Dog Walkers in Pelham Bay, New York

Set on the west side of the Bronx, Pelham Bay earns its name from the park and the nearby bay of the same name. The area is bordered by several prominent highways and consists of mostly suburban households and some businesses with many of its residents being Italian and Hispanic. Though it presses up against one of New York’s largest parks, the neighborhood itself is fairly restricted to a more urban look, though this isn’t unusual for it being housed in New York City. There are still plenty of places to visit and see, no matter where you wander. 

Expect some chilly winters and relatively muggy summers with the coast close by, and be ready for snow when the temperature drops, as small snowstorms are not uncommon. Remember that as you go on your walks that many areas within Pelham Bay are residential, and be courteous when it comes to yards or sidewalks in front of homes.

If you’re hoping to avoid a challenging hike, Pelham Bay is the place for you. The entirety of the neighborhood is flat with little to no incline throughout. Normal walking shoes are fine for excursions out into the more traffic-prone spots, as you certainly won’t be hurting for sidewalk or street space to walk on. With traffic in New York City known as particularly difficult to navigate, cars may present hazards during both day and night, and keeping an eye on the street signals can ensure that you don’t run into any snags along the way. In the summers, the ground may become fairly hot, so consider purchasing boots or other sorts of protective gear for sensitive paws. Despite the threat of hot concrete, if you enjoy casual walks without much effort, walking through Pelham Bay might just be for you.

Though Pelham Bay park sits just to the northwest, Pelham Bay itself only has a handful of very small green areas, mostly in the form of playgrounds. This includes Colucci Playground to the northwest, and the recreational Bufano Park to the south. Otherwise, the neighborhood is fairly devoid of open fields or large areas to exercise. You may want to find a way across Bruckner Boulevard to access Pelham Bay Park, though it’s not necessary if you’re perfectly content with a more urban setting. The sidewalks near the residential neighborhoods may provide enough space for a quick stop in a tiny grassy area, though it’s probably not best to linger. Overall, if you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to take the extra step to explore the larger parks in the surrounding area. Otherwise, you can enjoy the other amenities that Pelham Bay has to offer.