As the weather warms and all eyes turn to summer, outdoor spaces that allow residents to indulge in a resort-style of living are taking the spotlight.  From sparkling pools and sun decks to contemporary communal spaces with landscaped courtyards and BBQ areas, here are some high-end rental buildings in New York City’s immediate suburbs that offer five-star outdoor amenities in markets stretching from New Jersey downtowns to the Connecticut coastline:

The Wyldes, Harrison, NJ (www.thewyldes.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

The Wyldes is the newest kid on the block and it is about to deliver a heavy dose of nature to its Harrison, NJ setting.  We’re talking a whopping 45,000 square feet of green space that blurs the line between city living and mother nature’s playground.   First up is The Sky Deck, a rooftop oasis with views of Downtown Manhattan and the Newark skyline, a bar with TVs, multiple firepits, sun loungers for soaking up rays, and BBQs with outdoor dining areas to satisfy your cravings.  On The Greene, they’ve got a chill landscaped courtyard to kick back and relax.  Lounge seating? Check.  TVs?  Check.  Firepits to keep things toasty?  Double check.  And for a little friendly competition, grab your ping pong paddles.  Need something a little more refreshing under the summer sun?  Venture on over to The Pool, an activated courtyard that serves as your own private resort, complete with an infinity edge pool with in-water chaise lounges.  Want more firepits, a sun deck and extra outdoor dining areas?  The Pool has you covered.  Developed by Advance Realty, the new five-story building along the banks of Newark Bay and next to the PATH Station offers 399 well-appointed studios, one- and two-bedroom homes, with initial occupancy scheduled for early July.   

Harrison Urby (www.urby.com/harrison): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Innovative apartment brand Urby is the ultimate game-changer when it comes to living the good life with a side of epic social vibes.  For outdoor living, its Harrison Urby property has it all.  Collaborating with Amsterdam-based Concrete, famous for its killer designs of citizenM Hotels worldwide, and talented Belgian landscape architect, Bureau Bas Smets, they’ve created a masterpiece with walkways, lush lawns, and planted areas that include a meandering bluestone path through an Aspen Grove.  There’s also a community garden with individual veggie plots, a heated swimming pool and patio for ultimate relaxation, fire pits to get cozy around, grills for BBQ action, and lounge seating, not to mention lawn games.  It’s also pet friendly, highlighted by Urby’s Woofgarden – a pup paradise for some serious playtime.  Need to get out of the sun?  They’ve got a rentable chef’s kitchen used to host food events, onsite café, and a bistro, not to mention a full-court indoor basketball court for some slam-dunk action and 13,000 square feet of indoor fitness space.  Light-filled studios, one- and two-bedroom residences from $2,196

Ivy and Green, Hackensack, NJ (www.ivyandgreen.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Hornrock Properties is continuing its winning streak with the recent opening of Ivy and Green in Downtown Hackensack, NJ.  Just weeks since the leasing launch, the developer is pulling back the curtain on the rental building’s outdoor amenities.  Let’s start with the sun-kissed courtyard, resort-style pool and sundeck, BBQs and even a pizza oven for outdoor dining.  There’s also cozy dining and lounging areas, and an outdoor fitness turf.  Saunter up to the landscaped roof deck where you’ll be treated to views of neighboring Foschini Park, the Hackensack River, and the Manhattan skyline.   The rooftop is fully equipped with a bar, dining areas, TVs, and firepits.  They’ve added a little extra fun with ping pong, foosball, a life-sized chessboard, and an outdoor movie screen with a viewing lawn.  Studios, one- and two-bedroom residences from the $2,300s with Grand Opening incentives available.

The Mint, Rahway, NJ (www.themintrahway.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Developers Fields Grade and Slokker USA know how to create an apartment lifestyle, and they’ve done their homework to make it happen.  The partners debuted The Mint in 2020 in Downtown Rahway, NJ with a second-floor landscaped deck featuring a pool, BBQ areas, and a firepit.  Doubling down on its location next to the train station in this burgeoning town, the developers recently added a second Mint building with a slew of new amenities including an outdoor rooftop terrace with lounge chairs, BBQ stations and views that stretch all the way to New York City.  The sun-drenched social spaces, along with all of the indoor amenities, are shared by residents of both buildings, enhancing the overall lifestyle.  Studios, one- and two-bedroom homes from $2,075 with up to two  months free.

