Staten Island bucks the typical notions of coastal living as being too expensive, remote, and touristy. The fifth New York borough is a hidden gem of a coastal town, where the cost of living is affordable, the locals are welcoming, and the culture is rich and varied.
Here, you’re never cut off from the world—you only have to look at the iconic Manhattan skyline across the water to know it—as you take in the crisp sea breeze and feel the sand between your toes.
Think powdery beaches, verdant parks, and quaint neighborhoods – with the occasional deer sighting – all under an hour’s train ride from Manhattan. If all this sounds appealing, then Staten Island just might be the place for you.
OVERVIEW OF STATEN ISLAND
Staten Island, with its 495,747 residents and a median household income of $93,164 (as of 2022), embodies the drive and educational success that characterizes the city at large. A canvas of contrasts, it merges the vibrancy of youth with the wisdom of maturity, reflected in its median age of 40.8 years.
Covering nearly 60 square miles, Staten Island has approximately 35 miles of alluring waterfront, and is connected to Manhattan, New Jersey, and Brooklyn via a network of bridges that not only offer convenience but also scenic voyages.
Staten Island was named Richmond upon joining New York City in 1898, and evolved dramatically post the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge’s unveiling in 1964. The bridge’s completion spurred significant community diversification. By 1975, the borough adopted the name Staten Island, marking a new chapter in its rich history.
While most of the country refers to residents as Staten Islanders, dyed-in-the-wool locals usually refer to themselves as a resident of one of five sections: North Shore, East Shore, South Shore, Mid-Island, and West Shore. This division is both geographical and cultural.
The North Shore is the most established section. It’s also the most populous, with people from diverse cultures living side by side in Staten Island . The other sections were mainly used as farmland until recently, but suburban development has overtaken these areas.
South Shore is famous for the many small businesses and traditional diners dotting the area. Mid-Island is home to vast parks and a vibrant nightlife. East Shore is primarily residential and also features several parks. West Shore, known for its industrial development and manufacturing, has many unused waterfront areas awaiting revitalization.
With Staten Island homes for sale pegged at a median price of $660,000 (as of January, 2024), living in Staten Island gives you that New York address without having to pay premium prices, as with Manhattan’s stratospheric $1.4M median price. Around 70% of locals own their homes, which should give you an idea of how solid the Staten Island real estate market is.
Culture & Community
Staten Island is famously diverse. With many different ethnic communities residing side by side, there’s a lot of events to participate in, food to try, and cultures to experience. Top of the list for any new resident should be West Brighton’s annual Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day parade, South Beach’s Russian Festival, Bulls Head’s Greek Festival.
LIFESTYLE AND RECREATION
Glass, concrete, and steel usually come to mind first when you think of New York. But living in Staten Island will make you think differently.
Staten Island’s beaches are underrated gems, made all the more precious by their proximity to residences. Our parks are also no slouch by any metric. Fitting in with the borough’s overall tone of being where New Yorkers go to take a breath, the 170 parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities offer plenty of opportunities to do just that.
We highlight some of the most popular beaches, parks, and other outdoor activities on Staten Island below:
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South Beach
Just 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan, South Beach serves as a unique intersection where the pace of the city gently subsides alongside tranquil shorelines. Here, the architectural marvel of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge stands over the calm waters, creating a scenic backdrop that’s rare in urban settings—let alone in a bustling metropolis like New York City.
This location is more than a showcase of natural and man-made beauty. South Beach acts as a gathering point for communities, forging enriching and unforgettable experiences.
Aside from taking a dip in the water and jogging or biking along the Franklin D. Roosevelt boardwalk and promenade that connects South Beach to Midland Beach, locals also enjoy picnics, bocce ball, checkers, and fishing on the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier—at more than 800 feet long, it’s easily the city’s largest!
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Midland Beach
Midland Beach is another popular beach. It shares the pedestrian-friendly FDR boardwalk and breathtaking views of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge with South Beach, making it a staple for locals’ weekend itineraries. Stretching across 2.5 miles of sandy expanse, this beach stands out for its vibrant atmosphere and its showcase of exquisite beach homes.
