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Staten Island
Staten Island is the southernmost borough of New York City and the third-largest in land area. Known for its suburban feel, abundance of green space, and family-friendly neighborhoods, it offers a unique living experience compared to the other four boroughs. Bordered by New Jersey to the west and the rest of New York City to the north and east, Staten Island is connected to Brooklyn via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and to New Jersey via the Bayonne, Goethals, and Outerbridge Crossing.
Staten Island is often referred to as the “Borough of Parks,” with over 12,000 acres of protected parkland, beaches, and nature preserves. It is also home to a growing number of shopping centers, dining destinations, and cultural institutions, offering the convenience of urban living in a more relaxed environment.
History
Staten Island’s history stretches back thousands of years to the Leni Lenape peoples, with Dutch settlers arriving in the 1600s and establishing some of the earliest European settlements in what would become New York City. As a key location in both the Revolutionary War and New York’s industrial development, the borough has evolved from a rural and maritime economy into a thriving residential area. The construction of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in 1964 marked a turning point in the island’s development, accelerating suburban growth and connecting the borough more directly to the rest of the city.
Today, Staten Island continues to blend old and new—preserving historic villages and landmarks while welcoming new infrastructure, housing developments, and commercial projects that support its growing population.
Cultural Assets and Attractions
Staten Island is rich in cultural and recreational offerings. Major institutions include the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Zoo, the St. George Theatre, and the Alice Austen House Museum. The borough also offers several shopping destinations such as the Staten Island Mall and Empire Outlets, and parks like Willowbrook Park, High Rock Park, Great Kills Park, and the Mount Loretto Unique Area.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy scenic waterfronts, beaches such as Midland Beach and Cedar Grove Beach, and miles of trails and boardwalks, including the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk. Staten Island also has several marinas and offers access to boating and waterfront recreation along the Raritan Bay and Arthur Kill.
Real Estate and Architecture
Real estate in Staten Island is notably more spacious than in other boroughs, with a high percentage of single-family homes, townhouses, and garden apartments. The housing stock includes a variety of architectural styles—Victorian, Colonial, Cape Cod, ranch, split-level, and contemporary—often set on generous lots with driveways, backyards, and tree-lined streets.
The North Shore features a mix of historic homes and urban housing near transportation hubs, while the Mid-Island offers post-war homes, newer subdivisions, and family-oriented neighborhoods. The South Shore is known for its suburban layouts, modern construction, and large custom homes. In every region, Staten Island provides more square footage and green space for the dollar compared to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, making it especially attractive to families, retirees, and first-time homebuyers.
Transportation and Connectivity
While Staten Island is the only borough not served by the NYC Subway system, it remains well connected via multiple bridges, express buses to Manhattan, and the Staten Island Railway. The Staten Island Ferry is a vital and scenic route between St. George and Lower Manhattan, and local MTA bus lines connect all corners of the borough. Ferry expansion and proposed light rail developments are also in discussion to improve future connectivity.
Neighborhoods
Staten Island is composed of dozens of distinct communities grouped into three primary regions:
- North Shore: Bloomfield, Castleton Corners, Clifton, Concord – Grasmere, Elm Park, Fort Wadsworth, Graniteville, Mariners Harbor, Meier’s Corners, New Brighton, Park Hill, Port Richmond, Randall’s Manor, Rosebank, Shore Acres, St. George, Stapleton Heights, Sunnyside, Tompkinsville, Ward Hill, West New Brighton, Westerleigh.
- Mid-Island: Arrochar, Bull’s Head, Dongan Hills, Emerson Hill, Fresh Kills, Grant City, Grasmere, Grymes Hill, Heartland Village, Latourette Park, Lighthouse Hill, Manor Heights, Midland Beach, New Dorp, New Dorp Beach, New Springfield, Oakwood, Oakwood Beach, Ocean Breeze, Richmond, Richmond Parkway, Sea View, Silver Lake, South Beach, Todt Hill, Travis – Chelsea, Willowbrook.
- South Shore: Annadale, Arden Heights, Charleston, Eltingville, Great Kills, Huguenot, Pleasant Plains, Prince’s Bay, Richmond Valley, Rossville, Tottenville, Woodrow.
Why Live in Staten Island?
For those seeking a more peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle within New York City, Staten Island offers the ideal balance. With its lower population density, excellent public and private schools, abundant parkland, and lower housing costs, the borough appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you’re looking for waterfront living, suburban tranquility, or proximity to both city and nature, Staten Island welcomes you with open space, rich history, and a strong sense of local pride.
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