I grew up on Roosevelt Island – a small sliver of land in the middle of New York City.

Located in between Manhattan and Queens, Roosevelt Island offers city dwellers a laid back place to call home.

We’ve got parks galore, restaurants, a lighthouse, tons of walking space and even a national memorial.

Best of all, an aerial cable car soars over the East River: bringing visitors and residents onto “The Roc.”

The Roosevelt Island Tramway and its support tower
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is by far the coolest method of transportation in New York City.

Visiting Roosevelt Island in the Summer of 2014

After a six month backpacking adventure across South America, I returned home to Roosevelt Island to visit my mom.

During that visit, I took my camera for several walks. These are my favorite photographs.

 

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is Roosevelt Island's newest attraction.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park is Roosevelt Island’s newest attraction.

 

I grew up in this building.
I grew up in this building.

 

Squirrels are a-plenty on Roosevelt Island.
Squirrels are a-plenty on Roosevelt Island.

 

Once a model of modern architecture, the Goldwater Hospital is currently being demolished to make way for the new Cornell Tech campus.
Once a model of modern architecture, the Goldwater Hospital is currently being demolished to make way for the new Cornell Tech campus.

 

The east side of Roosevelt Island has some strange ship hull sculpture facing Manhattan
The east side of Roosevelt Island has some strange ship hull sculpture facing Manhattan

The Roosevelt Island Light House

Also known as the Blackwell Island Lighthouse and the Welfare Island Lighthouse, this beacon of light was constructed in 1872.

Once a favorite hangout spot, Lighthouse Park has been under renovation since Hurricane Sandy flooded Roosevelt Island in 2012.

As far as I can see, the work is done. However, there is still a big fence around the lighthouse. I can’t wait for it to be gone.

 

The Roosevelt Island Lighthouse is currently surrounded by tall weeds.
The Roosevelt Island Lighthouse is currently surrounded by tall weeds.

 

This has always been the best place to have a picnic.
This has always been the best place to have a picnic.

The Roosevelt Island Community

The best part about Roosevelt Island is that it offers a small slice of suburban living in the middle of New York City.

Community is very important here; and I still run into someone I know every time I walk down the street.

During my most recent visit home, I reconnected with a large group of dear childhood friends for a picnic. It was pretty much the best day ever!

 

It's a bit crazy that the kids I hung out with as a kid now have their own kids!
It’s a bit crazy that the kids I hung out with as a kid now have their own kids!

Click here for a photo tour of Roosevelt Island

or

See my homemade Roosevelt Island Tee-Shirts