Midland Beach is a hub of activity, featuring an array of recreational facilities including volleyball and shuffleboard courts, alongside playgrounds catering to a wide age range. The inviting waters welcome swimmers and sun-lovers alike, enhancing the overall beach experience.
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Great Kills Park Beach
Great Kills Park Beach stands out, not just because of its catchy name but because of its raw, untouched beauty. Nestled within the Gateway National Recreation Area, this beach is a slice of paradise for those yearning to reconnect with nature. The highlight? A 1.5-mile, wheelchair-accessible multi-use path that beckons walkers, joggers, and bikers alike.
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Cedar Grove Beach
If you enjoy your quiet time, go deeper into Great Kills Park and seek out Cedar Grove Beach.
This beach, recently developed from a colony of bungalows, is still in the process of reconstruction. As such, it’s still relatively secluded—the perfect spot to be surrounded by greenery, with only the sounds of nature to accompany you. It invites sun lovers, trail hikers, and those seeking a moment of tranquility.
You still get the backdrop of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, but you’ll practically be worlds away from the bustle of modern life. Unlike most other beaches we mentioned, you’ll likely have to pack your own snacks and drinks, so make sure to come prepared.
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Wolfe’s Pond Park
Wolfe’s Pond Park’s beach might be open only during summer, but there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy throughout Wolfe’s Pond Park all year-round.
There are wetlands to explore and trails to hike or bike. There’s also a lot of wildlife, from the curious looking horseshoe crabs and blue mussels to the regimented flights of Herring and Laughing gulls, all against the backdrop of Chester Avenue’s beach access. The park is also a nexus of community life, with playgrounds, hockey rinks, fishing areas, dog-friendly spaces, and tennis courts, as well as food trucks parked over at Hylan Boulevard and Holten Avenue.
The park also hosts a fireworks extravaganza every July 4th—if you’re new in town, it’s the perfect spot to make new friends!
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Great Kills Park
Spread out over 580 acres, this park is the best one for outdoor lovers who miss the rustic beauty of the countryside.
The park encompasses four beaches—New Dorp Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Oakwood Beach, and Fox Beach—each with its unique story. New Dorp Beach, in particular, stands out, with a history that can be traced back to the era of the second European settlement on the island.
You can find facilities for every type of outdoor enthusiast, from breezy beach centers and winding hiking trails to serene fishing spots and vibrant ranger-led programs. The marina and boat launch invite adventurers to explore beyond the land.
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Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex
This 135,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art indoor track and field facility is where some of the state’s best runners, jumpers, and throwers train and compete. It offers a variety of programs and events for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Test yourself, challenge your friends, watch the pros, or simply enjoy the thrill of training in a world-class environment—all just minutes away from the best Staten Island real estate for sale.
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Blue Heron Park
Blue Heron Park has evolved beautifully from a local initiative into a sanctuary that features sprawling meadows, lush woodlands, tranquil freshwater streams, and enchanting ponds. At its heart, the nature center with its extensive library welcomes visitors who wish to have a glimpse of the park’s rich biodiversity.
One of the park’s main attractions is a handcrafted statue of a blue heron, but though rare, there are also real life blue herons to see here, along with red-bellied woodpeckers, pine warblers, and other species that gravitate toward the bird feeding station at the woodland’s edge. It’s also where birdwatchers rendezvous, hikers unite, and nature buffs marvel.
Soak up some inspiration then sign up for one of the park’s many classes—yoga, drawing, and crocheting are just some of the options—to translate your newfound sense of tranquility into creative expression!
SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR COASTAL COMMUNITIES IN STATEN ISLAND
Midland Beach
If you’re not ready to commit to Islander life, Midland Beach is a good middle ground. You get the idyllic beach town feel without being too far removed from all the conveniences of the city. Just cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge or take the free ferry ride and you’re back to the hustle and bustle of NYC.
Midland Beach’s epicenter is “The Boulevard”, the newly developed shopping district with over 60 stores. All that retail is bringing in young families from Brooklyn and Manhattan who are eager to snag a piece of the American Dream.
