TONY finance clerk Sandy Torres lives in the Bronx (and has since she was born!). Here’s why:

“Yeah, we have Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo, but there’s so much more. We’ve got jogging haven Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx Museum of the Arts and an amazing little waterfall in River Park. It’s no Niagara Falls, but it’s certainly a sight to see. Plus, most locations are a minimal 20-minute train ride from Manhattan.”

Her favorite restaurants:
Palace of Japan, 3505 Johnson Ave at 235th St (718-543-8833) “If you want a taste of Manhattan while in the Bronx, this is the perfect place. The overall vibe and atmosphere is amazing for a night out. I’m not really into sushi, so I personally enjoy the chicken teriyaki.”

Perista Restaurant, 101 W Kingsbridge Rd between University and Webb Aves (718-548-4178) “Whenever I’m in the mood for French toast at 3pm I head to this mom-and-pop shop. Grilled cheese with bacon is also one of my faves.”

Sal’s Pizzeria, 3167 Bainbridge Ave between 206th and 207th Sts (718-881-0940) “My best friend introduced me to Sal’s in college. If you see me here, I’ll most likely be ordering a beef patty with cheese and sipping on some iced tea/lemonade.”

Her favorite shops and services:
Easy Pickins, 15 E Fordham Rd at Walton Ave (718-562-2695) “If you’re looking for designer clothing, this is not the place for you, but you can find fabulous tops, accessories and shoes that won’t put a damper on your wallet.”

Full Color Nails, 2803 Third Ave between 146th and 147th Sts (718-292-7657) “I haven’t gotten a mani in quite a while, but they do an excellent job on eyebrows as well. Sometimes you have to wait a bit, but that’s obviously a reflection of their great service.”

Optima Beauty Supply, 2856 Third Ave at 149th St (718-292-0530) “My curly locks call for certain hair products. While this store is not located in a touristy area, I’ve been a frequent customer since my plaid-skirt, high-school days.”