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Top 8 reasons to make Staten Island your new home

Narrows Bridge

Staten Island may have been referred to as the “Forgotten Borough” but astute investors know this is a thing of the past. While historically it has flown under the radar of most media, politicians, and New York City tourists, this gem of a community is bucking the stereotypical views it has long been associated with, emerging as a significant segment in today’s highly diverse real estate market.

A semi-suburban gem in the southwestern tip of NYC, Staten Island is home to serene neighborhoods, a plethora of cultural attractions, acres of green space, and affordable and beautiful homes. And even though more and more new residents are pouring in, it never feels dense like, say, Manhattan or Brooklyn. There are less than 500,000 residents, making it the least populated of the five boroughs, and while the pace here is much less frantic, there’s plenty to do around the island that may surprise you.

If you’re searching for a new home in the highly competitive NYC market, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love living in Staten Island.

  1. Real estate won’t burn a big hole in your pocket

    Let’s get this one out of the way. Staten Island wasn’t exempt from the price surges that have marked the market since the onset of the pandemic. In mid 2022, median sales prices reached as high as $685,000 (13.2% higher from the previous year). However, as we enter 2023, real estate activity is no longer as frenetic and prices have been steadily decreasing. As of December 2022, the median sales price was down to $580,000, while median listing price is around $600,000.

    For buyers on a budget, this is still the NYC borough to scour for relatively cheaper homes without sacrificing on quality. You’ll find homes ranging from $270,000 (a well-maintained co-op) to $680,000 (a fully renovated Colonial).

    That said, Staten Island also has its fair share of pricier properties. In neighborhoods like Todt Hill, Westerleigh, and Great Kills, there are quite a few homes in the million-dollar mark.

    A good portion of the housing stock dates back to the 1950s to 70s, but most have been excellently maintained and recently updated. Typical property types are single-family, multi-family (detached two family homes), and co-ops. Architecture wise, Colonial and Ranch dominate, but you’ll also find more modern condos, townhomes, and apartments, especially along the borough’s northeastern and northwestern edges.

  2. Charming neighborhoods in a semi suburban environment

    Living in Staten Island gives you the best of both worlds. You’re not sacrificing urban convenience as you’re quite close to “the city” (what locals call Manhattan). At the same time, when you step out, you may find yourself asking whether you’re still in NYC or a peaceful suburb in a less urbanized part of the country.

    Here’s a snapshot of some of the neighborhoods in the borough:

    St. George
    This historic community in the northeastern tip of Staten Island is experiencing a wave of development as part of a larger initiative to transform the borough’s so-called North Shore. As a result, St. George has been drawing a lot of attention from both residential and more business-minded real estate buyers. Still, much of the neighborhood is homey, serene, and walkable.

    As the jump off point of the Staten Island Ferry, St. George is an excellent neighborhood choice if you’re looking for commuting convenience. Plus, there are diverse housing options, trendy hangouts and events, and great views of the NYC skyline.

    A good chunk of St. George is firmly tied to roots that extend as far back as the 19th century. Victorian-style homes on steep hills and newly renovated single-family and multi-family units from the last century give the neighborhood a distinctive character. But there’s also a growing number of more modern co-ops and condos, giving homebuyers a wealth of choices.

    Tompkinsville
    One of the more densely populated neighborhoods in Staten Island, Tompkinsville brims with culture and diversity — a consistent source of local pride. In Tompkinsville, you’re exposed to new ideas, thought-provoking art, and interesting residents from various walks of life.

    Like St. George, this neighborhood also has its fair share of historic homes — ranging from single-family and multi-family homes in the Colonial style. Streets and old buildings contain a lot of history and character. And there’s plenty of green spaces to be discovered.

    Tompkinsville is also home to a sizable Sri Lankan community that has made a distinctive mark in the local cuisine and art community.

    Todt Hill
    Further inland lies Todt Hill, an affluent refuge from bustling NYC. This part of Staten Island attracts a very specific type of home buyer — those that value their little paradises in secluded estates surrounded by a verdant landscape. Palatial mansions, spacious single-family homes, as well as several schools are staples in Todt Hill.

