Related

In early May I crossed the East River from midtown Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, home to a number of new, luxury real estate developments. After just a few minutes on the F subway line (or you can take the famous tram), I met with two representatives from Related Companies, one of the country's premier real estate development groups, and had a personal tour of Riverwalk Court, the newest condo offering on the island.

About 10 years ago, Related, along with The Hudson Companies, Inc., won the NYC contract to develop Roosevelt Island. And they have a done a spectacular job with Riverwalk Court. The 18-story condominium building was designed by award-winning architectural firm Costas Kondylis and Partners, and every unit features huge, insulated windows; light, neutral colors; stainless steel appliances and black granite countertops; a washer/dryer; and the best part -- city or bridge views from every apartment. The building's amenities include an entertainment lounge for relaxing with other residents; a fitness center for cardio and yoga; a rooftop terrace; and a children's playroom. As I felt about another Related property I visited, the Caledonia, suddenly my pretty nice apartment and building seemed like a shack, and I wanted to pack up that night and move right into Riverwalk.

Residents of Riverwalk get more than a nice apartment, however. Related is known for its personalized service and concierge amenities (e.g., 24-hour concierge/doorman), and these 123 condominium residences, which range from 1BR - 3 BR with an equal number of baths in each home, offer all of that plus price tags lower than Manhattan for the same, if not better, quality. Plus, Roosevelt Island residents get more -- green space, river breezes, quiet days and nights, minimal traffic, no garbage trucks clanging and squealing in the middle of the night (the island has a Walt Disney World-like underground trash system) and even a 25-cent local bus to take you around the two-mile, 47-acre island if you don't want to walk in the rain or have groceries to carry.

For those who prefer to rent, there's Riverwalk Crossing, Roosevelt Island's only new luxury rental property. Also designed by Kondylis and part of the Related/Hudson portfolio, amenities include an entertainment lounge, bike room, fitness center, and lushly landscaped gardens with an outdoor sun deck, dining terrace, and barbeque grills. As part of the Related Rentals portfolio, Riverwalk Crossing offers its residents RelatedStyle Services, a suite of rewards and services that include the Related Personal Assistant, Move-In Coordination, Resident Service Specialist, as well as exclusive Equinox Fitness membership opportunities. Residents also will have the option to pay rent with a rewards-eligible credit cards.

After my sojourn to Roosevelt Island, I just may make it my next home. Or at least head back there this summer to enjoy all the activities and river air.

Take a look at the gallery for photos of these two communities.

No matter the economy or state of the world, New Yorkers like their luxury, and one of the finest recent examples of upscale living is Chelsea's The Caledonia. Expertly built and managed by The Related Companies, this new hybrid building (includes condo owners and renters), which overlooks the High Line, already is sold out in its ownership division. As of a few weeks ago, however, rentals were still available. Sizes range from studio to three-bedroom, and some of the 190 units have terraces.

I thought I had a nice apartment until I saw the lobby, let alone the units! Eco-friendly bamboo floors and cabinetry, top-end appliances, large windows, key fob entry, spa-like bathrooms, and the Holy Grail of the NYC dweller -- a washer and dryer in each unit -- make me want to sell my place and move right in. And if I lived in a Related building now, I could easily do that, as Related makes it easy to transfer to another company unit within NYC, or even in another city.