Summary
- Morningside Heights: A vibrant neighborhood with green spaces and bike lanes, perfect for eco-conscious travelers exploring Columbia University and St. John the Divine.
- Park Slope: A green haven in Brooklyn, known for community gardens, sustainable shops, and a tree canopy that absorbs CO2 and produces oxygen.
- Battery Park City: An eco-friendly oasis in Manhattan with LEED-certified buildings and a 36-acre park, offering sustainability-themed events and a waterfront esplanade.
With an increasing global emphasis on environmental sustainability, tourists are now seeking out destinations that align with their eco-conscious values. Due to this, some of the best destinations for eco-travel have evolved beyond idyllic landscapes and remote retreats, as tourists now set their sights on the urban jungle.
New York City, the epitome of cosmopolitan living, may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of eco-friendly places to visit, but beneath its towering skyscrapers lies a surprising array of environmentally-conscious neighborhoods. These hidden gems provide an ideal opportunity for tourists to embrace environmentally safe living while experiencing the energy and diversity that define New York.
Here are the most eco-friendly neighborhoods in New York City, providing essential insights into the many things to know when traveling sustainably within this vibrant urban landscape.
10 Morningside Heights - Manhattan
Morningside Heights is a vibrant neighborhood that seamlessly blends urban living with eco-conscious initiatives. Morningside Heights has several impressive green spaces, with parks like Morningside Park and Riverside Park providing lush havens for relaxation and outdoor activities.
One of the standout features of this eco-friendly enclave is its extensive network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets. Visitors can easily navigate the neighborhood on foot or by bicycle, reducing their carbon footprint while exploring local attractions like Columbia University and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
- Top Attractions: Grant’s Tomb, Morningside Park, Riverside Park, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
9 Park Slope - Brooklyn
Park Slope is one of the greenest neighborhoods in New York City that serves as a shining example of eco-friendliness within the urban sprawl of the Big Apple. Travel enthusiasts trolling its charming streets will notice a strong commitment to green living. This neighborhood's extensive tree canopy provides not only shade but also an improved urban environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
A highlight for eco-friendly travelers is Park Slope's emphasis on community gardens and sustainable practices. The neighborhood is home to numerous community-managed green spaces where residents and visitors can engage in gardening and composting initiatives. As one of the affordable destinations for eco-tourism in New York City, Park Slope has locally-owned, eco-friendly shops and restaurants that source their products sustainably.
- Top Attractions: Prospect Park, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum
8 Battery Park City - Manhattan
Battery Park City was intentionally designed with sustainability in mind, featuring LEED-certified buildings and a commitment to energy efficiency. A unique feature of this neighborhood is its 36-acre Battery Park, a green oasis where visitors can relax amidst beautifully landscaped gardens.
The park also hosts sustainability-themed events, providing educational opportunities for those interested in eco-conscious living. Whether tourists stroll along the waterfront esplanade or attend eco-focused events, Battery Park City offers an eco-friendly urban escape in the heart of Manhattan.
- Top Attractions: The Skyscraper Museum, Regal Battery Park, Brookfield Place
7 Riverdale - Bronx
Riverdale is another one of the greenest eco-friendly neighborhoods in New York City, as it's a peaceful retreat that balances city living with green values. The neighborhood is known for its lush parks and green spaces, including Wave Hill. Wave Hill is a public garden offering breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
Riverdale residents actively participate in tree planting, clean-up events, and conservation programs, providing tourists opportunities to get involved and contribute to the area's eco-friendly ethos. Moreover, Riverdale encourages sustainable transportation with well-maintained bike lanes and access to public transit options.
- Top Attractions: The Bronx Museum of the Arts, Van Cortlandt Park, Wave Hill
Explore the neighborhood on foot to admire the unique houses and well-preserved streetscapes.
6 Forest Hills Gardens - Queens
Forest Hills Gardens stands out as one of the serene and eco-friendly NYC neighborhoods that immerse tourists and locals in a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by abundant greenery. The neighborhood is famous for its meticulously landscaped gardens, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Forest Hills Gardens embraces sustainable living by promoting energy-efficient practices, water conservation, and green transportation options. With easy ways to be eco-friendly during a vacation here, tourists can minimize their carbon footprint and positively impact while enjoying the historic charm and natural beauty that Forest Hills Gardens offers.
- Top Attractions: West Side Tennis Club, Forest Hills Stadium, Forest Park
5 Bergen Beach - Brooklyn
Bergen Beach, tucked away in the southeastern part of Brooklyn, is a hidden gem for eco-conscious tourists seeking a serene urban retreat. Visitors will immediately notice the abundant green spaces, including lush parks and waterfront promenades that offer stunning views of Jamaica Bay.
Bergen Beach also participates in shoreline restoration projects and wetland conservation efforts, which makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Additionally, the area encourages green transportation options, with well-maintained bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Top Attractions: Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Kings Plaza Shopping Center
4 Grymes Hill - Staten Island
Grymes Hill is an eco-friendly neighborhood offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area's natural beauty. It’s known for its abundant green spaces, including Silver Lake Park, a 209-acre oasis where visitors can unwind amidst nature.
Grymes Hill features eco-friendly buildings and initiatives such as rooftop gardens and solar panels, which contribute to reduced energy consumption. The neighborhood also promotes public transportation and cycling, offering convenient access to the Staten Island Greenbelt and its extensive hiking trails.
- Top Attractions: Wagner College Gallery, Silver Lake Park
3 Prospect Park South - Brooklyn
Prospect Park South is also among the environmentally friendly neighborhoods in New York City; it exudes a unique blend of historic charm and eco-conscious living, making it an attractive destination for tourists seeking sustainable urban experiences. Visitors will be charmed by its tree-lined streets and historic architecture as they explore the neighborhood.
The neighborhood actively participates in tree-planting programs and maintains a strong sense of community engagement in environmental initiatives. Visitors can explore Prospect Park, a 526-acre green space designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The park offers opportunities for picnics, birdwatching, and outdoor concerts.
- Top Attractions: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
2 Randall Manor - Staten Island
Randall Manor is known for its preserved historic homes, which add to the neighborhood's unique eco-friendly character. Randall Manor promotes eco-friendly transportation options with well-maintained bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets.
Visitors can also enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, an 83-acre cultural hub featuring themed gardens, museums, and performances. Whether seeking ways to get involved with sustainability missions while traveling or looking for unique cultural experiences, Randall Manor provides a serene escape where history and sustainability coexist harmoniously.
- Top Attractions: Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, St. George Theatre
1 Kew Gardens - Queens
Kew Gardens is a vibrant, eco-friendly neighborhood that offers an urban oasis for travel enthusiasts looking for green experiences within New York City. As they explore this charming enclave, visitors will be enchanted by its lush greenery and well-preserved historic architecture.
Visitors can explore Forest Park, a 543-acre urban wilderness with hiking trails, a golf course, and abundant wildlife. Kew Gardens also promotes sustainable transportation options with bike lanes and convenient access to public transit. This makes it an accessible and eco-conscious destination in New York City for urban explorers.
- Top Attractions: Queens Museum, Forest Park, Chabad of Kew Gardens