Rock Pointe (www.RockPointeNJ.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Carved into a mountain ridge with breathtaking scenery, Rock Pointe is the new standard bearer for luxury rentals in suburban Morris County. It offers a collection of 345 brand-new apartments in Rockaway Township, near Route 80 and beautiful destinations such as the Split Rock Reservoir, Farny State Park, and Lake Hopatcong.  The community’s warm, inviting residences are complemented by elegant social and recreation spaces designed for resident relaxation, convenience, and enjoyment.  To take full advantage of the gorgeous setting, developer KRE Group made outdoor recreation spaces a priority when designing the community. Al fresco amenities include a pool, pool house, landscaped terrace with a fire pit, sun loungers, televisions, tot lot, a walking path, and an outdoor fitness areas for invigorating, fresh-air workouts. A central BBQ area is ideal for larger events, while smaller BBQ stations allow for more intimate gatherings. The pet-friendly community also offers a dog park and a dog wash station. 

Citizen Linden (www.citizenlinden.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

As one of the signature properties under the fast-growing “Citizen” brand of luxury rental communities, Citizen Linden provides an array of sophisticated amenities to complement its 252 high-end rental residences. Developer Accurate teamed up with Thomas J. Brennan Architects to design a product that offers a variety of live-work-play uses inside and out, just steps from a thriving downtown and the Linden train station. Two furnished and landscaped courtyards serve as the hub of outdoor activity, catering equally to residents looking to have some fun with their neighbors and those looking for a little serenity. Among the amenities are lounge seating areas, BBQ and dining sections, firepits, a central fountain, a bar with a television, and a Zen relaxation area. Studio, one- and two-bedroom residences start from $1,995.

Stamford Urby (www.urby.com/stamford): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Urby is back at it again, this time in Downtown Stamford, CT.  The community’s urban oasis was designed by legendary landscape architect, Bureau Bas Smets — the same firm that will be working its magic on the grounds of the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.  These folks know how to make open-air amenities the heart and soul of the resident experience.  It’s all about shared enjoyment and living your best life.  The lush central courtyard has bamboo-lined paths that wind through leafy planted sections, leading you to cozy seating areas where you can kick back and relax, BBQ spaces to get your grill master game on, and an elevated saltwater pool and sun deck that’s sure to make you feel like you’re on vacation.  Pet owners will love the brand-new dog park.  The property’s onsite public café with outdoor seating  – a staple of the Urby brand – adds to the social connection among residents and their Stamford neighbors.  While we’re focusing on the outdoors, it’s hard to leave out Urby’s incredible 7,000 square-foot fitness facility, complete with a turf-lined cross-fit zone and every strength and cardio machine imaginable.  Studios, one- and two-bedroom residences from $2,072.

The Hazel Stamford (www.thehazelstamford.com): NY Metro’s Hot New Rentals: Luxe Living With Cool Summer Vibes

Residents are getting ready to soak up the sun and dive into outdoor living at The Hazel Stamford, a hot new rental spot in Connecticut’s vibrant Harbor Point waterfront neighborhood.  Memorial Weekend not only marks the unofficial start of summer, but it also kicked off the debut of The Hazel’s outdoor amenities.  Highlights include a landscaped rooftop terrace that’s perfect for socializing and grilling up a storm.  A pool, complete with cozy pergola seating areas and chaise loungers, BBQs, covered dining areas, and great views deliver the lifestyle residents are looking for.  There’s also plenty of indoor amenities at the seven-story building for the complete lifestyle package.  One of the cooler elements is the interactive dining experience offered at Hudson Table which is located in The Hazel’s street-level retails space.   Also open to the public, the culinary studio offers cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes in the demonstration kitchen.  It also operates a full café and has outdoor seating.  Studios and one-bedroom units from the low-$2,000s with limited-time incentives that include up to two months free rent.