Once known for its prisons and asylums, Roosevelt Island – an oasis of public parks and river views – provides the feel of suburban living via a five-minute tram ride from Manhattan. Located between Manhattan’s Upper East Side and the borough of Queens, the island attracts a diverse group of people from an ethnic, economic and social standpoint. Young professionals, families, United Nations workers, senior citizens and college students all call Roosevelt Island home. The two-mile long island offers an affordable mix of older low-rise apartment buildings and recently developed high rises. Roosevelt Island features numerous sports fields, a promenade with breathtaking views of Manhattan, along with a running and biking path that follows the East River. Food and beverage options have increased over the past few years. There are two supermarkets (a Gristedes and a gourmet market), a Starbucks, and a mix of eateries offering Asian, American and Italian fare. The Island and its tram have done star turns in films like City Slickers, The Conspiracy Theory and, most memorably, in the first Spiderman movie. Actress Mae West, mobster Dutch Schultz and blues singer Billie Holiday all resided at Roosevelt Island at some point in their lives. Historic landmarks include the Octagon Tower, Blackwell Lighthouse and the Chapel of Good Shepherd. In 2012, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park was dedicated on the southern tip of the island, which will soon be the site of the Cornell NYC Tech graduate school campus. A scenic tram ride from the Upper East Side, or one stop on the F train, make for easy access to Roosevelt Island. The F train also offers a quick commute to various parts of Manhattan and Queens. Long Island City and Astoria are just a five-minute drive or bus ride on the Q102 via the Roosevelt Island Bridge into Queens. “The Red Bus,†as locals call it, provides free transportation along the island’s main road. By Rory Sasson
Trains:
Buses:
Rental Prices:
$2,000 ― $4,000Sales Prices:
$480,000 ― $960,000Landmarks:
Blackwell House, Roosevelt Island TramwaySchool Districts:
2Police Precincts:
114
Write a Review