City Island is a small island community, 1½ miles long and ½ mile at widest point, at the northeast edge of New York City surrounded by the Long Island Sound and Eastchester Bay.  City Island has a rich nautical history.  Originally inhabited by the Sinanoy Indians, City Island was established as an English settlement in 1685.  The island became an important shipbuilding and yachting center during the 18^th and 19^th centuries and on through the mid-20^th century.  It was incorporated as part of New York City in 1896.  Today the presence of yacht clubs, sailing schools, marinas, fishing boats and marine supplies and repair shops reflect City Island’s role as a nautical community.

City Island is a precious jewel within New York City, with a distinct feel of a New England fishing town.  It is an eclectic mix of sailors and fisherman, doctors and lawyers, artists and actors, families and young singles that make up a population of about 4500 people.  People born on the island are known as “clam diggers”, long-term residents are “mussel-suckers”.  City Island has approximately 600 to 700 homes, the majority single- and two-family homes with some condos and co-opt units, and one apartment building over three stories (it is 6 stories).  The design of the homes vary from grand frame Victorians and Colonials, modest Cape Cods and cottages, to conventional and contemporary brick.  Commercial and manufacturing includes marinas, numerous restaurants, yacht clubs, galleries, antique shops, marine sales and repairs, and one lone Bed and Breakfast.

There are two elementary schools (K-8), Public School 175 (among the top ten citywide), and St. Mary Star of the Sea.  There are no high schools on the island. The closest public high schools are Columbus High School in Pelham Gardens and Herbert H. Lehman High School in Pelham Bay.  There are four houses of worship, a synagogue, an Episcopal church, a Methodist church and a Roman Catholic Church.  There is a public library, a post office, a bank and a firehouse.  There is no police precinct on the island, but is covered under the jurisdiction of the 45^th Precinct.  There is public transportation (Bx29 bus) to the nearby #6 IRT subway line at Pelham Bay Station.  There are also express buses to Manhattan leaving and returning twice daily.  Off-peak travel by car to mid-town Manhattan is approximately 20 minutes, although during rush hour can take up to one hour.  Several major highways are nearby, including I-95, and a short distance from the two major metro airports, JFK and LaGuardia Internationals.

Minutes from the Westchester county border, City Island is surrounded by water which is rich in marine life – bluefish, striped bass, blackfish, fluke, turtles, clams, oysters, crabs and lobsters to name but a few – and makes for excellent fishing.  Other water activities include sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing, and swimming, either in City Island’s private beaches or at nearby Orchard Beach.  City Island borders Pelham Bay Park – one of New York City’s largest public parks – and includes jogging and bike paths, horse back riding trails, public golf coarse, driving ranges and miniature golf, baseball and soccer fields, museums, the Bartow-Pell mansion, and a bird sanctuary.  Also located about 20 minutes away is Rye Playland, an amusement park located near the Connecticut border.  Major sports teams include NY Yankees and Mets, Knicks, Giants, Rangers and Islanders, as well as two racetracks – Aqueduct and Belmont racetracks.  There is plenty of shopping at nearby Bay Plaza, where you’ll find Staples, JC Penny’s, PC Richards, Pathmark supermarket, Barnes and Noble bookstores, K-Mart, Toys-R-Us, a multiplex movie cinema with 12 theatres, and numerous other stores – all within a 10 minute drive or 20 minute bus ride.