Midland Beach has some of the most desirable Staten Island homes for sale. Single-family properties and townhomes sell from around $300,000 to over $800,000. Recently constructed raised townhomes—built in the wake of Hurricane Sandy—-are snapped up quickly, with price tags of between $600,000 and $800,000 or more.
Great Kills
The neighborhood has a quaint, self-contained charm, despite feeling like a miniature city. Buoyed by Amboy Road’s bustling commercial district filled with a variety of shops and eateries, Great Kills has something for everyone in the family—including many schools..
The median price of homes here as of March, 2024 was $698,000. Single-family homes dominate the market but townhomes and condos also abound.
Annadale
A neighborhood where the charm of row houses and a strong sense of community intertwine, Annadale boasts a distinctive living experience that residents cherish. More than a third of the homes here are row houses or attached homes, and some of Staten Island’s most luxurious waterfront homes are found here. The median home price as of March, 2024 was around $930,000, making Annadale one of the most expensive neighborhoods in New York City.
Tottenville
Tottenville, nestled at Staten Island’s southernmost tip, seamlessly blends history, community, and modern living. The top attraction in the community is the Conference House Park , where historic landmarks, beach views, and hiking trails intersect.
Tottenville pays homage to the Totten family—19th-century settlers who played a crucial role in the area’s development. This heritage is mirrored in the neighborhood’s Victorian architecture and the waterfront that recalls its seafaring past.
With a median home price of $837,000 as of March, 2024, the demand for real estate in Tottenville more or less equals the supply, so you will need the help of Staten Island real estate agents to navigate the market and close the best sale.
USEFUL TIPS FOR PROSPECTIVE COASTAL RESIDENTS
Not everyone is lucky enough to be a born-and-bred Staten Islander, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be one with a little help. Moving to the borough’s coastal neighborhoods offers numerous rewards but also comes with a few challenges. To maximize enjoyment of your new home, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Embrace the island lifestyle
Living in Staten Island’s coastal communities means embracing a slower pace. Fresh seafood markets abound, and waterfront restaurants offer stunning sunset views. Parks and beaches are your playgrounds. Staten Island’s strong sense of community adds to the charm – you’ll soon feel like a local.
- Safety first
Staten Island is actively seeking solutions to ensure the resilience of its coastal communities. Innovative seawall designs are being explored and constructed to adapt to rising sea levels and mitigate the effects of unusual weather conditions such as Hurricane Katrina.
This doesn’t mean that you can ignore safety needs and precautions. Carefully research flood risks before buying a property and consider flood insurance. Educate yourself about neighborhood safety guidelines and flood mitigation strategies, and keep yourself informed about the weather particularly during hurricane season.
- Learn about your transportation options
When it comes to transportation, things function a little differently in Staten Island compared to the other boroughs.
The best mode of transportation depends on your destination, budget, and time constraints.
- For short distances within a neighborhood: Consider walking or biking if feasible.
- For navigating the island or reaching the ferry: Buses and the SIR are reliable options.
- For venturing into Manhattan: The Staten Island Ferry is a free and scenic choice, followed by connecting buses or subways.
- For occasional trips or errands: Ridesharing services or taxis can be convenient.
Bonus tip: Staten Island offers a commuter van service with designated routes and stops. As well as the Express Bus Service for a potentially faster and more comfortable commute to specific locations in New Jersey or Manhattan.
FIND THE COASTAL HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IN STATEN ISLAND
Led by Casandra Zappala, one of the first Staten Island real estate agents to specialize in the area, Casandra Properties, Inc. has been making clients’ dreams a reality since 1979.
From that first unmistakable spark to the moment you turn the key in your new home, Casandra Properties commits to a journey that’s smooth, exciting, and altogether your own. It’s not just about finding a house; it’s about seamlessly integrating you into the fabric of Staten Island—a place teeming with stories, laughter, and community
Eager to explore the possibilities?
Delve into our selection of Staten Island homes here. And, once you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call at 718.720.0126 or leave an email here to begin your journey!