Darrell Williams October 1, 2026
Skyline views, waterfront living, and a parking spot you actually own: that combination is hard to find anywhere in New York City, let alone under $700,000. My listing at 11-24 31st Avenue #15B in Astoria, Queens, has a new price of $699,000, making it one of the better values on the Astoria waterfront right now.
Residence 15B sits on the 15th floor of East River Tower, a 20-story, 75-residence condominium built in 2007. Floor-to-ceiling windows and 9-foot ceilings open the apartment to views running southeast to west across the Manhattan skyline, Long Island City, and Downtown Brooklyn. The private balcony faces the East River, so sunsets come with the apartment.
- 685 square feet with hardwood floors throughout
- Open kitchen with stainless-steel appliances (including a new refrigerator), vented hood, tiled backsplash, and breakfast bar
- Marble bathroom with quartz vanity and Jacuzzi tub
- In-unit washer/dryer and a large foyer closet
- One deeded parking space included in the purchase price
East River Tower isn't just a place to sleep; it's a full-service lifestyle. Residents enjoy:
Monthly common charges are $919 (including deeded parking), and property taxes are $723/month, both reasonable for a building of this caliber and level of service.
Astoria, Queens, has long been one of New York City's most beloved neighborhoods, known for its vibrant dining scene, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. But Astoria West, the western edge hugging the East River, has quietly become one of the most desirable micro-neighborhoods in all of NYC.
This home sits less than one block from Vernon Boulevard, the East River waterfront, Socrates Sculpture Park, and Hallett's Cove Beach. On any given weekend, you'll find residents jogging along the waterfront, kayaking off the beach, or exploring the ever-changing outdoor exhibitions at Socrates. Just up the road, Astoria Park, with its Olympic-size pool, sweeping lawns, and jaw-dropping views of the Hell Gate Bridge, remains a neighborhood institution.
Green space is everywhere here: Rainey Park, Randall's Island, and the waterfront promenade all offer escapes from the city buzz without leaving the borough.
And when you're ready to come back indoors, you'll find Costco, neighborhood cafés, internationally acclaimed restaurants, local pubs, galleries, and shops all within easy reach.
At the new price, owning this apartment costs about the same each month as renting a one-bedroom in Manhattan. The difference is that a good share of every payment builds your equity instead of your landlord's, and your parking is already paid for.
Monthly cost to own #15B:
- Mortgage principal & interest ($559,200 loan, 20% down, 30-year fixed at 7.03%): $3,732
- Common charges: $919
- Real estate taxes: $723
- Capital assessment (through 2034): $178
- Total monthly cost to own: about $5,551
Average Manhattan 1-bedroom rent (June 2026): $5,408.
That's within about $150 a month of renting, and roughly $450 of your first mortgage payment already goes to principal, with more each year after that. Renters also face annual increases: Corcoran reported Manhattan's median rent at a record $5,295 in June 2026, up 8% year over year. When you own, your principal and interest stay locked for 30 years. Estimates use Freddie Mac's 30-year fixed average of 7.03% (week ending Sept. 24, 2026). Your rate and payment will depend on your lender and credit; try the numbers yourself with my mortgage calculator.
One of the strongest selling points of this location is its exceptional connectivity to Manhattan. Just three blocks away, the NYC Ferry provides a scenic and efficient commute to the Upper East Side, Long Island City, Roosevelt Island, Midtown, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and the Financial District. Add the N/W subway lines, multiple MTA bus routes, and Citi Bike at the corner, and you have arguably the most transit-rich block in Astoria.
For buyers who drive, a deeded parking space eliminates one of the biggest headaches of NYC ownership.
This is a rare opportunity to own a luxury Astoria condo for sale with Manhattan skyline views, a private balcony, full building services, in-unit laundry, and included parking, all at a price that, when compared with a rising rental market, makes a compelling case for buying.
11-24 31st Avenue at East River Tower isn't just a home. It's a front-row seat to one of New York City's greatest skylines, in one of its most dynamic and livable neighborhoods.
At 11-24 31st Avenue #15B, owning costs about $5,551 a month with 20% down at a 7.03% rate. That's close to the $5,408 average Manhattan one-bedroom rent Corcoran reported in June 2026, except that part of each payment builds equity and the price includes a deeded parking space.
The new asking price is $699,000, down from $750,000. That works out to about $1,020 per square foot. See the full Compass listing for photos and details.
They're rare. Residence 15B at East River Tower includes one deeded parking space in the building's on-site garage as part of the purchase price.
East River Tower is a 20-story, 75-residence condominium at 11-24 31st Avenue, built in 2007. It has a full-time doorman, concierge, 24-hour security, a live-in super, a fitness center, bike storage, an on-site garage and landscaped grounds with a BBQ grill, and it's pet friendly.
For Unit 15B, common charges are $919 a month, taxes are $723 a month, and a $177.64 monthly assessment for capital improvements runs through 2034.
The NYC Ferry landing is about three blocks from the building, with routes to the Upper East Side, Midtown and the Financial District. The N/W subway lines, MTA buses and Citi Bike are also nearby.
Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM both days. Private showings are available by appointment.
Darrell Williams of Compass has closed deals in 44 neighborhoods across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx and is the listing agent for East River Tower #15B. He can walk first-time buyers through financing, condo board requirements and closing costs, so reach out for a private consultation.
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Darrell Williams works in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. His expertise includes new development sales/leasing projects, investment sales, and 1st time home buyers. Whether you're purchasing or selling, he'll keep you feeling comfortable and confident from start to end.