Two and Three Williamsburg Wharf. Photo courtesy of Naftali Group
It’s been eight years since the city’s first commuter ferry set sail, and in that time, it’s completely transformed the way New Yorkers think about real estate. “The NYC Ferry has absolutely shifted the real estate landscape, especially in pockets of the city that weren’t always considered commuter-friendly,” says Michelle Griffith , luxury real estate broker at Douglas Elliman.
“Eight years ago, some of the waterfront neighborhoods like Red Hook or certain areas of the Rockaways felt much more remote. But once the ferry became a reliable commuting option, we started seeing renewed interest from buyers and renters who wanted that lifestyle balance: scenic, slightly quieter neighborhoods with direct access to Manhattan.