Woodlawn Heights, Bronx facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Woodlawn Heights
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Neighborhood of the Bronx
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"Welcome to Woodlawn Heights" sign.
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| Nickname(s):
"Little Ireland"
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| City |  New York City |
| Borough |  The Bronx |
| Community District | Bronx 12 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.62 km2 (0.240 sq mi) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 42,483 |
| • Density | 68,340/km2 (177,000/sq mi) |
| Economics | |
| • Median income | $52,510 |
| ZIP Codes |
10470
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| Area code | 718, 347, 929, and 917 |
Woodlawn Heights, often called Woodlawn, is a lively neighborhood in the northern part of the Bronx in New York City. It's known for its strong Irish American community. Many young Irish immigrants still choose Woodlawn Heights as their new home.
This neighborhood is bordered by McLean Avenue to the north, the Bronx River to the east, Woodlawn Cemetery to the south, and Van Cortlandt Park to the west. Woodlawn Heights is part of Bronx Community Board 12. Its main ZIP Code is 10470.
Contents
Exploring Woodlawn's Streets
Katonah Avenue: The Heart of the Neighborhood
Katonah Avenue runs through the middle of Woodlawn Heights. It's a popular spot with many Irish pubs and restaurants. You can also find an Italian bakery, an Irish butcher shop, and other unique stores here. The Emerald Isle Immigration Center, which helps new immigrants, is also on this street.
McLean Avenue: Shopping and Fun
McLean Avenue stretches from east to west. It's a busy shopping area for both Woodlawn Heights and the nearby Yonkers neighborhood of McLean Heights. Even though it's technically in Yonkers, its pubs and shops are a big part of Woodlawn's feel. Here, you'll find many Irish pubs, various restaurants, Irish gift shops, and the Aisling Irish Community Center.
East 233rd Street: A Busy Border
East 233rd Street forms the southern edge of the neighborhood. It's known for its gas stations and Irish pubs. This street is also important for public transport, with bus routes and the Woodlawn station for the Metro-North Railroad.
Special Places in Woodlawn
Woodlawn Heights has a few special spots. Oneida Triangle is a memorial honoring local residents who served in World War I. Muskrat Cove is a beautiful part of the Bronx River Greenway at its northern end.
Who Lives in Woodlawn Heights?
Woodlawn Heights is famous for its large Irish-American population. Many young Irish immigrants continue to move here. The neighborhood is sometimes called "Little Ireland" because of this. There's also a small but noticeable Italian-American community.
In 2010, the population of Woodlawn and nearby Wakefield was about 42,483 people. Historically, the area was home to many German families. Today, organizations like the Emerald Isle Immigration Center and the Aisling Irish Community Center help new Irish arrivals settle in.
The people living in this area, including Woodlawn Heights, generally have a good life expectancy. Most residents are young people and adults.
Community Safety
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) helps keep Woodlawn Heights safe. Firefighters from Engine Co. 63, Ladder Co. 39, and Battalion 15 are located nearby on East 233rd Street.
Mail and Post Office
Woodlawn Heights uses the ZIP Code 10470. The United States Postal Service has a local office called the Woodlawn Station on Katonah Avenue.
Learning and Schools
In Woodlawn Heights, many residents have finished high school. About 32% of adults aged 25 and older have a college education. This is a bit lower than the average for all of New York City.
Students in Woodlawn Heights and Williamsbridge have shown good progress in math. Reading skills have stayed steady. While some elementary students miss school, high school students generally graduate on time.
Local Schools
The St. Barnabas parish runs two schools:
- St. Barnabas Elementary School: This school opened in 1914.
- St. Barnabas High School: This is an all-girls school that opened in 1928. Since 2015, it has been independent from the parish.
The neighborhood is also served by the Judith K. Weiss School, known as P.S. 19.
Woodlawn Heights Library
The New York Public Library has a branch in Woodlawn Heights. It's located on Katonah Avenue. This library opened in 1931 and moved to its current spot in 1969. It has a large collection of Irish books, which is very popular in the community.
Community Groups
Woodlawn has many groups that help the community:
- Bronx Community Board 12: This board holds regular meetings to discuss local issues.
- 47th Precinct Community Council: This group meets monthly with police representatives.
- Woodlawn Library Support Group: They help support the local library branch.
- Woodlawn Taxpayers & Community Association: Established in 1865, this non-profit group works to serve the neighborhood's needs.
- The Woodlawn Collective: This is a partnership working together in Woodlawn.
Places to Worship
St. Barnabas Church
The Roman Catholic church of St. Barnabas is the largest church in Woodlawn Heights. It's a big part of the community, which is mostly Catholic. The church offers weekly services in English and Italian. Sometimes, they even have holiday services in Irish.
St. Barnabas Parish, founded in 1910, is a center for Irish culture. It offers Irish language classes and a special program to help Irish immigrants find jobs and homes. The parish also runs an adjoining convent and St. Barnabas Elementary School.
Other Churches
- St. Mark's Lutheran Church: This church is located on Saint Marks Place in Yonkers, close to the Van Cortlandt Park entrance.
- St. Stephen's Episcopal Church: Located on E. 238th Street, this is the oldest church in Woodlawn. It is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Getting Around Woodlawn
Woodlawn Heights has good public transportation options:
- Buses: The neighborhood is served by the Bx16, Bx31, Bx34, BxM4 buses, operated by MTA Regional Bus Operations.
- Subway: You can take the New York City Subway's 4 train line to the Woodlawn station.
- Train: The Metro-North Railroad's Harlem Line also stops at the Woodlawn station.