    This aptly named neighborhood rises about 390 feet above sea level, which is the highest natural point in the entire eastern seaboard. That unique feature gives Todt Hill some of the most stunning views of New Jersey and neighboring NYC boroughs. It also helps create a tranquil atmosphere that feels sealed off from neighboring communities.

    Great Kills
    If you’ve spent enough time in Great Kills, you may start treating it like it’s a little town within Staten Island, rather than simply a neighborhood — albeit a fairly large one. That’s certainly how many long-time residents feel, and for good reason. Everything you’ll ever need is within easy reach, from schools and vast outdoor spaces to a great variety of shops and restaurants.

    If you’re heading to “the city”, commuting can take a little longer. But the appeal of Great Kills lies in its small town vibe and family-friendly environment, making it a popular choice among families of various sizes. Spacious single-family homes come in classical styles such as Colonial, Ranch, and Cape Cod — with some of the most sought-after properties overlooking the beautiful Great Kills Harbor.

  3. One of the greenest NYC boroughs

    Staten Island

    Home buyers who are looking to be close to nature without sacrificing urban perks will relish the idea of living in Staten Island. It’s the only borough that’s referred to as “the borough of parks,” and rightly so. There are over 10,000 acres of green space throughout the island. With a multitude of parks and outdoor spaces to explore, starting or maintaining an active lifestyle is not a problem.

    Here’s a small sample of what you’ll find here:

    • Willowbrook Park is situated in the heart of Staten Island, encompassing over 160 acres that’s home to a number of wildlife species. For residents, it’s a welcome escape to another world. Hikers, bird watchers, and fishing enthusiasts love dropping by every week. What’s more, there are also picnic areas, tennis courts, an archery range, and a frequently visited children’s carousel. Willowbrook Park is part of Staten Island’s Greenbelt — a 2,800 stretch of mature forests, wetlands, and private outdoor spaces.
    • Greenbelt Nature Center is great for students and curious youngsters looking to learn more about the natural world. Schools in Staten Island frequently schedule class visits to the nature center. Education programs include interpretative hikes, indoor+outdoor lectures on wildlife anatomy and habitat, advanced examination of the wetlands environment, and so much more.
    • Spanning over 500 acres, Great Kills Park is a vast waterfront recreational space that has four beaches and a salt marsh. It’s a favorite area among bikers and runners looking to soak in scenic views of the Lower Bay while getting a good workout in. Beach goers have quite a few options at their disposal: New Dorp, Cedar Grove, Oakwood, and Fox beaches. Kayaks and canoes are available. Plus, you can dock your boat or yacht in the nearby harbor.
    • The Conference House Park is a must-visit for nature and history lovers. The centerpiece of this 265-acre attraction is the manor house where American Revolutionaries and representatives of the British Crown failed to reach a peace agreement and cease hostilities in September, 1776. Today, the historic home is surrounded by verdant woodlands and a small network of hiking and biking trails.
    • The Staten Island Zoo is where you see a variety of animal species. You’ll find different types of reptiles, goats, sheep, peacocks, a leopard, and many more. The zoo has an affordable price of admission and kids 2 and under get free tickets.
  4. Staten Island has a tight-knit community

    NYC often conjures images of on-the-go professionals, hurried commuters, and rather unconcerned neighbors. Not in Staten Island. Years of being left behind in terms of development forged a tight bond among the locals.

    Residents, especially those who’ve lived here all their lives, are friendly and welcoming. Feeling like you don’t belong is very rare, if not outright impossible. And when somebody needs a helping hand, locals don’t hesitate to offer their support (this community spirit was on full display in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012).

  5. Several famous people grew up or launched their careers in Staten Island

    A number of prominent figures grew up in Staten Island, from titans of industry and prolific inventors to chart-topping musicians and famous actors and producers. Here are some of the borough’s notable residents:

    Cornelius Vanderbilt – Born in the Port Richmond neighborhood in 1794, he began building his ferry and railroad empire the moment he quit school at age 11 to work on his father’s ferry in New York Harbor.

