By Scottie Cabrera, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
New York City may be known for its skyscrapers, bustling avenues, and unmistakable energy, but venture to its northeastern edge and a very different version of city living comes into view. Surrounded by the waters of the Long Island Sound, City Island offers a coastal lifestyle that feels worlds away from Manhattan—while remaining firmly within New York City.
Often compared to a New England seaside town, City Island has long been shaped by its relationship with the water. Marinas and yacht clubs line its shores, while locally owned restaurants, shops, and small businesses give the neighborhood a close-knit character all its own.
Boating is woven into everyday life here, and waterfront parks and views of the Sound offer a sense of openness that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the five boroughs.
Dining is an essential part of the City Island experience, with longtime seafood restaurants lining the waterfront and reflecting the neighborhood’s deep maritime roots. City Island Lobster House pairs classic seafood fare with sweeping views of the Long Island Sound, while Sammy’s Fish Box, a neighborhood fixture since 1966, is known for its generous seafood platters and lively atmosphere.
Other longtime favorites include the Original Crab Shanty, while casual takeout staples like Tony’s and Johnny’s offer a taste of the island’s laid-back dining culture. Nearby, the Sea Shore Restaurant has welcomed diners since 1929, combining nearly a century of history with waterfront dining and its own marina—a fitting reflection of the island’s enduring connection to the water.
For Brown Harris Stevens Agent Scottie Cabrera, City Island holds a personal significance that extends well beyond real estate.
“Growing up in the Bronx, I remember taking fishing boat trips that departed from City Island, so my memories of the area go back well before my career in real estate,” Cabrera recalls. “Going out to eat on City Island was also something of a tradition. I remember visiting these restaurants after graduating from grade school. It almost felt like a rite of passage, and it’s one of those memories that has always stuck with me.”
Beyond its waterfront and dining scene, City Island offers several places to experience the neighborhood’s history and close-knit character. The City Island Nautical Museum celebrates the island’s rich maritime heritage, tracing its longstanding connections to shipbuilding, sailing, fishing, and life on the water.
Just off City Island Avenue, Hawkins Park provides a quiet green space in the heart of the neighborhood. Nearby, Orchard Beach, Turtle Cove Golf Center, and the walking and biking trails of Pelham Bay Park offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, while City Island Stables adds horseback riding to the mix. Together, these attractions have made the area a beloved destination for generations of Bronx families.
It is this balance—coastal charm paired with city connectivity—that makes City Island such a distinctive place to call home. Residents can embrace a quieter pace, spend weekends on the water, and enjoy the familiarity of a neighborhood community without giving up access to the rest of New York City.
Listing Spotlight: 51 Island Point Drive, #51
Currently on the market for $1.19 Million | Represented by Scottie Cabrera
A prime example of the distinctive waterfront lifestyle found on City Island can be found at 51 Island Point Drive #51, set within a private gated community overlooking the water.
The three-bedroom, four-bathroom condominium pairs space and sophisticated finishes with amenities rarely found together in New York City, including a private balcony, garage, and immediate proximity to the waterfront.
Inside, high ceilings, hardwood floors, custom millwork, and a marble gas fireplace create an elegant backdrop for everyday living.
A designer chef’s kitchen, custom wine and bar closet, en-suite bedrooms, and a spacious primary suite add to the home’s sense of comfort and refinement, while its private outdoor space offers a place to take in the peaceful surroundings.
For those accustomed to thinking of New York living in terms of high-rises and crowded streets, City Island presents another possibility entirely.
With the Long Island Sound at its doorstep and homes like 51 Island Point Drive offering space, privacy, and access to the water, it reveals a side of New York City that even longtime New Yorkers may be surprised to discover.
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