What is the deal with Roosevelt Island?

Once closed to the public, today Roosevelt Island is home to a residential community and a number of parks and landmarks. At the island's southern end, the Louis Kahn–designed Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park offers public programming and family-friendly events.



Roosevelt Island is a unique, narrow island in New York City's East River that feels worlds away from the frantic pace of Manhattan. Historically, it was known as "Welfare Island" and housed various institutions like smallpox hospitals and asylums, the ruins of which—such as the Renwick Smallpox Hospital—can still be seen today. In the 1970s, it was redeveloped into a planned residential community designed for socio-economic diversity. What makes it "the deal" in 2026 is its tranquil, car-free atmosphere (most cars must park in a central garage called Motorgate) and its iconic Aerial Tramway, which offers a stunning high-value view of the skyline for the price of a subway swipe. The island is home to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, a serene architectural masterpiece at its southern tip, and the high-tech Cornell Tech campus. It is a peer-to-peer favorite for those seeking a quiet walk along the waterfront promenade or a "hidden gem" perspective of NYC without the tourist crowds typically found in Central Park or Midtown.

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Highly recommend this! Not just for fans of FDR, Roosevelt Island has something for anyone looking for views of midtown, and the peace that comes from green spaces surrounded by water. If you are a fan of the man, make a pilgrimage to the tip of the island and Four Freedoms Park.

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A: Some of the safest neighborhoods in NYC include Battery Park City, Tribeca, Chelsea, and Murray Hill. Those aren't the only ones, though! Read on to explore our other top picks.

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On Roosevelt Island, which was developed as a middle-class neighborhood from the ruins of prisons and hospitals, affordable housing was plentiful, thanks to state programs that awarded public subsidies to apartment buildings in exchange for keeping rents low.

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Accessibility: This paved (asphalt, brick, and cement) trail is typically at least 5 feet wide. There are also unpaved side trails but it is possible to stay along the pavement around the island.

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You can drive to Roosevelt Island via the Roosevelt Island Bridge, which can be accessed at 36th Avenue and Vernon Boulevard in Queens.

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While still a part of Manhattan, Roosevelt Island is its opposite: quiet, homely, and mostly green-colored.

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Roosevelt Island is owned by the city but was leased to the New York State Urban Development Corporation for 99 years in 1969. Most of the residential buildings on Roosevelt Island are rental buildings.

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  1. Bus.
  2. Tram.
  3. Subway.
  4. Ferry.
  5. Driving.
  6. MTA 63rd Street Track Replacement Project.


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From Manhattan, you can take the Roosevelt Island Tramway, located at East 59th Street and Second Avenue, for $2.75 one way. If you're coming from Queens, you can drive or walk onto the island via the Roosevelt Island Bridge, or take the Q102 bus line.

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Roosevelt Island is a popular neighborhood for home buyers who can afford to buy a home in the median price range of $925K. If this price doesn't match your budget, expand your search to include homes in popular neighborhoods around Roosevelt Island.

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Times Square is a lively and fairly busy area both day and night. It is also a magnet for pickpockets and other petty thieves who blend into the crowded streets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables tucked away and out of reach.

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Times Square is a lively and fairly busy area both day and night. It is also a magnet for pickpockets and other petty thieves who blend into the crowded streets. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables tucked away and out of reach.

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