    • Christina Aguilera – This pop sensation was born in Staten Island University Hospital in 1980. She spent her early childhood in the Grasmere neighborhood.
    • Gene Simmons – Kiss bass player Gene Simmons migrated from Israel to the US in 1957 and settled in Queens. Later on, he would attend Richmond College prior to the institution’s merger with Staten Island Community College.
    • Wu-Tang-Clan – Most of the Wu-Tang crew were born in Brooklyn, except for Inspectah Deck (Staten Island) and Method Man (Long Island). Members like RZA grew up in different NYC neighborhoods, but it was ultimately in Staten Island where the influential hip-hop group formed and worked on their initial hits.
    • Pete Davidson – The actor/comedian Pete Davidson was born in Staten Island in 1993. The film King of Staten Island, is partly based on his experience growing up in the borough and losing his father during 9/11.
    • Theo Rossi – The Sons of Anarchy star was born in Staten Island in 1975. Together with several friends and family, Rossi started the Staten Strong fundraising drive in 2012 to assist Hurricane Sandy victims
  6. There’s no shortage of cultural attractions

    Statue of Buddha

    Exploring Staten Island’s galleries, museums, and historic landmarks is an essential part of the NYC experience. Here are a few recommendations to help you get started:

    • Historic Richmond Town was originally established in the 17th century. Carefully restored in the 1950s, the town showcases the life and times of islanders during colonial rule and the succeeding decades after independence. Guided tours are available to walk you through the various historic structures on site, which features Colonial and Greek Revival Architecture. There’s also a plethora of permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing Staten Island civic life and various artworks through the centuries.
    • Snug Harbor became a home for retired sailors, courtesy of Robert Richard Randall’s final wish to essentially donate his family estate upon his passing in 1801. In its heyday, Sailors’ Snug Harbor had 50 structures and accommodated about 900 aged and worn-out sailors. After public outcry in the 70s to save the deteriorating former Randall estate, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center (not-for-profit organization) was created to transform the area into a public cultural attraction — complete with art and historic exhibitions, theatrical showcases, and a beautiful botanical garden.
    • Located on the former site of the general depot of the United States Lighthouse Service (1864-1939), the National Lighthouse Museum is where visitors can learn more about the maritime heritage of lighthouses around the world. Apart from self-guided tours, the museum also organizes monthly lectures and special events and festivities year-round.
    • Touted as the first-ever Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum outside of Sri Lanka, this local attraction in the Tompkinsville neighborhood opened its doors in 2017. Founded by Julia Wijesinghe, the museum gives visitors a glimpse of the beauty and nuances of Sri Lankan Culture through hand-crafted jewelry, traditional outfits, statues, figures, and other artifacts.
    • Meant to mimic the structural design of a typical Tibetan mountain monastery, The Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art takes visitors on a rare journey through Tibetan culture. It houses books, writings, Mongolian treasures, and religious and ritualistic objects that can no longer be found in the Tibetan homeland. The museum was founded in 1945 by pioneering collector Jacques Marchais to give Americans a window into East Asian culture. In addition, tai chi, yoga, and meditation classes are also offered.
  7. The local restaurant scene is one of the best in NYC

    Whether it’s going for a spontaneous food crawl or reserving a table with friends and neighbors on a Friday, Staten Island offers you an unforgettable gastronomic journey. There’s a wide array of cuisines available, from authentic Mexican and Sri Lankan cuisine to savory Italian classics. You’ll also find quite a few waterfront establishments – many with outdoor, pastoral seating – overlooking Manhattan, Brooklyn, and neighboring New Jersey waterways and skylines.

    Wine Tasting

    If you’re not done for the night, savor those long, engaging conversations and serendipitous moments at the borough’s many bars and pub-style joints. From artsy eclectic hangouts to the quintessential American pub-grub and wine bars, Staten Island has it all.

    Get in touch with seasoned agents from Casandra Properties Inc.

    If you’re eyeing a move to New York City, consider exploring your real estate options in Staten Island. Work with the #1 brokerage in the borough, Casandra Properties Inc. Our team of local experts has over 40 years of experience in the industry and helped facilitate $1 billion worth of real estate transactions.

    Book a private consultation with us today and learn about the amazing homes and lifestyle waiting for you in Staten Island. You may reach out to us by phone at 718.720.0126 or via email at info(at)casandra(dotted)properties.



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