Waterfront living in NYC: Inside resort-style rentals in every borough
Photo by Mike Sinko on Flickr
Waterfronts across New York City are being developed, many with ultra-luxe high-rise condos with sweeping views. But thanks to rezoning and climate resiliency efforts, as well as the launch of NYC Ferry almost a decade ago, several rental buildings have popped up along shorelines in every borough, making resort-style living slightly more attainable. With beautiful views and amenities to match, and now, a quicker commute via new, expanded ferry service, riverside (and seaside!) living in New York is more appealing than ever. To explore what waterfront life is really like in NYC, we took a look at a few rentals along the water’s edge, from glassy high-rises in Greenpoint to modern homes a block from the beach in the Rockaways.
Some of the properties featured here are part of paid partnerships, which help support our editorial work. All buildings are selected and independently reviewed by the 6sqft team.
Manhattan
685 First Avenue
Murray Hill
In Murray Hill, the black glass-clad tower at 685 First Avenue has incredible views of the East River. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier, the 43-story luxury building contains 408 rental units and 148 condominiums, the latter of which is known as One United Nations Park. Located just south of the United Nations headquarters, the modern residential skyscraper makes a statement on the riverfront, with its dark exterior and architectural cut-out on the 27th and 28th floors.
The unique design of 685 First Avenue’s facade allows for privacy from the outside, but natural light still floods the interiors of the home. Apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, offer floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, including landmarks like the Empire State Building, and the waterfront. Homes feature in-unit laundry, white oak floors, custom kitchens with stainless steel appliances, and multi-zoned heating and cooling.
Amenities include a 70-foot indoor pool wrapped in glass, making the waterfront appear in reach. Other perks include a steam room, a sauna, a fitness center, a children’s playroom, and on-site parking.
Current availabilities at 685 First Avenue start at $4,100/month for a studio and go up to $13,000/month for a three-bedroom. See all available apartments here.
Riverwalk Heights
430 Main Street, Roosevelt Island
For a true waterfront experience, why not live in the middle of the East River? Completed last year, Riverwalk Heights is the ninth and final tower of the planned community Riverwalk on Roosevelt Island.
Developed by Related Companies and designed by Handel Architects, Riverwalk Heights contains 357 apartments starting on the 11th floor through the 30th floor. The building boasts stunning views of the waterfront and both Manhattan and Long Island City skylines, seen especially well from the 5,000-square-foot rooftop terrace.
Other amenities include a residents’ lounge, screening rooms, a club room with a bar and billiards, a co-working space, and a fitness center overlooking the river. Residents also have easy access to Commons East, a new park/ dog run that opened in between 460 and 430 Main Street last November.
Availabilities at Riverwalk Heights currently start at $3,765/month for a studio. Learn more about the building here.
Brooklyn
The Riverie
18 India Street, Greenpoint
Aptly named, Greenpoint’s The Riverie sits on the East River, fronted by a brand new 18,000-square-foot waterfront park. Officially welcoming residents earlier this year, the all-electric building takes up an entire city block and contains two residential towers, one at 37 stories and another at 20 stories, atop a six-level podium.
Developed by Lendlease and designed by Marvel, the Riverie has more than 830 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedrooms, and includes a variety of units, including apartments, penthouses, and duplex townhomes. Some layouts come with private terraces, balconies, or street-level entrances inspired by Brooklyn brownstones.
Inside, apartments feature oversized windows to take in sweeping riverfront views, energy-efficient appliances, built-in shades, in-unit washers and dryers, smart thermostats, and keyless entry.
In addition to the prime waterfront location, the perks of living at Riverie include more than 130,000 square feet of amenities, both inside and out. There’s a two-story fitness center with a yoga studio and sauna, a creative suite with music and podcast studios, co-working suites, a chef’s kitchen, a children’s playroom, and on-site parking.
Outside, residents can enjoy landscaped courtyards, a fitness deck, and a geothermal-heated rooftop pool. Along the East River, Riverie Park is a new part of the Greenpoint esplanade designed by James Corner Field Operations. The park, which features native plantings, connects directly to the India Street Pier and the NYC Ferry.
Availability at the Riverie starts at $3,365/month for studios, $4,306/month for one-bedrooms, and $7,615/month for two-bedrooms. A three-bedroom townhouse is currently listed at $14,077/month.
60 Water Street
Dumbo
Developed by Two Trees, 60 Water Street has some of the most iconic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and waterfront in Dumbo. The contemporary rental, which opened in 2015, rises 17 stories and includes 290 apartments. Clad in angled glass, the building is the modern counterpart to Two Trees’ industrial loft rentals across several properties on Washington Street.
Ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, the light-filled residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, oak floors, and top-of-the-line appliances from Leibherr and Bosch.
Amenities at 60 Water Street include a landscaped rooftop terrace with loungers that directly face the Brooklyn Bridge, a 24-hour doorman, a fitness center with Peloton, an attached garage, and a bike room.
