Thinking about moving to Staten Island for more space without leaving the city? You’re not alone. Many buyers compare it to other NYC boroughs because you can often get a yard, a driveway, and easy access to major parks while staying connected to Manhattan and Brooklyn. In this guide, you’ll learn how the island’s neighborhoods break down and what home styles you’ll see in each area, plus how parks and commutes shape daily life. Let’s dive in.
Staten Island at a glance
You can think of Staten Island in three simple regions that shape housing choices: the North Shore, Mid-Island, and South Shore. The North Shore feels the most urban and has the ferry, walkable blocks, and a mix of housing types. Mid-Island and the South Shore lean more suburban, with more single-family homes, garages, and larger lots.
The West Shore includes newer development near highways and the major Freshkills Park project. A few high-end pockets sit on hills with larger lots and standout architecture, most notably Todt Hill.
What kinds of homes you’ll find
Single-family houses
Single-family homes are common across the island, especially in Mid-Island and the South Shore. You’ll see postwar ranches and split-levels, classic Colonials, and newer custom builds in later subdivisions. Many of these homes include driveways, garages, and front or back yards, which is a key draw compared to denser boroughs.
Historic Victorians and attached homes
If you love historic character, focus on the North Shore near St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, and parts of West and New Brighton. Here you’ll find preserved Victorian and Queen Anne homes, late 19th and early 20th century attached houses, and several historic districts. For a window into preserved local architecture, visit resources like Historic Richmond Town.
Townhouses, condos, and newer rentals
You’ll find more townhouses, condos, and new rental buildings near the waterfront and transit hubs, especially in St. George and Stapleton. Waterfront redevelopment has delivered mid-rise options and a lower-maintenance lifestyle for buyers who prefer condo living. Learn more about the area’s context through the Stapleton neighborhood overview.
Estate homes and high-end pockets
For estate-style living within NYC, Todt Hill is the standout. Expect large lots, custom architecture like Colonials and Tudors, and some of the island’s most prestigious addresses. These homes often sit on hills with views and a sense of privacy that is rare in the city.
Parks, yards, and daily life
One big reason people choose Staten Island is outdoor space. Many single-family neighborhoods offer private yards, driveways, and garages, which can change your daily routine. On weekends, you can pair home outdoor space with access to some of NYC’s biggest green areas.
- Freshkills Park: a landmark, long-term project on the West Shore planned at about 2,200 acres as it opens in phases. Portions are already open, and more areas will roll out over time. Explore current access on the NYC Parks Freshkills Park page.
- Staten Island Greenbelt: roughly 2,800 acres of linked parks, woodlands, and more than 35 miles of trails running through the middle of the island. It’s a rare natural corridor in NYC. See maps and programs on the Staten Island Greenbelt site.
- Snug Harbor: an 80-plus-acre cultural and botanical campus near the North Shore, putting gardens and arts within easy reach of ferry-accessible neighborhoods. Check events at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden.
Getting around and commute tips
The Staten Island Ferry is a core part of daily life if you work in Lower Manhattan. The free St. George to Whitehall ride takes about 25 minutes each way and runs frequently. Always check the official ferry schedule for up-to-date times.
The Staten Island Railway (SIR) runs along the east side from St. George to Tottenville. An end-to-end ride is commonly reported at about 35 to 45 minutes depending on service pattern. For current timing, see the published SIR timetable.
Local buses cover the island, including the S79 Select Bus Service that links Staten Island with Bay Ridge in Brooklyn. Learn about the route on the S79 SBS page. There are also multiple express buses to Manhattan. Drivers use the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to Brooklyn and three bridges to New Jersey, which can be helpful for cross-state commuting.
Quick neighborhood cheat sheet
North Shore: St. George, Tompkinsville, Stapleton, West New Brighton, Port Richmond
- Housing: mix of prewar Victorians, attached houses, small multi-unit buildings, and growing waterfront condo options near redevelopment zones like Stapleton. See a Stapleton overview for context.
- Lifestyle: most walkable part of the island, with cultural destinations like Snug Harbor’s campus.
- Commute: St. George ferry and SIR access put Downtown Manhattan within a predictable ferry ride.
Mid-Island: New Dorp, Dongan Hills, Grasmere, Oakwood
- Housing: mostly single-family homes with pockets of townhouses and small apartments; a mix of early 20th century and mid-century streets.
- Lifestyle: shopping corridors like Hylan Boulevard and New Dorp Lane provide daily convenience.
- Commute: shorter local trip to SIR stations and the St. George ferry compared with the far South Shore.
South Shore: Great Kills, Eltingville, Annadale, Huguenot, Tottenville
- Housing: predominantly detached single-family homes with many postwar subdivisions and larger lots.
- Lifestyle: quieter, more car-dependent feel with marinas and coastal parks like Great Kills Park and Conference House Park near Tottenville. Get a local flavor from this neighborhood spotlight.
- Commute: longer transit times to Manhattan; many residents balance express buses, SIR to the ferry, or driving.
West Shore and newer pockets
- Housing: newer subdivisions near highways mixed with industrial areas, and emerging access to the expanding Freshkills Park.
- Lifestyle: convenient for drivers who prioritize quick highway access.
- Commute: driving often wins for cross-island trips or New Jersey access.
Todt Hill and other high-end areas
- Housing: estate-scale homes on large lots, custom architecture, and notable elevation and views.
- Lifestyle: private and residential while still within NYC.
- Commute: central location for island driving; many residents combine car travel with express buses or the ferry.
Which area fits your lifestyle
- Urban-leaning buyer: Focus on St. George and Stapleton if you want condos or townhomes near the ferry and walkable blocks.
- Space and yard seeker: Look in Great Kills, Eltingville, Annadale, Huguenot, or Tottenville for detached homes, garages, and beach or park access.
- Prestige and privacy: Consider Todt Hill for custom estate homes on large lots with a quiet, residential setting.
Next steps
Every block on Staten Island is a bit different. Zoning, lot sizes, and even commute patterns can vary by street, so it helps to tour homes in a few target neighborhoods. If you’re weighing space versus commute, or single-family versus condo, a local guide can make the tradeoffs clear.
Ready to compare options, tour homes, or get a pricing snapshot? Reach out to Lolita Andrade for bilingual, hands-on guidance across Staten Island and nearby Brooklyn and New Jersey communities.
FAQs
What are the main Staten Island regions for housing?
- Most buyers compare the North Shore, Mid-Island, and South Shore, which differ in walkability, home types, and commute access.
Where can I find historic Victorian homes on Staten Island?
- Look on the North Shore in areas like St. George, Stapleton, Tompkinsville, and parts of West and New Brighton, plus resources like Historic Richmond Town.
How long is the Staten Island Ferry commute to Manhattan?
- The free St. George to Whitehall ride takes about 25 minutes each way; always confirm current times on the official schedule.
What are the biggest parks on Staten Island?
- Freshkills Park is planned at about 2,200 acres as it opens in phases, and the Staten Island Greenbelt spans roughly 2,800 acres with 35-plus miles of trails.
Where should I look for condos or townhouses on Staten Island?
- Focus on North Shore neighborhoods near the ferry and waterfront redevelopment, especially St. George and Stapleton, for lower-maintenance options.
Which areas have larger lots and driveways?
- Many Mid-Island and South Shore neighborhoods offer detached homes with yards, off-street parking, and garages compared to denser boroughs.
