New York City renters put up with plenty of inconveniences when it comes to living in their apartments. From walking up numerous flights of stairs to bringing their laundry across the street, to dealing with pests, city living is not always glamorous. However, some renters can enhance their quality of living by getting an apartment with private outdoor space. While most renters and homeowners outside of a city see outdoor space as a given, it’s a valued commodity in New York City. Renters can acquire different types of outdoor space, including a terrace.
Terrace Definition
A terrace is a paved outdoor space adjacent to a building. Sometimes, the terrace can also rest on the top of the building, similar to a roof deck or patio. Since the terrace consists of a slab of pavement or stone, it’s versatile and accommodates plenty of activities. People can lounge, grill, work from, or play games outdoors. The apartment terrace provides an outdoor recreation area and is particularly popular in areas where there are fewer yards and private spaces. Buildings may offer private terraces at a premium, or a communal terrace that spans a large area.
Terraces in New York City
In New York City, renters can access a private or communal terrace in their building. It can be difficult to find a traditional terrace in Manhattan, but some high-rise buildings build terraces on elevated floors, offering views of the city. In Brooklyn or Queens, renters may find outdoor terraces on the first level of the apartment, where there is more space than in the crowded Manhattan neighborhoods.
New York City spaces vary by building style. A luxury high-rise may boast a landscaped terrace with seating, landscaping, grills, and entertainment areas. Some of the areas may wrap around the building or lead to a pool. Depending on the management company, the renters may have to pay a premium to access the outdoor space.
In other parts of the city, a small townhome may have a private area for the sole tenants renting that unit. The terrace resides on the actual ground and may include a fence. Renters can place their own furniture on this terrace and decorate it to their liking. In this case, the terrace could even lead to a backyard area with grass or turf.
What is a Terrace Level Apartment
In New York City, the terrace level apartment is the unit on the ground floor that directly leads to the terrace. There are opportunities for renters to lease basement apartments in New York City, which could also lead to a terrace. Anyone who plans to rent a basement should ensure it meets legal dwelling standards.
Learn more:
Terrace vs. Balcony
Outdoor spaces share several similarities, including a terrace vs. a balcony. Both offer a designated outdoor space that renters can decorate. Either option may come attached to the unit or reside in a communal area for other tenants in a building. The significant difference between the two is that the balcony is a protrusion from the outside of the facade of the building. Terraces typically offer more space than balconies and provide unobstructed views, making them more appealing and more expensive. Renters have multiple chances to find units with outdoor spaces in New York City. Generally, buildings may offer communal terraces or private balconies.
Learn More: Terrace vs. Balcony Comparison
New York City Apartments with Terraces
Renters who want to find New York City apartments with terraces have numerous options, with hundreds of available listings in June 2025.
|
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Price: $6,079
Size: 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Option: Communal
Chelsea renters looking for a luxury building will appreciate the furnished outdoor terrace with this rental. The area includes seating, landscaped grounds, and a water feature. Tenants can take in views of the city while relaxing on the lounge furniture. Inside the 590 square foot unit, they’ll find updated stainless steel appliances, plenty of closet space, and oversized windows. 21 Chelsea offers more impressive building amenities, including a fitness center, a 24-hour doorman, and a parking garage.
|
|
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Price: $6,750
Size: 1 Bed, 1 Bath
Option: Private
Heading uptown, renters looking for their private outdoor space can consider this unit with a wraparound area. The terrace includes brick floors and neighborhood views. Tenants can comfortably fit numerous pieces of furniture in this space, which follows an L-shape with an oversized area at one end. The rest of the unit spans 860 square feet and includes numerous windows, built-in storage in the closets, and hardwood floors. Throughout the building, renters will find laundry on every floor, a parking space, and a doorman.
|
|
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Price: $14,995
Size: 3 Bed, 3 Bath
Option: Private and communal
This expansive private area includes plenty of room for furniture, making it an ideal area for lounging and entertaining. The terrace and unit reside on the building’s northwest corner, receiving plenty of natural light and offering sunset views of Manhattan. Throughout the remainder of the unit, tenants will appreciate a duplex design with bedrooms on the lower level and plenty of storage space. The apartment includes a windowed chef’s kitchen with a walk-in pantry and additional space for an at-home office. This full-service luxury building boasts a fitness center, a communal outdoor space, and an indoor pool.
|
Conclusion
Renters who want access to outdoor space can consider apartments with communal or private terraces. Terraces come with a higher premium than a balcony due to their size and sun exposure, but they provide plenty of space for furniture and activities. Private terraces in New York City offer opportunities for custom design and furnishings, but communal spaces generally provide more space and predetermined landscaping. While New York City does not maintain a reputation for numerous outdoor areas, there are plenty of ways for renters to find their own version of a backyard.
