Want to have the excitement of Manhattan at your fingertips, without all the noise and chaos? Look no further than Battery Park City. Tucked along the Hudson River, this peaceful waterfront neighborhood offers chic and contemporary architecture, gorgeous green space, and views for days. A perfect blend of convenience and calm, Battery Park City is redefining what it means to live in New York City. Read on to learn more about this serene and special community.
Where is Battery Park City?
Battery Park City sits at the southern tip of Manhattan, bordered by the Financial District to the east and the Hudson River to the west. It’s a planned community that’s situated on state-owned land managed by a New York State public-benefit corporation. When it comes to transportation, Battery Park City residents have plenty of options: the nearby 1, 4, 5, R, and W trains service the rest of the borough and connect riders to Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond. And if you need to get to New Jersey in a hurry, look no further than the nearby ferries from Brookfield Place.
So Why is Battery Park City Such a Great Place to Live?
To understand why Battery Park City is such a desirable place to put down roots, we spoke to Jenna Amicucci-DeChristopher, a licensed associate real estate broker with Compass and a StreetEasy Expert. In her professional life, she’s helped countless clients secure their dream homes in this unique locale. And as a long-time resident of Battery Park City herself, she’s got first-hand experience with just how great the neighborhood can be.
“Battery Park City is its own world — and proudly so,” Amicucci-DeChristopher shares. “The north offers modernity, the south offers charm, and the entire neighborhood offers a lifestyle that simply doesn’t exist anywhere else in Manhattan.”
Battery Park City Rentals Under $5K On StreetEasy Article continues below
North vs. South Battery Park City: Know the Difference
The first thing that you need to know about Battery Park City, according to Amicucci-DeChristopher? “Battery Park City isn’t just a neighborhood — it’s two micro-markets with two very different personalities.” More specifically, the neighborhood is split between two distinct sections: North Battery Park City and South Battery Park City.
North Battery Park City boasts “newer buildings, upgraded amenities, and a sleek, contemporary lifestyle,” says Amicucci-DeChristopher. She advises to rent or buy in North BPC “if you want modern finishes and a refined, resort-style feel.” Available rentals and homes for sale in the northern part of Battery Park City typically offer bigger floorplans and updated finishes in amenity rich buildings. And – unsurprisingly – tend to come with higher price tags, especially when you throw in a river view for good measure.
In contrast, South Battery Park City is characterized by its great economic value. Most notably, South Battery Park City is home to the Gateway Plaza complex, which comprises a cluster of large post-war rental buildings that offer “standard, functional layouts, some water and park views, lower price points than anywhere else in BPC, and a private outdoor pool.” Amicucci-DeChristopher goes on to say that the units in the Gateway can be a great option because “the value is incredible given the lifestyle — especially for [tenants] looking for quiet, green space, and waterfront paths right outside their door.” But if Gateway living isn’t for you, never fear: There are other older post-war condo buildings plus two more contemporary buildings available in South BPC.
Renting and Buying in Battery Park City
Now that you’re well versed in the differences between North and South Battery Park City, let’s investigate how much the average rental or sale in BPC will set you back.
According to the StreetEasy Data Dashboard, the median asking rent in Battery Park City in November 2025 was $5,115. This is higher than it was about this time last year in November 2024, when the median asking rent in BPC was around $4,776.
The StreetEasy Data Dashboard reports that the median asking sales price in Battery Park City in November 2025 was $1.1 million. This is higher than it was about this time last year in November 2024, when the median asking price in the neighborhood was about $977,500.
Battery Park City Homes Under $1M On StreetEasy Article continues below
A Note on Buying in BPC
If you’re debating renting versus buying in Battery Park City, there’s an important component to BPC home ownership to know about. In Battery Park City, owners pay a PILOT fee — which stands for “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” — rather than the standard property taxes you’ll find elsewhere in Manhattan. The reason for this is because Battery Park City exists on a land lease, meaning that buyers are purchasing property on land that they do not own.
The idea of a land lease may make some prospective buyers uneasy. But Amicucci-DeChristopher is quick to reassure potential homebuyers of the reliable renewal structure and guaranteed longevity of the BPC land lease. “This land lease is not the type that declines in value or causes instability,” she explains. “BPC’s version is structured, secure, and consistently sought after by buyers who understand the long-term upside of the neighborhood.”
Parks and Green Spaces
There’s no shortage of outdoor space in Battery Park City. Rockefeller Park is a community favorite. It’s got wide fields, a pavilion, and plenty of space for picnics when the weather is good. The Hudson River Esplanade stretches along the river, connecting pocket parks, playgrounds, gardens, and open lawns for relaxing or jogging. And of course the titular Battery Park offers ferry access to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, not to mention some of the best sunset views in the city.
Beyond the typical neighborhood haunts, Amicucci-DeChristopher highlights a few of her favorite, under-the-radar destinations: South Cove (her “go-to quiet spot”), Teardrop Park (“a favorite for kids and families”), and the playgrounds and lawns on North End Avenue (“perfect for a more modern, open energy”).
What to Eat, Drink, and Do
Proximity to the Hudson makes any meal in Battery Park City feel that much more romantic — and many restaurants in the neighborhood take advantage of the prime river views. For example, Mezze on the River offers Mediterranean small plates, seafood, and breathtaking waterfront vistas.
But that’s not all. Amicucci-DeChristopher recommends Le District & Brookfield Place “for dining, coffee, and everyday convenience.” Beyond incredible food and drink, Brookfield Place is also the sight of frequent art installations, fashion showcases, and special events. Its Winter Garden Atrium is a fantastic feat of modern architecture and a perfect place to plop down for some prime people watching.
Other neighborhood cultural offerings of note are the Museum of Jewish Heritage, the Irish Hunger Memorial, and the nearby World Trade Center complex, including the Oculus and 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
A Final Word on Battery Park City
During her many years working in BPC, Amicucci-DeChristopher reports extreme client satisfaction in this hidden gem of a neighborhood. Some of the quotes she hears most often? “I didn’t realize how much calmer life could feel” and “We’re never leaving.” We think that says it all!
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StreetEasy is an assumed name of Zillow, Inc. which has a real estate brokerage license in all 50 states and D.C. See real estate licenses. StreetEasy does not intend to interfere with any agency agreement you may have with a real estate professional or solicit your business if you are already under contract to purchase or sell property. The information in this article is informational only and should not be relied on in any underlying real estate transaction. All data for uncited sources in this presentation has been sourced from Zillow data. Copyright © 2025 by Zillow, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
