Living in the Roosevelt Island neighborhood of Manhattan

Roosevelt Island Apartments 

Located on the East River between Manhattan and Queens, “a room with a view” is practically guaranteed with every Roosevelt Island rental apartment. This vibrant planned community is unique in New York City as a thriving high-rise residential community.

Roosevelt Island real estate features well-priced apartments and condos, as well as, numerous outdoor parks and recreation spaces, a bike path around the island and green space to soothe the spirit.

Roosevelt Island is transforming rapidly with its easy-to-reach, yet secluded living options in luxury buildings such as The Octagon. This eco-friendly mid-rise boasts 24-hour doorman, concierge services, a swimming pool, gym, and a parking garage at competitive rates. Another desirable Roosevelt Island apartment is the impressive Manhattan Park high-rise with a variety of spacious apartments to choose from.  

One of the main advantages of living on Roosevelt Island is being able to retreat from the hubbub of urban living. The neighborhood has a small town feel to it where one can enjoy scenic promenades, walkways, Lighthouse Park, and opportunities to play tennis, soccer, and other outdoor activities.

Convenient Transportation to and on Roosevelt Island 

Roosevelt Island is accesible via the Roosevelt Island Tramway, an aerial ride that connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan. The Manhattan tramway is conveniently located on 60th Street and 2nd Avenue. Over 26 million passengers have used the tram since it began operation in 1976, and in November 2010, the tramway repopened after a 9 monthlong upgrade and modernization project. 

Its comfortable gondola makes about 115 trips per day and travels 3,100 feet in 3 minutes. The tram accepts the MTA MetroCard, with the same fare as on the subways: $2.25 per one-way trip. 

Another way to reach Roosevelt Island is the subway. The F train travels between Queens and Manhattan, and passes through Roosevelt Island.  

On Roosevelt Island, the Red Bus offers daily service between 888 Main Street/Octagon to the Roosevelt Island Tramway, with 6 stops in between. The Red Bus fare is $0.25 per trip, and $0.10 for seniors and disabled. MTA MetroCards are not accepted.    

Roosevelt Island Apartments: Like Living Near a Movie Set

It is quite fascinating to discover that more than 20 Hollywood films have included sequences from the environs of Roosevelt Island. In 1981, a Roosevelt Island Tramway car is held hostage in the Sylvester Stallone film Nighthawks. During the opening scene of City Slickers (1991), Billy Crystal’s character commutes to work via the tram. In an episode of America's Next Top Model (Cycle 14), each contestant takes the tram with panel judge Nigel Barker.