English
Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano
New York Vacation Rental Studio Apartment on the Upper East Side (NY-12486)
With yachts bobbing in the marina, a salty breeze coming in off the bay and dozens of seafood restaurants lining its main street, City Island doesn’t exactly sound like a scene set in New York City. But that’s why it’s one of New York’s little-known gems. While it’s hard to believe that such a tranquil setting could be part of the bustling metropolis, this tiny seaside community located in the northern part of the Bronx is indeed just that.
Surrounded by the waters of the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay, City Island is steeped in nautical history. Originally home to the Siwanoy Indians, and later claimed by the Dutch and then the English in the 1600s, the island quickly became home to fisherman, oysterman and shipbuilders. In 1896 the island’s residents voted to become part of New York City proper. Today the population remains small, with only 5,000 residents, but the town is flooded with visitors in the summer.
New York Accomodation 1 Bedroom on the Upper East Side (NY-12551)
The tiny isle offers a respite from urban living, especially when temperatures in New York City climb well into the 90s. The island’s main street, City Island Avenue, is where you’ll find seafood restaurants, art galleries, cafés and antique shops. Check out Johnny’s Reef or the Crab Shanty for some delicious fried seafood and cold beer. There’s also Le Refuge, a French bed & breakfast, if you’re looking for finer dining.
There’s only one hitch to City Island — getting there. The community’s only connection to the mainland is via the very tiny City Island Bridge, which means no direct subway access. For those without a car, you can get there by taking the No. 6 subway line uptown to Pelham Bay Park, and then transferring to the BX29 bus. The fresh sea breeze makes it absolutely worth the trip.
New York Habitat has hundreds of amazing apartments that let you discover both the big island of Manhattan and the smaller (and calmer), City Island. Check out:
- This gorgeous 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper East Side (NY-12551), located on the 28th floor of a luxury building with concierge service and its own private garden. The apartment features a balcony with spectacular views of the East River and upper Manhattan.
- This spacious Studio Vacation Rental on the Upper East Side (NY-12486), located in a classic UES brownstone between Lexington and Park Avenues. Enjoy the large southern-facing terrace with both an open and closed, gazebo-style space.
Have you ever been to City Island? Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant to recommend? Share your comments with us!
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- New York City Hidden Gem: General Grant’s Tomb
- A Day at the Beach in New York City
- New York for Free: Free Views of New York City
- New York City Public Parks: The Best Place for Kids
- New York Top 5 Literary Haunts: The Strand Bookstore
July 17th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
I just love this article! I think city Island would be a great place to visit. I’m a new yorker and I never even heard of it before. I guess I stay in manhattan too much, maybe I NYHabitat could even help me find an apartment in the Bronx so I can be closer. I need to relocate.
July 17th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
I am going! It is a far commute from my apartment, but I couldn’t pass on the chance.
July 18th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I love going to the beach in New York, Jones Beach, Brighton Beach, and going to Coney Island is particularly fun. I haven’t yet been to City Island, but it and Governor’s Island are next on my list. New York in the summer is hot, but it’s a lot of fun, especially when your apartment has a/c!
July 18th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
It’s great to watch the sun set and then hop in one of those restaurant out and City Island and have a delicious seafood dinner.
July 19th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I often think of the Bronx as the forgotten burough (well, maybe Staten Island), but it is such a nice place to visit when you know about hidden gems like City Island.
July 21st, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Your blog article is so full of infos, I love it! I lived in New York City for 5 years now and never heard of this island. But you really need to plan a whole day to go up there City Island is on my list before summer is over!
July 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 pm
This is great, I thinking about going to The Bronx Zoo this coming Saturday and then head out to City Island to complete my day. Every time I go on your website I’m starting to see New York City Expand right before my eyes.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I’m going to check this island out. I hope I can go fishing out there.
July 23rd, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Mark Anthony? Didn’t you just buy a share of ownership of the Dolphins, and now you want to go fishing in New York City? ….or is that Marc Anthony?
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
great place! i saw a place like this in Australia, and was a very wonderful place.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I’m off to City Island, I have the feeling for some fresh fish or lobster and the smell of the sea. I heard that there’s a club out there that is or was owned by the great Titio Fuentes. I also in the mood for a little sala music.