After moving its tobacco operations from Lower Manhattan to the central Bronx in the late 18th century, the family greatly expanded its property in the area, which became known as the Belmont Estate.

[10][11] In the mid-1880s, a large number of Irish and German immigrants began moving into the neighborhood,[6] and its population became very dense after the construction of the Third Avenue El.

Starting in the mid-1990s, the neighborhood has experienced a construction and restoration boom,[2] and has maintained its reputation as a thriving business area due to its abundant shops, restaurants, bakeries, delis and markets.

[16] Many Mexican families have also moved there, and Belmont hosts the annual Bronx Cinco de Mayo Celebration.

[24] In 2018, an estimated 31% of Belmont and East Tremont residents lived in poverty, compared to 25% in all of the Bronx and 20% in all of New York City.

In the last decade, construction of modern 2- and 3-unit row houses and apartments have increased the proportion of owners to renters.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Roman Catholic church on E. 187th Street at the corner of Belmont Avenue, was constructed in 1906.

Parks in the area include the Ciccarone Playground; and the D'Auria Murphy Triangle located at 183rd Avenue, which features a monument to Christopher Columbus.

The Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden are also at the northeastern edge of Belmont, attracting worldwide visitors.

A private Roman Catholic university originally established as St. John's College in 1841,[27] it features Collegiate Gothic architecture and is frequently listed among America's most scenic campuses.

[21]: 14 The concentration of fine particulate matter, the deadliest type of air pollutant, in Belmont and East Tremont is 0.008 milligrams per cubic metre (8.0×10−9 oz/cu ft), more than the city average.

[21]: 13  In Belmont and East Tremont, 36% of residents are obese, 22% are diabetic, and 32% have high blood pressure—compared to the citywide averages of 24%, 11%, and 28% respectively.

[37] Belmont and East Tremont generally have a lower rate of college-educated residents than the rest of the city as of 2018[update].

[21]: 6  The percentage of Belmont and East Tremont students excelling in math rose from 19% in 2000 to 44% in 2011, and reading achievement increased from 25% to 30% during the same time period.

[38] Belmont and East Tremont's rate of elementary school student absenteeism is more than the rest of New York City.

[22]: 24 (PDF p. 55) [21]: 6  Additionally, 61% of high school students in Belmont and East Tremont graduate on time, lower than the citywide average of 75%.

The closest New York City Subway station is about a mile west of Belmont, at Fordham Road, which is served by the B and ​D trains.

The film A Bronx Tale (1993) starring Robert De Niro was set in the neighborhood and the main character Sonny tells Calogero that he was attending the University of Belmont Avenue.

The 2019 movie Bottom of the 9th, which stars Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara, was filmed throughout the neighborhood, specifically featuring Arthur Avenue.