Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Roosevelt Island, NY
Thinking about relocating to Roosevelt Island, NY? With a close-knit population of 11,700 and a median home price around $920,000, this unique urban enclave offers beautiful East River views, convenient subway and tram access, and a tranquil atmosphere just minutes from Manhattan. Residents enjoy low violent crime (127 per 100K), strong public transportation use, and a highly educated community. Expect higher-than-average rents and cost of living, but also excellent schools and quick commutes—plus a vibrant mix of cultures and green spaces for a truly distinctive NYC experience.
Demographics - Roosevelt Island, NY
Demographics - Roosevelt Island, NY
Roosevelt Island is home to about 11,700 residents, offering a diverse and international community where nearly 30% speak a language other than English. The area features a median age of 39 and a balanced mix of White, Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, providing a vibrant, multicultural environment within a densely populated urban setting.
Population:
11,700
Density:
35,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.0%
Black:
18.0%
Asian:
23.0%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Roosevelt Island, NY?
Living on Roosevelt Island comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $920,000 and average rents around $3,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also above national averages, making it a premium yet well-connected choice for those seeking convenience and amenities near Manhattan.
Median House Value:
$920,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,000
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,450
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
168.0
Grocery:
135.5
Housing:
222.0
Utilities:
117.2
Transportation:
146.0
Health Care:
121.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Roosevelt Island, NY a safe place to live?
Roosevelt Island boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000, making it one of the safer neighborhoods in New York City. Residents enjoy a low risk of violent incidents and a manageable property crime rate, contributing to the island's peaceful reputation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
127
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,237
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 790
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Roosevelt Island, NY year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows dipping to 28°F. The island enjoys about 56% sunny days and receives approximately 48 inches of annual rainfall, offering a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Roosevelt Island's households are generally well-off, with a median income of $123,800 and a poverty rate just above 10%. Most residents are highly educated, over half holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and more than half use public transportation for their average 33-minute commute.
Median Income:
$55,000
Household Income:
$123,800
Family Income:
$135,200
Per Capita Income:
$54,400
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$48,000
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
29.5%
Rent:
$3,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
53.5%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.6%
Bachelors or More:
52.3%
Education
How are the schools in Roosevelt Island, NY?
Education options on Roosevelt Island include well-rated public and private schools, such as PS/IS 217 and The Child School/Legacy High School, as well as immediate access to higher education at Cornell Tech. Families appreciate small class sizes and proximity to renowned academic institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
PS/IS 217 Roosevelt Island School
Street:
645 Main St
Phone:
212-980-0294
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Private Schools
Name:
The Child School/Legacy High School
Street:
587 Main St
Phone:
212-688-5951
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Cornell Tech
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
400
Name:
Weill Cornell Medicine (nearby)
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
0.5 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare on Roosevelt Island is robust, with access to major facilities like NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler and nearby specialty centers, plus a high physician-to-resident ratio. Over 92% of residents have health insurance, helping ensure comprehensive medical care close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
Address:
900 Main St, Roosevelt Island, NY 10044
Phone:
(212) 848-6000
Type:
General & Rehabilitation
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Address:
1275 York Ave, New York, NY 10065
Phone:
(212) 639-2000
Type:
Cancer Specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
4.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Roosevelt Island, NY?
The Roosevelt Island housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $920,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $3,200. Owner-occupancy is under 42%, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting strong demand and stability.
Median Home Price:
$920,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
41.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Roosevelt Island residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Manhattan. Services include licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs, with information and appointments available online or by phone.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
366 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
Phone:
1-212-645-5550
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.