$654,335Average Value$537Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
Why Co-op City is a one-of-a-kind housing community
Co-op City is the largest cooperative housing community in the world, consisting of affordable, limited-equity apartments priced well below market rate with plenty of on-site amenities and green space. This unique Bronx neighborhood, commonly referred to as a “city within a city,” was completed in 1973 as part of the Mitchell-Lama program and has over 15,000 residential units. Co-op City also contains shopping centers, parking garages, community centers and public schools, meaning that daily errands are conveniently within walking distance.
Co-op City has both townhouses and high rise units.
Co-op City's sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate cyclists.
1/2
How to get a unit: types, prices and the application process
There are 35 high-rise buildings and seven townhouse clusters in Co-op City, some of which are two-floor duplexes with terraces. One-, two- and three-bedroom units are available. As of January 2026, one multifamily home in the neighborhood sold for a price in the upper $700,000s. Residents pay an initial equity deposit and then pay a carrying charge each month, which is determined by the number of rooms and includes maintenance, heat and hot water. For instance, one resident in a one-bedroom apartment typically has a monthly carrying charge between $750 and $1,000 and must make between roughly $25,000 and $59,000 annually to qualify. “The apartments are big, so if you can’t afford the rest of the Bronx or any other boroughs, people think, ‘How can we beat this price?’” says Marjo Ivaska-Sergeant, a resident agent in the Historic Concourse District in the South Bronx and a licensed real estate salesperson with Douglas Elliman. “When you want to apply, there’s a sales office and an online application,” says Annemarie Sammartino, author of “Freedomland: Co-op City and the Story of New York” and a professor of History at Oberlin College. “You have to submit tax records and pay stubs, go through credit checks. It’s more like qualifying for a mortgage. If you qualify, then you get on the waitlist,” adds Sammartino, who also grew up in Co-op City. The waitlist is currently three to five years, although some residences have a wait time of five to seven years. “Every year, residents have to fill out an income affidavit, which is basically a form where you list everyone who lives there and submit their tax returns, too, to make sure people qualify. If you earn more, there’s a surcharge,” Sammartino explains.
High-rise condos make up the majority of living space in Co-op City.
Townhouses in Co-op City offer a small neighborhood feel in the big city.
1/2
What makes Co-op City different from other co-ops
Unlike other co-ops in the city—in which buyers own their unit but are subject to co-op board rules, Co-op City functions a bit differently. “The difference with Co-op City is you don’t own your individual apartment, you own a piece of the co-op as a whole,” Sammartino says. “As a result, you don’t have the right to just say, ‘Hey, I’m going to sell my apartment on the open market or to a family member.” About 50,000 residents call this unique neighborhood home. “It has a different feel than most parts of the city. The structure of it makes it impervious to gentrification, which is both the good and the bad thing about it. It can't change over with the same speed that other neighborhoods do,” she says.
Public and charter schools in Co-op City
Highly rated public schools serving all grade levels are clustered together near the center of Co-op City, including:
P.S. 153 – Helen Keller, serving elementary schoolers
I.S. 181 – Pablo Casals, serving middle schoolers
Bronx Health Sciences High School
There are also two public charter schools in the neighborhood.
P.S. 153 - Helen Keller serves elementary school students from Co-op City.
I.S. 181 Middle School prepares students for high school.
Bronx Health Sciences High School is a public school for Co-op City students to finish their education.
1/3
Public transportation access in Co-op City
Co-op City is bordered by Interstate 95 and the Hutchinson River Parkway. “To go to the city from Co-op City, it's not the most convenient,” Ivaska-Sergeant says. “So residents are not likely to go to Midtown Manhattan to work.” However, several buses service the area, and an express bus connects to Manhattan. But there are no commuter train or subway stations currently in the neighborhood. Residents can access the 5 train at Baychester Avenue, about 2 miles away.
Neighborhood shopping, dining and green spaces
Part of the ease of living in Co-op City is the number of nearby amenities available. “You don’t need to leave Co-op city for the vast majority of your needs, if you don’t want to,” Sammartino says. “There are multiple grocery stores, a movie theater, a lot of restaurants, all sorts of doctors’ offices—it’s a lot of older people, so you have all sorts of services specifically geared towards the elderly, too.” The neighborhood’s three community centers have senior programs. There are also playgrounds designed for young children and outdoor amenities designed for all ages, like walking paths, athletic courts and a community garden. Different faiths can attend any of the community’s several houses of worship. Co-op City includes one of the city’s biggest shopping centers, the Mall at Bay Plaza. “It’s a shopping hub of the East Bronx to the point where during the holidays, there are huge traffic jams after having shopped there,” she says.
The Mall at Bay Plaza is a multi-story commercial hub near Co-op City.
Fresh produce is abundant at the local Food Universe Marketplace in Co-op City.
1/2
An active, intergenerational community atmosphere
A large percentage of land remains undeveloped in Co-op City, creating a tranquil, park-like setting, which appeals to all ages. “There are young families, but it’s not really a neighborhood that attracts young professionals who just want to be in the city,” Sammartino says. “But Co-op City has been known as the largest, naturally occurring retirement community in the United States. It’s a good place to age in place.” And there are plenty of opportunities to socialize and stay connected. “Every week, the community newspaper is published and there are always listings in there with a million different events,” Sammartino says. “If you’re the kind of person who wants to square dance with your neighbor, Co-op City has a way to do it.” In June, the Annual Co-op City Community Fair and Caribbean Heritage Month Celebration are held in the neighborhood.
Co-op City Greenway is a park with plenty of green space for residents and wildlife to enjoy.
Tucked away along the sidewalks of Co-op City is the River Run Garden.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
It's a good area to live in. You pretty much have everything here schools, parks, many businesses, movie theater and different shopping center. Its a really nice community.
4.0Current Resident
5/29/2020Niche Review
I have been living here for six years now, and the neighborhood is beautiful. It has a lot of activities for children and people of all ages. There is little to no crime. We have our own police and fire department. Co-op City seems so far, but I am able to get anywhere without an issue. Transportation is very accessible. I love it here!!
5.0Nearby Resident
10/11/2016Niche Review
I really loved living in Co-op City affordable rent, safe neighborhood and very diversified. Also in Co-op City was it's own community with pretty every necessity in life in walking distance also very friendly neighborhood
5.0Current Resident
6/27/2020Niche Review
Very peaceful community, low to zero crimes. Very safe to walk around at night, even though not recommended. The schools are wonderful, we are now seeing a resurgence of once (poor performing) Truman High school that are now dubbed " the best kept secret".
Are you familiar with the Co-op City neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Co-op City
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Co-op City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Co-op City, Bronx sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Co-op City, Bronx over the last 12 months is $510,000, down 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming two-family home, offering spacious and bright living spaces perfect for investors. The property features a stunning duplex unit with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, providing ample room and comfort. The first-floor unit offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, making it ideal for versatile living arrangements. Conveniently located close to all transportation options, commuting is a
Welcome to your new home in the vibrant East Bronx! This inviting property offers a comfortable living space surrounded by a variety of nearby amenities, including fantastic restaurants and department stores that cater to all your needs. A quick 12-minute drive will take you to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, ensuring convenience for any medical requirements. Enjoy outdoor leisure at Pelham Bay
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
