Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Roosevelt Island vs Upper West Side

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Manhattan|Manhattan

Roosevelt Island

Manhattan

Upper West Side

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Roosevelt Island has the lower median sale price at $965K vs $1.2M in Upper West Side.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Roosevelt Island offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Upper West Side, which is served by 5 subway lines compared to 0 in Roosevelt Island.

Median Sale Price
$965K
$1.2M
Median Rent
$4K
$5K
Active Listings
23
1081
Avg Days on Market
42 days
56 days
YoY Price Change
0.0%
-10.9%
Monthly Sales Volume
6
131

Detailed Comparison

MetricRoosevelt IslandUpper West Side
Median Sale Price$965,000$1,247,356
Median Condo PriceN/A$1,790,968.5
Median Co-op Price$516,984$847,500
Median Rent$4,436$4,750
Active Listings231081
Rental Inventory651518
Days on Market4256
Price Cut Share8.0%10.5%
Monthly Sales Volume6131
YoY Price Change0.0%-10.9%
YoY Rent Change+0.8%+5.6%
YoY Inventory Change-37.8%-12.5%
Subway LinesN/A1 2 3 B C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Roosevelt Island moved 0.0% over the past year, compared to -10.9% in Upper West Side. Both markets have seen price softening, with Upper West Side declining more sharply over the measured period.

Neighborhood Profiles

Roosevelt Island

Roosevelt Island is a unique and low-traffic residential community situated in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. Known for its car-free streets, abundant green space, and stunning skyline views, it offers a retreat from the city's bustle. The real estate market is primarily composed of modern high-rise cooperatives and condominiums that provide a high quality of life with easy access to Manhattan via the iconic tram or the F train.

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Upper West Side

The Upper West Side (UWS) is celebrated for its cultural richness and architectural grandeur. Set between Central Park and Riverside Park, the neighborhood provides direct access to green space within the urban grid. Residents enjoy easy access to Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and a popular culinary scene. The real estate landscape is famous for its historic brownstones and iconic 'white-glove' apartment buildings along Central Park West and Riverside Drive.

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Transit Access

Roosevelt Island

No subway data available

Upper West Side

123BC

86 St (1 B C) — 0.2 mi

79 St (1) — 0.3 mi

81 St-Museum of Natural History (B C) — 0.4 mi

96 St (1 2 3 B C) — 0.5 mi

72 St (1 2 3) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Roosevelt Island for sale

View all Roosevelt Island listings

Upper West Side for sale

View all Upper West Side listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roosevelt Island cheaper than Upper West Side?
Yes, Roosevelt Island has a lower median sale price at $965,000 compared to $1,247,356 in Upper West Side as of the most recent market data. Co-op and condo prices within each neighborhood can vary significantly, so the right fit depends on property type and building.
Which has better transit, Roosevelt Island or Upper West Side?
Roosevelt Island has access to 0 subway lines and Upper West Side has 5, making Upper West Side the stronger option for transit access. Roosevelt Island has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Roosevelt Island or Upper West Side?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Roosevelt Island and Upper West Side both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Roosevelt Island or Upper West Side?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Roosevelt Island and Upper West Side gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

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Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

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