Finding a relaxing outdoor space in New York City without crowds and tourists is difficult. While many homeowners across the U.S. are able to create a tranquil backyard oasis from their single-family homes, apartment dwellers are typically surrounded by concrete and steel more often than trees and gardens.

Despite its reputation, residents can both live in the Big Apple and lead a sunny lifestyle in the summertime. Four developments spanning the boroughs of NYC are stepping up the outdoor amenities game, each prioritizing communal green space for residents who aren’t escaping to the Hamptons this season. 

Queens: The Grand in Flushing

The Grand Exterior / Quinn PR

Living in one of three buildings of luxury apartments at The Grand at Sky View Park gives access to a private seven-acre rooftop garden.

The garden overlooks The Shops and Sky View Center and includes hundreds of trees and abundant greenery, along with two tennis courts, a running track, playground, putting green and a basketball course.

Brooklyn: 7 Dekalb Avenue

7 Dekalb Ave. / Quinn PR

Although 7 Dekalb Avenue is just a ten-minute walk to Fort Green Park, residents don’t have to leave home to enjoy the city’s summer temperatures, because the building is home to an exclusive NYC outdoor space. Instead, the 6,000 square foot terrace on top of the 23-story building welcomes warm weather fans with lawn space, a bar area and vegetation that includes coneflower, spinach, cabbage, mustard greens, parsley and tomatoes.

Manhattan: Fifty Third and Eighth

Fifty Third and Eighth Roof Deck / Quinn PR

Fifty Third and Eighth from HFZ Capital Group is one of the only resident-only parks in Hell’s Kitchen. The 25-story building provides private outdoor amenities that expand a full city block. The second floor terrace, designed by Terrain Architects, is beautifully appointed with seasonal plants, perennials, grasses and gingko trees.

Brooklyn: City Tower

City Tower Terrace / Quinn PR

City Tower, designed by COOKFOX, is a rental tower with a large green terrace on the 18^th floor. The landscaping includes a planted lawn in the center of the common area and a trellis with lounge chairs underneath, perfect for reading or working from home. In addition, Weintraub Diaz Landscape Architecture included a resident gardening area for vegetables and herbs.

Email Jennifer Riner