The pet-friendly building sits one block from Brooklyn Bridge Park and its iconic Jane’s Carousel, with the NYC Ferry nearby for easy commutes to Manhattan or north Brooklyn. Across the street, you’ll find great dining options like Time Out Market, Cecconis, and ABC Kitchens.
Current availability at 60 Water is limited. Learn more about the building and join the waitlist here.
Two Blue Slip
2 Blue Slip, Greenpoint
As part of the 22-acre waterfront development Greenpoint Landing, Two Blue Slip is a 40-story rental building designed by Handel Architects. Completed in 2020, the tower sits right on the East River and boasts amazing Manhattan skyline views.
Wrapped in a brick, metal, and glass facade, Two Blue Slip has 421 apartments, 30 percent of which are income-restricted. Its sister tower, One Blue Slip, has 369 apartments and is a bit shorter at 30 stories. Residences have high-end finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and in-unit Bosch washer-dryers.
The impressive amenity suite includes a two-story fitness center with studios and TRX equipment, a residents’ lounge designed by Gachot Studios, and a children’s playroom. On the rooftop, there’s a pool with a bar, cabanas, and a grilling station.
Current availability at Two Blue Slip starts at $3,784/month for a studio and goes up to $7,073/month for a two-bedroom, two-bath.
Queens
Astoria West
30-77 Vernon Boulevard, Astoria
Astoria West, which launched leasing in 2022, consists of three buildings that sit next to the Hallett’s Cove “beach” along the East River. Developed by Cape Advisors and designed by Fogarty Finger, the complex includes 534 rental units, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms.
Residences are designed to be functional and flexible, with layouts that can accommodate various uses and adapt to personal preference. Light-filled rooms feature high ceilings, oversized windows, and neutral finishes throughout. Some units come with private roof terraces, patios, or gardens.
Amenities measure over 40,000 square feet, with space for everyone both indoors and out. The roof deck boasts stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and offers space to entertain and relax, with grills, dining areas, and a pool. There’s also a well-equipped fitness center, a media room, a co-working area with outdoor space, and a lovely landscaped courtyard.
Current pricing starts at $3,162/month for a studio with a patio and goes up to $5,515/month for a two-bedroom penthouse unit.
Beach 101
101-19 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway
If you are looking to embrace the coastal life, head to the Rockaways. About a block from the Atlantic Ocean, Beach 101 is a newly constructed luxury rental development with just over 40 spacious apartments. Residences come with all the modern must-haves, like stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and on-site laundry, with the bonus of an ocean breeze coming through the windows.
Developed by Marcal Group and designed by NA Design Studio, the pet-friendly building offers parking, a bike room, a package room, a gym, a children’s playroom, a shared roof deck with ocean and city views, and a courtyard.
A housing lottery opened in 2023 for 18 affordable housing units at the development, priced from $1,695/month for a studio. Market-rate rentals start at $2,050/month for a studio. See all availabilities here.
Staten Island
Lighthouse Point
35R Bay Street, Staten Island
Developed by Triangle Equities, the Residences at Lighthouse Point officially opened on the St. George waterfront on Staten Island last year. As part of the Staten Island North Shore Action Plan, which aims to revitalize the neighborhood with new housing, culture, and retail, the new mixed-income housing complex has 115 apartments, 60,000 square feet of commercial space, and 274 parking spots. Situated on the New York Harbor, the development sits next to the St. George Ferry Terminal, providing a free (and scenic) 25-minute ride to Manhattan.
Residences, ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, have eight-foot ceilings, kitchens with stainless steel appliances, porcelain- and marble-clad baths, and in-unit laundry. Some units come with private balconies.
In addition to the picture-perfect waterfront views, the building offers residents a state-of-the-art fitness center and a residents’ lounge with sweeping views of the Harbor. There’s also covered parking, a rooftop terrace, and a waterfront esplanade connected to the building.
Current availabilities start at $2,658/month for a studio and go up to $4,371/month for a high-floor one-bedroom. See all available apartments and learn more about the building here.
The Bronx
Bankside
2401 Third Avenue and 101 Lincoln Avenue, Mott Haven
Bankside is a huge development on the Harlem River in Mott Haven. The $950 million project includes seven towers on two sites and over 1,300 apartments across a 4.3-acre stretch of waterfront. Developed by Brookfield Properties and designed by Hill West Architects, Bankside is considered the most expensive private development in Bronx history.
The two brick-and-glass rental properties include Third at Bankside at 2401 Third Avenue and Lincoln at Bankside at 101 Lincoln Avenue. Both buildings offer modern studio to three-bedroom apartments with stainless steel appliances and oversized windows that show off the river views.
Amenities include an outdoor pool deck, a fitness center, co-working spaces, and 24/7 concierge service. Residents also have access to Bankside Park, a new acre-long public park and esplanade that opened in 2024, giving South Bronx residents access to the waterfront for the first time in a century. Designed by MPFP, Bankside Park is filled with native plants and flowers, open lawns, chaise lounge chairs, and a wood-decked overlook.
Apartments at Lincoln at Bankside will start at $2,850/month for a one-bedroom. At Third at Bankside, one-bedroom units start at $2,895/month.
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