Some lucky renters and homeowners, however, can skip all that and enjoy the fireworks from their building’s private roof deck, if not their own living rooms. Waterfront buildings in Queens and Brooklyn rank higher on our list because they’ll enjoy Manhattan as a backdrop, but certain Murray Hill buildings will get a front-row view of the show.
In this article:
1. The Greenpoint, 21 India Street
6 Apartments from $1.595M
The Greenpoint was still under construction last Fourth of July. This year, Greenpoint's tallest residential tower rises 40 stories high. All 95 one- through three-bedroom condos have bright, airy layouts, soaring ceilings, and full-height windows. Many units have private balconies or terraces, and all residents have access to the building's sun deck and courtyard garden.
2. 4720 Center Boulevard
2 Apartments from $2,640/month
Gantry Plaza State Park is expected to be very crowded with fireworks watchers this year, but residents of the nearby 4720 Center Boulevard are in for quite a break. This 32-floor, Arquitectonica-designed waterfront rental was created to make the most of panoramic views. All 345 studios through three-bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on dramatic views. A rooftop terrace is the building's crowning glory.
3. Avalon Riverview North, 4-75 48th Avenue
28 Apartments from $2,451/month
This excellently positioned Long Island City rental got its name from panoramic East River and Manhattan skyline views. Residents can enjoy them through oversized windows in the 602 apartment and townhouse units. For a more social experience, an outdoor terrace has the same excellent views and a kitchen area for a Fourth of July cookout.
4. The View at East Coast, 46-30 Center Boulevard
9 Apartments from $1.15M
With the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign to the north and the United Nations directly across the river, residents of this Handel Architects-designed building will find something to enjoy wherever they look. The 184 apartments feature high ceilings, full-height windows, and head-on views of the East River. Select units have private terraces, and all residents have access to a roof terrace with barbecue grills and cabanas.
5. Citylights, 4-74 48th Avenue
18 Apartments from $449K
This full-service, 522-unit condop gets its name from the unobstructed Manhattan, Queens, and East River views in every home. Walls of windows fill the apartments with breathtaking views and wonderful natural light from south and west exposures. Amenities include a gym, parking garage, and roof deck.
6. American Copper Buildings, 626 First Avenue
14 Apartments from $4,423/month
With its eye-catching design and soaring height, the SHoP-designed American Copper Buildings are a fun addition to the New York City skyline it looks out on in every direction. All 761 apartments boast floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River. Many of the amenities, including the fitness center and lounge, look out on the skyline for further inspiration.
7. Waterside Plaza, 30 Waterside Plaza
6 Apartments from $3,095/month
According to Carter Horsley, the stepped and faceted profile of the buildings at Waterside Plaza gives every apartment in the development spectacular views. Its location, beautiful apartments, and abundance of amenities attract a vibrant young crowd to a community rather than a simple complex. In addition to a gym and day spa, Waterside Plaza is home to the city's largest roof garden overlooking panoramic East River views.
8. The Horizon, 415 East 37th Street
1 Apartment for $999K
The sleek, prominent Horizon was built in 1987, but has recently been updated with open, flexible layouts and state-of-the-art appliances. One thing that has not changed, however, is its panoramic river and city views as seen through large windows in every room. The fireworks would be gorgeous enough in one's own home here, but the rooftop pool and hot tub add an element of luxury.
9. View 34, 401 East 34th Street
16 Apartment from $2,873/month
All 706 apartments in View 34 have triple-glazed windows that block out the noise of the city, yet fill the homes with sweeping skyline and East River views. In addition to updated kitchens ideal for preparing a Fourth of July feast, some units have private balconies for optimal firework viewing. The roof deck offers seating areas to further make the most of the views.
10. The Powerhouse, 2-17 51st Avenue
7 Apartments from $1.149M
This power station-turned-condominium is far from the tallest in Long Island City, but offers some of the best views by far. Double-pane, oversized windows in the apartments look out on cityscapes and open sky. The roof terrace has a sun deck, barbecue grills, and picnic tables for the ultimate Fourth of July party.
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