Here are 6 NYC rentals with a yard, balcony, roof deck, or terrace

By Austin Havens-Bowen | April 27, 2020 - 2:45PM

Social distancing rules are likely to extend into the summer so if you're looking for a New York City rental right now you may be prioritizing outdoor space.

Lots of New Yorkers are lamenting their dark apartments and wishing they had a rental with a balcony, backyard, terrace, or roof deck—where you can get fresh air without having to wear a face mask. This CityLab article describes the intense envy cooped-up New Yorkers have for apartments with balconies and yards. “Never again,” one Twitter writer vows about living in a dark apartment.

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Outdoor space, either private or shared, is still a rare commodity in New York City, but you may get lucky these days.

Brian Lewis, a broker at Compass, says owners have apartments to fill because their tenants have left the city. And with open houses and many showings on hold, finding a new tenant is more challenging these days, so many owners are being more flexible with shares and short-term leases, if that’s what you need.

Not all outdoor space is equal, though.

"Many buildings have temporarily closed their common outdoor areas like roof decks or courtyards, making private outdoor spaces even more coveted," says Andrew Sacks, a broker at Corcoran.

Where to look

For rentals in townhouses with a private garden or ground-floor outdoor space, look in neighborhoods that are less dense, like Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and Cobble Hill in Brooklyn and the Ditmars area of Astoria, Sunnyside or Woodside in Queens," Sacks says. "If you want a terrace or balcony—it’s the reverse. Look in areas with a lot of older high-rise buildings. Many '70s and '80s-era buildings have balconies in neighborhoods like Kips Bay, Murray Hill, Midtown East and the Upper East Side," he says.

So, if you're in the market for a new rental with an outdoor space, check out these listings.

130 West 79th St., #17A, Upper West Side

This three bedroom has a large south-facing private terrace, balcony, and a sunroom. It comes fully furnished and equipped with high-speed wifi. The owner is open to leases from six to 24 months, and shares. Rent is $9,500 a month. A virtual tour is available.

10 East 29th St., #20A, NoMad

This one bedroom has a balcony off of the living area with 20th floor views—plus a shared roof deck. The building is currently offering flexible lease terms. The gross rent is $4,530 with one month free on a 13-month lease. Virtual tours are available.

984 Park Pl., #1, Crown Heights

This two bedroom is in a four-family home with a landscaped backyard shared with the owner. The apartment, available furnished or unfurnished, is fully renovated and has central air conditioning and an in-unit washer/dryer. Utilities and high-speed wifi are included in the rent—$3,500 a month. Private tours (with social distancing rules) are available on weekdays and evenings.

122 Vanderbilt Ave., #6C, Fort Greene

This two-bedroom penthouse has a private terrace, balcony, and a common roof deck. The apartment has central air conditioning, hardwood floors, and a 20-foot wall-of-windows. Amenities include garage parking, storage, and a laundry room. Wegmans Food Market is nearby. The no-fee apartment is renting for $6,475. A virtual tour is available.

11-05 30th Rd., #6K, Astoria

This studio has a balcony and a shared 5,000-square-foot roof deck with waterfront views of Manhattan. The also has central air conditioning, a dishwasher, and hardwood floors. The building has a doorman, laundry room, fitness center, bike storage, and on-site parking. The no-fee apartment is listed at $2,000 a month.

62-60 99th St., #908, Rego Park

This renovated one bedroom has a large balcony off of the living area. The kitchen features stainless steel Whirlpool appliances and quartz countertops. Rego Park Center is within walking distance where you can shop at Aldi, Costco, and Petco. The gross rent is $2,100 with one month free on a 13-month lease. A video tour is available.

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Austin Havens-Bowen

Staff Writer

Staff writer Austin Havens-Bowen covers the rental market and answers renters' questions in a column called Realty Bites. He previously reported on local news for the Queens Ledger and The Hunts Point Express in the Bronx. He graduated from Hunter College with a BA in media studies. He rents a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria with his boyfriend and their two cats.

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