Splash on a Budget: Beat the Summer Rush! The Cheapest NYC & NJ Apartments with Swimming Pools

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Living in the New York City metro area usually means compromising on space or amenities. But for many, the ultimate "I’ve made it" amenity isn't a doorman or a dishwasher, it’s a swimming pool.

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The pool at 363 Bond Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn

Whether you are looking for a morning lap swim or a weekend lounge deck, finding a building with a pool that doesn't cost a fortune is a challenge.

I've scoured current listings in Manhattan, Long Island City, Astoria, Downtown Brooklyn, Gowanus, DUMBO, Jersey City, and Hoboken to find the absolute lowest price points for aquatic luxury.

Here is your breakdown of the top affordable buildings with pools, categorized by apartment size. Remember, apartments get snapped up in hours here, so these are estimates of apartments that were available around the time I wrote this post.

The Studio Scene: Where to Swim for Under $3,000

If you are flying solo and prioritizing lifestyle over square footage, you have some excellent options. The "Gold Coast" of New Jersey and the waterfront of Astoria currently offer the best value, but a new contender has entered the chat: Gowanus, Brooklyn. This trendy neighborhood now offers pool access that rivals the prices of Jersey City.

The Top Picks:

  • Halletts Point (Astoria, Queens): This is currently the affordability champion. Located right on the East River waterfront, studios here often dip as low as $2,677/month. It’s a massive complex with resort-style amenities.
  • Newport Rentals / Parkside East (Jersey City, NJ): The Newport area is a city within a city. You can snag a studio here starting around $2,721/month. It’s a quick PATH train ride to Manhattan, and the pool facilities are extensive.
  • The Vordonia (Astoria, Queens): Another Astoria gem located at 34-46 Vernon Blvd. Studios start around $2,755/month. This building offers a boutique feel with stunning river views.
  • 363 Bond Street (Gowanus, Brooklyn): A top contender for Brooklyn lovers. This building features a stunning rooftop pool and mural, with studios starting around $2,825/month. It offers a genuine Brooklyn neighborhood vibe for a price that beats most of LIC.
  • 18 Park (Jersey City, NJ): A modern favorite near Liberty State Park, with studios starting at $2,915/month.

Manhattan Mention:

If you absolutely must be on the island, the lowest price point I found is at Riverbank (Hell's Kitchen), starting around $3,329/month.

1-Bedroom Apartments: Couples and Commuters

Need a distinct separation between your bed and your living room? The inventory for one-bedrooms with pools tightens up, but Jersey City continues to dominate in price-per-square-foot value, with Gowanus offering a competitive alternative to Long Island City.

The Top Picks:

  • Newport Rentals (Jersey City, NJ): Once again, Newport leads the pack. You can find true one-bedrooms starting at $2,960/month. Finding a 1-bed with a pool for under $3k is virtually impossible in Manhattan or hip parts of Brooklyn.
  • The Vordonia (Astoria, Queens): Staying just under the $3k mark, units here start around $2,987/month.
  • 18 Park (Jersey City, NJ): The one-bedrooms here offer great layouts starting at $3,170/month.
  • 363 Bond Street (Gowanus, Brooklyn): This building shines again in the 1-bedroom category, with units starting around $3,195/month. This beats out most LIC options and is significantly cheaper than downtown Brooklyn.
  • Halletts Point (Astoria, Queens): While slightly more expensive than their studios, the one-bedrooms here offer great space, starting at $3,356/month.

The Manhattan Context:

To get a one-bedroom with a pool in Manhattan (Riverbank), that price jumps significantly to over $4,228/month.

2-Bedroom Apartments: Roommates and Home Offices

When you move up to two bedrooms, the price gap between New Jersey and NYC becomes a canyon. However, Gowanus offers a "middle ground" for those who want to stay in NYC but can't afford DUMBO prices.

The Top Picks:

The Brooklyn & Manhattan Context:

  • Gowanus: 2-bedrooms at 420 Carroll Street start around $5,400/month, while 363/365 Bond Street units often float between $5,800 - $6,150/month.
  • Manhattan: A 2-bedroom with a pool in Hell's Kitchen (Riverbank) starts over $6,100/month.
  • DUMBO: Prices here can easily exceed $7,000.

3-Bedroom Apartments: The Unicorns

Three-bedroom apartments in buildings with swimming pools are rare finds. Most developers focus on smaller units. However, there are a few buildings where you can house a family (or two roommates) without breaking the bank.

The Top Picks:

Before You Sign: A Few "Fine Print" Details

As you browse these listings, keep three things in mind:

  • The "Net" Price: Many of the prices listed above (especially in LIC and Gowanus) are often advertised as "Net Effective." This means the building is offering 1 or 2 months free, and the advertised price averages that discount over the year. Your actual monthly rent check might be higher.
  • The Amenity Fee: Just because a building has a pool doesn't mean it's free. Buildings like Gateway Plaza in Battery Park City or even some in LIC/Gowanus may charge an extra "Amenity Fee" (ranging from $50 to $100+ per month) or require a separate club membership to use the water.
  • Summer Rush: We are currently in a shoulder season. As we get closer to May and June, prices for buildings with pools historically tick upward as demand spikes.

If you are ready to take the plunge, now is the time to look!


NYC real estate is fast-paced and competitive, with high prices and limited inventory. I help clients find their ideal homes by leveraging market expertise, strong negotiation skills, and clear guidance to make the process smooth and successful.