another bonus: no broker's fee on this baby.

Here's the BoogieDowner rundown on the hood:

Woodlawn is a very unique neighborhood in the Bronx. It is an Irish enclave that has enough bars and pubs to make even Galway jealous. My favorites are Rory Dolan's (technically in Yonkers) on McLean Avenue and the Rambling House on Katonah Avenue. The people in Woodlawn are super-friendly (and some even have funny broughs!). The shepherd's pie and other Irish specialties are can't misses. Obviously St. Patty's Day is not to missed up here.

Woodlawn is somewhat insular (and a little unknown) because it is surrounded by Yonkers (Westchester) to the North, Van Cortlandt Park to the West, Woodlawn Cemetery to the South and the Bronx River Parkway to the East. But, there is a Woodlawn 4 stop (on the edge of the nabe between the cemetery and the Van Cortlandt Park. Woodlawn also has its own Metro-North stop.

View full listing here.

~ErLu